Croatia beats Macedonia in FINA's World League match in Skopje

Skopje, Macedonia - FINA's World League debut match for Macedonia. Swimming poll "Mladost", attendance 600. The result 7-9 (1-1; 3-3; 1-3; 2-2) for Croatia.


Macedonian national water polo team had a great debut, even though Croatia won the match at the end.

Croatian team led by water polo legend Ratko Rudic came to Skopje with with a few newcomers. Macedonian coach Nonkovic put an a good strategy, pressuring the Croats all over the field.

The first two periods were tied. A few seconds before half time Macedonian led by 4-3, but Croats scored and went on break with draw.

The game was finally decided in the third quater. Croats played more agresively, and scored 3 goals more, recieved only one. At one point in the fourth quater, Croats led by 4 goals (9-5).

Macedonia scored twice before tha match was over, and showed that they are a team to be respected and feared in this group.


Macedonia will take on Greece in the next match, in Athens.

Macedonia easily passes over Kazakhstan (11-4)

After it’s victory 11-4 against Kazakhstan, Macedonia will compete against Brazil for the 13th place. Nonkovic's players crushed the Asians, and had full control over the game, as well as of the result. On Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. the play-off will take place.



In the previous matches in the group D, Macedonia came last, after losing against dominating USA and Italy squads, as well as from fast growing Romanian team.


This is a first appearance for the Macedonian water polo national team on FINA's World Chapmionship, after coming 8th on their debut show up last year, on the European championship in Malaga, Spain.