Serbia and Montenegro will play in the final of the 19th Mediterranean Games in Oran (Algeria).
Montenegro narrowly beat Spain in the first semifinals after a big comeback. The Spaniards led 9:6 four and a half minutes before the end, but Montenegro produced a 4:0 series in the remaining time (three goals from penalty shots and one action goal) for a 10:9 victory.
Serbia led throughout the second semifinal, where its opponent was Italy, but everything was open until the end. The Serbian juniors earned a 3:0 lead and kept Italy goalless until 26 seconds before the first break. Serbia stretched the margin to four (5:1, 6:2), but Italy narrowed the distance before the final quarter (5:6). Midway through the fourth period, Serbia built a 3-goal lead (8:5). In the 31st minute, Italy came very close (7:8). Still, the Serbs kept a minimal advantage and continued their winning streak.
The medal matches will be played tomorrow. Both games will be rematches of the duels in the group stage. Serbia edged out Montenegro in Group B two days ago (9:8). Spain beat Italy convincingly (14:8)
Greece beat Slovenia in the 5th-place match. France was better than Turkey in the game for 7th position.
19th Mediterranean Games, Oran (Algeria)
Semifinals
Spain – Montenegro 9:10 (2:2, 3:1, 2:3, 2:4)
Spain: Frigola 2, Castro 2, Lopez 2, Gil 1, Ibanez 1, De La Cruz 1.
Montenegro: Bastrica 4, V.Vukicevic 2, Krivokapic 2, Vuksic 1, L.Vukicevic 1
Serbia – Italy 8:7 (3:1, 2:0, 1:4, 2:2)
Serbia: Dimitrijevic 2, Gavrilovic 2, Kojic 1, Maras 1, Urosevic 1, Kovacevic 1.
Italy: Taramasco 3, De Simon 2, Cora 1, Urbinati 1
5th-place match
Greece – Slovenia 16:12 (5:1, 2:4, 5:4, 4:3)
7th-place match
Turkey – France 10:11 (1:1, 1:3, 4:3, 4:4)
Standings: 5. Greece, 6. Slovenia, 7. Turkey, 8. France, 9. Portugal.
