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Spain Wins Gold in Water Polo

ATLANTA -- Manuel Estiarte, a veteran of five Olympics, scored three goals to lead Spain to a 7-5 victory over Croatia and its first Olympic water polo gold medal Sunday.

Croatia limited Spain to one goal, a second-quarter strike by 35-year-old Estiarte, with a tough defense through the first two periods.

Goalkeeper Jesus Rollan kept Spain in the game with strong saves and the Spanish finally began finding cracks in the third quarter, in which Estiarte had two goals. Spain took the lead before Croatian captain Perica Bukic tied the score 5-5 with 21 seconds left.

Pedro Garcia scored early in the final quarter and a spectacular left-handed backhand goal by Jordi Sans, his second of the game, gave Spain a 7-5 lead with 4:55 left. It was the final goal of the game, as Rollan produced more good saves.

Spanish players and coach Juan Jane, who dived into the pool, celebrated wildly. Spain took the silver medal at home in Barcelona four years ago.

Croatia was taking part in Olympic water polo for the first time as an independent nation. Two of its players, Bukic and Dubravko Simenc, won gold with teams from the former Yugoslavia.

Croatia's head coach, Bruno Silic, had to watch from the stands because of a one-match suspension.

Italy, which won the gold medal four years ago, took the bronze this time when it beat Hungary, a six-time champion, 20-18 in a wild game that went to overtime.

The Italians have changed most of their squad since Barcelona and were upset by Croatia in the semifinals. They appeared headed home without a medal when they trailed 13-9 early in the final quarter.

But Italy rallied with four goals in 1:43s, two by Roberto Calcaterra.

With 50 seconds left, Alberto Angelini scored his third goal of the game to put Italy ahead 16-15.

Hungary turned the ball over in its last attack, and as the final seconds ticked away, the Italians began to celebrate. Thinking the game was over, some Italian bench players dived into the pool.

But there were still .02 on the game clock and Hungary was given a penalty shot that Balazs Vincze made to tie the game.

Amedeo Pomilio scored three of his four goals in overtime to clinch the Italian victory. Carlo Silipo also had four goals for Italy, while Tibor Benedek led Hungary with four.