"This is for my people': Cuk revels in putting one over neighbours

With an almighty splash Milos Cuk barrelled one last ball into Croatia's net and, at that moment, Serbia knew. So did their opponents, judging by the red and white-checked caps that sank into knees on the bench at the far side of the pool.

- Nick Ames

Serbia were three goals clear in the dying moments and about to match the best tally in Olympic men's water polo history, a third title in a row enshrining them in greatness. It was lost on nobody that their bitterest rivals were the ones forced to endure the celebrations.

Did it mean something extra to Serbia's players to win another gold against their neighbours, with whom such a turbulent history runs deep in and away from the sporting arena? "Yes," Cuk said simply, after a medal ceremony prefaced by ecstatic celebrations with a sizeable travelling support. "Yes, yes, and yes." As soon as their eventual 13-11 win was confirmed, coaching staff leaped into the pool fully clothed; a flag was draped over the goal frame, Nemanja Ubovic swimming over to kiss it and pose for pictures. In the buildup Radomir Drasovic, one of the nine different scorers, had described it as "the match of our careers". Serbia had not particularly convinced in getting this far, but saved their best for the afternoon that mattered most.