Thrilling Win over Russia Propels Croatia into Tokyo Olympics Men s Water Polo Draw swimmingworldmagazine.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from swimmingworldmagazine.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Sunday, 21 February 2021
Croatia dramatically secured the final place in the men’s water polo tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after beating Russia in a penalty shoot-out that required 15 rounds to find a winner.
Russia had a penalty shot to win it during the fifth round of shots but Croatian goalkeeper Toni Popadic came up with a crucial save to continue proceedings.
Nine rounds of shots later Roman Shepelev missed for the Russians, with Josip Vrlic scoring the next penalty for Croatia to give them victory in the bronze medal match at the qualification tournament, as well as the bigger prize of a place at Tokyo 2020.