by croatiaweek
July 20, 2025
in
Hungary end Croatia’s title defence (Photo: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)
Croatia’s hopes of defending their world water polo title came to an end on Sunday after a 12-18 defeat to Hungary in the quarter-finals of the World Championship in Singapore.
The match began evenly, with both sides locked at 6-6 after the first quarter.
However, Hungary took control in the second, outscoring Croatia 5-1 to take a firm lead as Ivica Tucak’s side made a number of errors and could not successful organise their defence.
Croatia stated to fight back and when the third quarter ended 2-2, and Croatia scored early in the final quarter there was a glimmer of hope.
Hungary, however, once again edged ahead to comfortably seal their place in the semi-finals.
With the loss, Croatia drop out of medal contention and will now compete for final placement between fifth and eighth. They had entered the tournament as reigning world champions, having won gold last year in Doha.
Hungary’s victory was led by Krisztian Manhercz with four goals, while Marton Vamos and Adam Nagy added three each. Goalkeeper Kristof Csoma had an impressive showing with ten saves.
(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)
For Croatia, Zvonimir Butić was the top scorer with four goals. Luka Bukić and Konstantin Harkov netted two each. Goalkeepers Marko Bijač and Toni Popadić combined for a total of four saves.
Hungary will face Serbia in the semi-finals, after Serbia defeated the USA 14-9. The other semi-final will feature Spain against Greece. Spain secured a 14-5 win over Montenegro, while Greece overcame Italy 17-11.
(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)
Croatia will next play the USA in the placement round, while Italy and Montenegro meet in the other fifth-to-eighth playoff match.