Nineteen goals were scored in the first official water polo game in Europe (perhaps in the World too) after the coronavirus outbreak paralyzed the planet.
Croatia and Montenegro played a friendly match in Dubrovnik. The encounter was friendly, but the Croats were merciless. The home team recorded a 14:5 victory.
The Croats dominated from the beginning of the game and kept Montenegro scoreless until the 15th minute. The hosts, led by Luka Bukic, earned a 7:0 lead before Montenegro scored its first goal (Drasko Brguljan for 1:7 a minute and a half before the middle break).
Several hundreds of fans supported the players since the capacity of the stands was reduced because of the protective measures. The hosts controlled the game in the second half and increased the margin to nine – 14:5.
Luka Bukic (4 goals) and Hrvoje Benic (3) were the top scorers.
These two teams will meet again in two and a half months. The Croatian Water Polo Federation plans to organize a tournament in Sibenik (August 30 – September 1). Four teams will take part – Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, and Greece.
Croatia – Montenegro 14:5 (4:0, 3:1, 3:2, 4:2)
Croatia: Bukic 4, Benic 3, Jokovic 2, Vrlic 2, Lozina 1, Buric 1, Loncar 1.
Montenegro: Dr. Brguljan 1, Petkovic 1, Banicevic 1, Ivovic 1, Pjesivac 1.
