Bronze for Croatia, Pelicarić Named MVP

Croatia ended the first 4x4 Water Polo World Championship with a convincing 3-0 victory over Serbia and a bronze medal in front of its home crowd in Dubrovnik.

Paul Obradović’s team controlled the match from the start, and Serbia never took the lead. Every Croatian outfield player scored. Ivan Vukojević led the team with four goals, Roko Pelicarić added two, and Toni Bušić, Nardo Dragaš, Filip Kržić and Hrvoje Zvono scored once each. Antonio Vukojević also produced an excellent performance in goal.

The bronze medal marked the fourth medal won by Croatia’s men’s national teams this summer, following under-16 world gold in Zagreb, under-18 world gold in Rio Maior and under-20 European gold in Varna. Pelicarić completed the tournament on a personal high after being named MVP of the inaugural competition.

Croatia’s women finished the championship in fifth place. They defeated Turkey 3-1, repeating their opening-day victory over the same opponent. Neli Janković scored six goals, while Ria Glas, Nika Alamat and Alka Lulić scored twice each, and Karla Popović added one.

The United States won the first women’s 4x4 world title, while Spain became the inaugural men’s champion.