LONDON (AP) — Croatia won its first Olympic gold in men's water polo Sunday, getting two second-half goals each from Miho Boskovic and Maro Jokovic to pull away from Italy for an 8-6 win. With two of the best defenses and goalkeepers — Italy's Stefano Tempesti and Croatia's Josip Pavic — in the tournament, the final was a defensive struggle. Croatia eventually took control of the match early in the second half after Boskovic scored from long distance and then converted a penalty to take a 5-3 lead. Jokovic gave Croatia scored two in the fourth quarter, setting the country's fans, dressed in their traditional red-and-white checkered shirts, into a frenzy. The margin would be enough for a stingy Croatia defense and Pavic, who had nine saves.
Croatia wins 1st Olympic water polo title
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Italy's Maurizio Felugo reacts after scoring a goal against Croatia during the men's water polo gold medal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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Milan Aleksic of Sebia celebrates after scoring a goal against Montenegro during the men's water polo bronze medal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
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Italy's Niccolo Gitto shoots against Croatia during the men's water polo gold medal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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Croatia's Maro Jokovic looks to pass against Italy during the men's water polo gold medal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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