Serbia will face defending champions Greece in the final of the biennial FINA World Men’s Junior Water Polo Championships at Kuwait City.
In the first semi-final of the night at Al-Nasar Sport Club, Serbia were up against Italy in a rematch of the 2015 final in Kazakhstan.
Both countries have a strong history in the competition, with Serbia the champions in 2011 and 2015, while also taking top honours as Serbia and Montenegro in 2003 and 2005 – Italy were winners in 1993, 1999 and 2013.
As expected the match was a nip-and-tuck affair, with clear chances at a premium in the early exchanges.
At one stage Serbia were 3-0 ahead, before European champions Italy pulled it back to 3-2 before the end of period two.
It was 6-5 to Serbia early in the fourth period, but Italy couldn’t get on level terms, eventually losing 9-7.
The other semi-final was a rematch of the 2017 final, with defending champions Greece once again too strong for the two-time former champions (1997, 2009) Croatia.
Goals were flying in early, as Greece took a 4-1 lead in the first period and were still in control after period two, leading 8-5.
The third period was a disaster for Croatia, as five unanswered goals took Greece 13-5 clear, before finally cruising home 15-6.
Classification matches also took place today, with Hungary defeating Canada 15-6 to finish ninth overall.
Fierce rivals Australia and New Zealand battled out a classic for 11th place, with the Australians just coming through 9-8.
As well as the final, the concluding day of action tomorrow sees the 3rd/4th playoff between Italy and Croatia, Montenegro and Spain playing for 5th/6th and Japan against United States for 7th/8th.
Sourced by: Inside the Games
