The Montenegro 4×4 water polo team is competing in the first Open 4×4 Water Polo World Championship, introducing a faster and more dynamic version of the sport. Dubrovnik is hosting the tournament from August 31 through September 6 in the city’s historic Old Port.
Montenegro begins its campaign against Lithuania before facing Russia, Australia and host nation Croatia.
How 4×4 Water Polo Works
Games are played in a 15-by-12-meter pool with smaller goals and a smaller ball.
Each team has four players in the water—three field players and one goalkeeper. Four additional substitutes are available.
Matches consist of four five-minute quarters, while each possession lasts 20 seconds. Every quarter is treated as a separate set.
The first team to win three quarters wins the match. If one team takes a 3-0 lead, the fourth quarter is not played.
A 3-0 or 3-1 victory is worth three points. If the score is 2-2 after four quarters, a penalty shootout determines the winner.
The shootout winner receives two points, while the losing team earns one.
The format does not include corner throws. A goal scored from a team’s own half counts as two goals.
A team’s fourth personal foul during a quarter results in a penalty for the opponent. An excluded player must swim to the corner, touch the designated area and may then return immediately.
Unlike traditional water polo, a player is permanently removed only after committing a fourth personal foul.
Montenegro’s Roster and Schedule
Coach Nenad Vukanić selected eight players for the Montenegro 4×4 water polo team:
- Lazar Andrić
- Danilo Radović
- Luka Murišić
- Andrija Bjelica
- Miljan Bošković
- Meldin Hadžić
- Tadija Matijašević
- Vuk Radović
Montenegro’s tournament schedule is:
- Montenegro vs. Lithuania — August 31 at 6:10 p.m.
- Montenegro vs. Russia — September 1 at 6:10 p.m.
- Montenegro vs. Australia — September 2 at 6:10 p.m.
- Croatia vs. Montenegro — September 3 at 7 p.m.
