Olympics-Water Polo-Serbia win Balkan battle for another water polo gold

By Ian Ransom

PARIS (Reuters) -Serbia extended their reign over Olympic water polo by beating arch-rivals Croatia 13-11 for a third successive gold in the men's event in front of a roaring crowd at La Defense Arena.

The Balkan battle was spirited and physical, with both teams committing a slew of fouls and occasionally putting an errant hand onto an opponent's head.

In the end, the Serbians were too strong though, leading for all but a handful of minutes to become the second men's team to win three golds in a row after Hungary's treble from 2000-08.

"It's incredible. This is the power of unity," said Serbia's veteran defender Dusan Mandic, who played in all three gold medal wins. "This is the team spirit. This is defence, defence, defence until the end, sacrificing for each other."

After the final whistle, track-suited Serbia staff jumped into the pool to celebrate with the players.

They all sang a victory song and a Serbia flag was hung from a cross-bar of one of the goal-cages until removed before the medal ceremony.

Croatia came into the competition with confidence after claiming the world title in Doha in February but ended up suffering another final defeat to their long-standing foes.

Eight years ago, their title defence was ended by Serbia in the gold medal decider in Rio.

CROATIA DEJECTED

The Croatia players were a picture of gloom as they mounted the medal podium with furrowed eyebrows and heavy sighs.

Most applauded the Serbians sportingly, though, when they climbed up next to them and raised their arms in triumph.

"We just did not show up for the start of the game," said Croatia goalkeeper Toni Popadic.

"I'm proud of my team, no matter the result. I think we achieved a great deal."

The United States took bronze and were delighted with it, having beaten Hungary in a shootout to claim their first medal in the men's event in 16 years.

With the scores locked at 8-8 at the end of regular time, the Americans played the shootout to perfection. Hannes Daub, Max Irving and Alex Bowen all nailed their shots but the Hungarian trio failed to find the net.

"I'm just super proud of my team," said Daub.

"They kept telling me, 'You got this, you got this', until the fourth quarter, and I happened to deliver for my guys."

(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Ken Ferris)