U.S. men edge Croatia to advance to final
NBCOlympics.com staff report
POSTED: Saturday, August 7, 9:32 a.m.
The U.S. men’s water polo team defeated Croatia 12-11 on Friday, advancing to the final of the Belgrade Trophy tournament in Serbia and Montenegro.
Tied 6-6 after regulation, the Americans edged out the tough Croatian squad in a sudden-death shootout at Tasmajdan Pool.
“What is important is that we were prepared, we had a game plan,” U.S. coach Ratko Rudic said. “The players realized what we needed to do. It was a great disciplined game.”
American Tony Azevedo scored late in the fourth quarter to put the U.S. up by a goal, but Croatia scored with two minutes remaining to send the match into a shootout. Azevedo and Ryan Bailey each scored three goals for the U.S., while three Croatian players put in three apiece.
In the other semifinal, Serbia and Montenegro defeated Russia 12-11, also in a penalty shootout. The U.S. plays Serbia and Montenegro in the championship match on Saturday.
“The victory against Croatia is really important because it shows we can train hard and still beat one of the best teams in the world,” Rudic said. “We’re one of the teams that everybody must take into consideration.”
The U.S. team will face Croatia again in its opening Olympic match in Athens on Aug. 15.
http://www.nbcolympics.com/waterpolo/5029815/detail.html