London 2012 Olympics: Croatia defeat world champions Italy for gold

Published on 13/08/2012 00:00

WATER POLO: Croatia secured their first men’s water polo Olympic gold medal with an 8-6 victory over Italy in the final yesterday afternoon.

The Balkan outfit have been the outstanding side of the London 2012 tournament, with eight wins from eight matches, and end it as worthy champions.

Their dominance in defence was too much for the Italians, who are reigning world champions.

Earlier, Serbia retained their bronze medal by coming from behind to beat arch-rivals Montenegro 12-11 in a bruising Balkan battle.

The tense game between the two countries – who were one nation until six years ago – boiled over in the final period and multiple players and coaches were red-carded.

Montenegro looked like they had done enough to claim their first water polo medal as an independent state, but a devastating burst of goals in the final six minutes of the match snatched victory for Serbia.