Croatia narrowly defeated Hungary, 14:13 (4:3, 3:4, 6:3, 1:3), in an away friendly match in Szeged in the preparations for the European Championships. This match was part of a celebration for the Water Polo Club Szeged’s 100th anniversary.
Hungary played with a more experienced roster than the one that beat France in a penalty shootout in Paris last week. However, some of the key players were missing. But Croatia was also without a few regular team members.
Croatia led for most of the game. The visitors rushed to a 3:0 lead in the opening minutes. Hungary narrowed the gap by the end of the first quarter. At halftime, the teams were tied at 7:7. Hungary opened the third quarter with a goal, going ahead 8:7. But it turned out to be the hosts’ only lead in the match. The Croats responded with a 3:0 run to gain a 10:8 lead. Early in the fourth period, the visitors stretched the margin to four – 14:10. Hungary scored the last three goals in the game to avoid a convincing defeat.
Luka Bukic scored five goals for Croatia, Marko Zuvela added three, Loren Fatovic netted two, etc. Krisztian Manhercz was Hungary’s best scorer with four goals. Erik Csacsovszky, Vendel Vigvari, and David Tatrai scored two each.
Oliver Leinweber, who was the captain of the Hungarian U20 national team until this summer, debuted for the senior team, scoring one goal.
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