Serbia vs. Spain Men's Olympic Preview
Serbia v Spain (M)
Group B action opens on the men’s side with a clash between two European powers, Serbia and Spain. With squads that feature a wealth of international and professional experience, both countries come to Tokyo with a medal on their mind. These teams are playing in what the media have dubbed the “Group of Death” because it includes Serbia and Spain as well as medal contenders Croatia and Montenegro and an Australian team that has proven to be the equal of the best in the world on any given day. With such a competitive group and only four teams earning a place in quarterfinals, any points either team can get here (2 for a win and one for a draw) will be essential.
The defending Olympic champions, Serbia is among the most successful water polo nations in the world. In the 3 Olympics they have competed in prior to Tokyo, the team has medaled each time. Before 2008, Serbia competed as part of a combined Serbia-Montenegro team at the 2004 Olympics (silver) and as part of Yugoslavia prior to that (multiple international medals).
Spain is no stranger to international water polo success—including silver medals at the ‘19 World Championships and ‘20 European Championships—but Olympic success has proved elusive for the country. Led by the legendary Manuel Estiarte, Spain medaled in ‘92 and ‘96, but have since struggled to find their way back to the podium. With the experience and talent on this year’s team, Spain is a strong medal contender in Tokyo and a win against Serbia early would make a strong statement about the squad moving forward.
Both Serbia and Spain have added incentive at these Games because a number of players for each team announced their planned retirement from international play after these Olympics. The Serbs will see the last Olympic caps for seven of the 10 returning players from the Rio gold medal team in Tokyo. Likewise, decorated Spanish attacker Felipe Perrone and stalwart goalie Dani Lopez will also retire after these Olympics. Both countries would certainly love to send out these national team players with a strong performance and medal at their final Olympics.
While Spain dropped some friendly Olympic preparation games to Serbia and Croatia prior to traveling to Rio, head-to-head results at international tournaments recently have favored the Spaniards. The last two international losses for Serbia, at the ‘20 European Championships and ‘20 World League qualifications, both came at the hands of Spain.
Note the stylistic difference in the play of these two teams. The Serbs play a controlled, physical style that emphasizes team play and is especially potent in extra man scenarios. The Spanish play in a more reactive and open style that incorporates more offensive movement and counter attacking. Watch for defensive adjustments and officiating to have an influence on the outcome of this game.
Written by, Breck Weiny