By Ian Ransom
PARIS (Reuters) -Serbia extended their reign over Olympic water polo by beating 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 on their way to another Olympic triumph.
After the final whistle, track-suited Serbian staff jumped into the pool to celebrate with the players.
They all sung a victory song and a Serbian flag was hung from the cross-bar of the Croatian goal.
The U.S. earlier won the bronze medal playoff in a shootout against Hungary to claim their first medal in the men’s event in 16 years.
(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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