Croatia's U16 water polo team crowned world champions

Croatia's U16 men's water polo team has been crowned world champions, securing the gold medal in a thrilling final against Spain. The match, held in front of a packed crowd at the SRC Mladost pool in Zagreb, concluded with a 10-7 victory for the Croatian squad. In a tense final where neither team could establish a significant lead, Spain took a 7-6 advantage with just over three minutes remaining. However, Croatia's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Luka Vezilić, became impenetrable in the final minutes. Ante Domazet scored to equalize, and then put Croatia ahead 8-7 with less than two and a half minutes left. Deni Sappe extended the lead to two goals with 50 seconds remaining, sealing the win. Ante Domazet was instrumental in the victory, scoring three goals and earning the title of the final's most valuable player. Patrik Kundid and Duje Srzić each scored two goals, while Petar Lončarić, Deni Sappe, and Andrija Bujas contributed one goal apiece. Goalkeeper Luko Vezilić made crucial saves in the decisive moments. This triumph adds to Croatia's impressive water polo achievements this year, as the U16 team joins their U18 counterparts, who also claimed the world championship title just over a month ago in Portugal. In the bronze medal match, Serbia defeated the United States 13-11 in a penalty shootout.

“

Croatia's men's U16 national team is the new world champion in water polo, achieving the gold medal by defeating the Spanish national team 10-7 in the final.