Team Serbia won a new European gold by beating Hungary (10-7) in true champions fashion, receiving the love of the packed Belgrade Arena. The Dolphins built an impenetrable wall that proves itself to be undefeatable ahead of quite literally – everything.
Srpski Delfini su ponovo pokazali svoje najvažnije osobine: otpornost i nepobedivost. Zaigrali su snažno uprkos bolesti i doneli novo zlato u Beogradu, pred punom Arenom. Nakon osam godina, na ljubav i radost navijača širom regiona, nova generacija je pokazala silu koja čini prave šampione.
Belgrade: 2016 and 2026
The stage was set in Belgrade: one sold out Arena, one incredible opponent, team Hungary, and a golden desire on both sides. A true water polo classic that gave us all: strong Serbian defences, fast Hungarian transitions and a thrill of watching it all at a historic venue. A decade ago, Serbia won their gold against Montenegro right here. Tonight, they repeated their success with an entirely new team who keep the same values. Those of strength, athleticism and pride.
Youth and experience in a mix that doesn’t fail
Filled with debutants, team Serbia showed greatness and how the spirit of champions isn’t reserved for just one generation – it’s a hereditary Serbian characteristic. There was no stage-fright. The young men sailed into their roles as if this was their tenth seniors’ tournament. A thing of sporting confidence and respect. The youth was depicted through the Ideal Squad keeper Milan Glušac, showcasing incredible calm in his performances.
On the other hand, captan Nikola Jakšić as well as tournament MVP Dušan Mandić (4 goals) who never lost a final, both remember this very stage from 2016. They carry invaluable experience, followed by the Rašović brothers.
You can find possession percentages, or the exact moment when Serbia broke their six minutes without a goal anywhere. Knowing this new team continues where their triple Olympic champions predecessors left off is far more than numbers, it’s the greatness of legends.
Lead by coach Uroš Stevanović, the home squad overcame awful physical illness, as their silent opponent whom they haven’t mentioned until after the final. Gathering incredible strength, the Dolphins presented us with yet another motive for deep respect.
A final that will be studied
Played according to the new EA rules, we witnessed a reference point of contemporary water polo. A true clash of the titans that will be studied by any hopefuls with the ambitions of reaching the podium.
In terms of the home crowd – tonight we remember how much a luxury it is to love Serbia. To support its water polo, regardless of the names. To know that winning is a matter a fact and that the only dilemma is the scoreboard. For that we owe the Dolphins our greatest thanks and the deepest of bows.
P.S. Learn the names, anyway. Iako je luksuz navijati za Srbiju, zato što znate da će vaterpolisti doneti zlato, ko god nosio kapice – naučite njihova imena. Ovo je tim koji nas čini ponosnim, a tek su počeli. 🙂