They won't stop us, Croatia is world champion? Young barracudas are golden!

Croatia's junior national water polo team has achieved a historic World Championship title, triumphing over the United States in a dramatic final decided by a penalty shootout. The U-18 squad, coached by Hrvoje Koljanin, secured the gold medal after a tense 14-14 draw in regulation time, ultimately winning 21-20 on penalties.

The victory marks a significant achievement, echoing the success of the 2014 team that also reached the junior world final. Many players from that championship-winning squad have since become key members of the senior national team. This new generation, including standout players like Dragaš, Skejić, Erenda, and goalkeeper Batoš, has now etched their own name in Croatian water polo history.

Goalkeeper Nikola Batoš emerged as a crucial figure in the final, making two vital saves during the penalty shootout. His heroics were not new, as he also stopped two penalties in the semifinal against Spain, which Croatia won 18-17. Offensively, left-handed attacker Narko Skejić led the charge, scoring five goals during regular play and adding two more in the shootout. The team's left-handed players were particularly dominant, accounting for nine of the team's 14 goals in regulation.

The final match coincided with the United States' 250th Independence Day, a celebration marred by the Croatian team's victory. The Croatian juniors overcame a strong American side, who had previously defeated Hungary and Montenegro to reach the final. The team's journey to the final also included a narrow quarterfinal win against Italy, secured by a late goal from Duje Burazin, and a hard-fought victory over Spain.

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It's great that we finally overcame the quarterfinal hurdle, which has always been a stumbling block for us.