A few years ago, the men's water polo match between Hungary and Montenegro would have qualified for the World Cup final. However, this morning they were only playing for seventh place in Doha. Actually, it wasn't a very large portion. Both teams have the Olympics, it doesn't matter much in the future draw. For us, the match was more about prestige, because eighth place would be the worst position in our history. It would be best to avoid this.
Accordingly, we started the match better, and in the first quarter we were constantly ahead. There was still a reaction from Montenegro to our first two goals, but then we went 4-2 up, and the South Slavic side had just made up for it. However, Montenegro started the second quarter with a goal, and then the exchange of goals continued. In the end, the two teams qualified for the break with a score of 6-6.
At the beginning of the third quarter, we were the better again, after a quick change of goals, we led 9-7. But we couldn't do anything with Montenegro's man advantage throughout the match, and they scored two chances. Thus, we ended the third period with a score of 9-9.
In the fourth quarter, Montenegro took the lead for the first time during the match, but then we managed to turn around several times, which led to us being five meters ahead. Although we missed a penalty kick, we managed to make it 11-10. But Montenegro did not give up, they responded with two goals, and got the advantage again. However, they managed to equalize the score again by a man. After another change in goals, the last half minute also saw a development: with 23 seconds left, Montenegro took the lead with a goal from the post, but seconds before the end, Vijvari equalized. Once again decided on sanctions.
Fortunately, the Hungarians showed their level in that, as they were able to score 4 goals from 4 shots, while Vogel was able to save one goal, a shot from Montenegro that hit the post.
Thus, Hungary finished seventh in the end, and the final result was not a negative historical record. But regardless, this World Cup will not be included in the glorious tournaments.
