LAUSANNE, Switzerland, March 23. THE defeat of reigning champion Serbia, at home, against Germany (9-10) was the surprising note of the fifth match of the European preliminary round of the FINA Men's Water Polo World League 2011, played on March 22. <\/p>\n
After this loss (the first in five matches played so far), the Balkan team has to wait until the sixth and final game to confirm its qualification for the Super Final of the competition, taking place in Florence (ITA) on June 21-26. Serbia leads the group with 12 points, Germany is second with eight (the team is out of contention for the Super Final), but Spain in third (with seven points) has still mathematical chances to get to the decisive stage of the competition, if it wins its two next matches \u2013 on April 5 against FYR Macedonia (the only game of the fifth round played on a later date), and then, on April 19, precisely against Serbia.<\/p>\n
In Group B, Montenegro confirmed, at home, its qualification for the Super Final, beating Romania, after the penalties shootout, by 9-8 (5-5 at the end of regular time). Montenegro has now 14 points and is out of reach before the last match. In the other game of the group, Russia beat Turkey in Volgograd by 13-4. <\/p>\n
In Group C, qualified teams for the Super Final, Croatia and Italy (as organiser), assured one more victory, this time against Greece (14-10) and the Netherlands (9-5) respectively. <\/p>\n
Provisional rankings:
\nGROUP A: 1. SRB, 12 pts (4 wins, 1 loss); 2. GER, 8 (3W, 2L); 3. ESP, 7 (2W, 2L); 4. MKD, 0 (4L)
\nGROUP B: 1. MNE, 14 pts (5W); 2. ROU, 10 (3W, 2L); 3. RUS, 6 (2W, 3L); 4. TUR, 0 (5L)
\nGROUP C: 1. CRO, 15 pts (5W); 2. ITA, 12 (4W, 1L); 3. GRE, 3 (1W, 4L); 4. NED, 0 (5L)<\/p>\n
Sixth and final round (April 19, 2011):
\nGroup A: SRB-ESP & MKD-GER
\nGroup B: MNE-RUS & TUR-ROU
\nGroup C: CRO-ITA & NED-GRE <\/p>\n
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