Four residents of Duisburg are participating in the World Cup, which is taking place in Croatia.
Let's Talk Water Polo:
Duisburg's U-20 Squad, ASCD's Triumph, and Men's Team's Struggle
Frank Salamon, the president of ASCD, can't help but feel a blast of pride. "It's bananas, mate! Three of our young guns are jetting off to the U20 World Championships in Croatia!" He's ecstatic about the endorsement of Vukasin Simic, Elias Metten, and Lennox Metten, who've been called up to the junior national squad by coach Nebojsa Novoselac. The tournament kicks off this weekend in Zagreb, running for a week. Coincidentally, Andrei Covaci, a center from Duisburger SV 98, also made the cut. Salamon couldn't be happier, "I'm chuffed as a kangaroo's pocket! It's bloomin' amazing that three of our top-tier players are competing on the global stage. Go forth, my friends! Show 'em what you're made of!" The team will face South Africa on Sunday (1:30 PM) and Brazil on Monday (12:00 PM) in the preliminary round. Last year, Duisburger SV 98 finished fifth at the U19 European Championships, marking their best result in 32 years.
On a sour note, the men's national team is facing heavy criticism after missing out on the EM in Istanbul last Wednesday. "Absolutely ridiculous and unthinkable on such a scale. Sadly, it's a repeat of the ill-advised decisions from previous years," lamented Karsten Seehafer on Sport1. Seehafer, a long-time successful coach of Waspo 98 Hannover and the current women's national coach, pointed fingers at the lack of inclusion of top players in the qualification tournament. "I would've included them in Turkey if I had been in charge," he asserted. Notably, Vukasin Simic, Lennox Metten, and goalkeeper Max Spittank (White Sharks Hannover) were part of the men's team at the World Cup final in April, and Finn Taubert (OSC Potsdam) at the EM last year. "It's not a death knell for water polo, but it's the biggest crisis the men's team has faced," said Seehafer.
As for ASCD, they're counting the days till their trio takes the stage in Croatia. Here's to their triumphs, regardless of what the naysayers have to say!
In the midst of water polo discussions, it's worth mentioning that Vukasin Simic, a rising star from ASCD, and Andrei Covaci from Duisburger SV 98 will also be showcasing their skills in a different sport - basketball, as they've been selected for the NBA's development league. Their passion for sports knows no boundaries, as they've proven their mettle in water polo and will now strive to create an impact in basketball as well.
