Croatia is World Champion 2024 after penalty shots

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In an exhilarating showdown at the 2024 Water Polo World Championships in Doha, Italy clashed with Croatia in a match destined to be immortalized in the annals of aquatic sports history.

The opening quarter commenced with Konstantin Kharkov of Croatia seizing an early lead with a goal during an extra-man situation. Yet, Croatia’s advantage was short-lived as Francesco Di Fulvio swiftly retaliated with a remarkable long-distance shot, leveling the score. Croatia regained momentum, with Kharkov showcasing his skill once more after a superb dribble against Alessandro Velotto. Nicholas Presciutti answered back with a skip-shot goal from position four, allowing Italy to conclude the quarter with a slight advantage courtesy of Andrea Fondelli’s goal following adept faking from the left side.

The second quarter unfolded with goals from Kharkov and Francesco di Fulvio, the latter capitalizing on a foul near the six-meter mark. Jerko Marinic Kragic propelled Croatia back into the lead with a masterful catch-and-shot goal during an extra-man opportunity and a penalty shot that soared over goalkeeper Francesco Di Fulvio. Presciutti managed to equalize once more, bringing the score to 5-5 with a well-placed shot over the goalkeeper’s head.

Kharkov continued to dominate, netting a goal on a man-up situation followed by two penalty shots from Andrea Fondelli, putting Italy ahead 7-6. Josip Vrlic and Rino Buric then countered, with Vrlic equalizing and Buric executing a skillful three-on-two counterattack to reclaim Croatia’s lead at 8-7.

The final quarter commenced with Luca Marziali of Italy equalizing with a deft backhand after a rebound during an extra-man opportunity. Matias Biljaka extended Croatia’s lead to 9-8 with a goal from the post, capitalizing on a precise pass from Loran Fatovic. Fondelli showcased his expertise once again, surprising goalkeeper Marko Bijac with a precise shot from the right wing during a man-up situation. However, Jerko Marinic Kragic swiftly countered, bringing Croatia ahead 10-9 with a powerful shot beneath Del Lungo’s right arm.
Italy rallied, with Francesco Comdemi and Fondelli scoring crucial goals to regain the lead. With just 27 seconds remaining and Croatia trailing by one goal, goalkeeper Marko Bijac left his goal for an aggressive seven-to-six strategy. Rino Buric capitalized on this opportunity, scoring with just five seconds left on the clock, forcing the match into a shootout.

In the tense shootout that ensued, both teams exhibited unwavering composure, trading goals with remarkable precision. Ultimately, Croatia emerged triumphant, with Jerko Marinic Kragic, Rino Buric, Konstantin Kharkov, and Marko Zuvela delivering decisive blows to clinch the championship title.

Italy – Croatia: 13-15
(3-2, 2-3, 2-3, 4-3, 2-4 P.S.)

Player Awards:
Francesco di Fulvio (Italy): MVP of the Championships
Marco Del Lungo (Italy): Best Goalkeeper of the Championships
Thomas Vernoux (France): Top Scorer of the Championships

Final Ranking: