Georgian water polo team returned from Portugal today and a few hours later went to the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. Recall that on November 7-10 the 3rd group tournament of the qualifying stage of European Championship 2014 was held in Porto, in which Georgian water polo players won 4 meetings of 5 and gained the right to play in the playoff of the European Championship.
Together with the leadership of the water polo team, those players who participate in the Georgian Championship also were in this meeting.
Tamaz Tevzadze, deputy of the minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, opened the press conference. He congratulated to the Georgian water polo players and fans this successful game and promised them full support from the Ministry.
“Water polo players made us happy. This is very important achievement and hopefully basis of even greater success. We expect voting. Little fortune is needed and hope to get in the final stage. Playing species in a priority in sports” – said Tevzadze.
Davit Rurua, president of the federation, reminded the audience that Georgian team got in the top three by their good play and in playoff will face Macedonia, Turkey and Netherlands.
“Thanks to everyone who contributed to this success. As far as you know, we have also naturalized players in the team and everyone knows how much power they have for the team. Most of all, extremely hard game of the Georgian water polo players made me happy in Portugal. As for the next stage, each of the three possible opponents are almost equal, but I would not wish to play against Macedonia. Two very complicated and responsible games are awaiting for us and we have to prepare good for February. Voting will be held on November 30. As soon as we find out who will be our opponent, we will immediately plan the preparatory circle in details. I am sure, that the Ministry of Sports will support us” – noted Rurua.
Vladimer Iselidze, head coach of the team, said that during the preparation the team will mostly need friendly matches and hoped that there will not be any problems. Zurab Rurua, captain of the team, said to the journalists that the upcoming playoff will be the most important stage in his life.
Playoff games will be held on February 15 and April 12 2014. Six participants of the Championship will be revealed and it is already known: Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Italy, Germany and Greece.
Lineup of Georgian water polo team
Zurab Chumburidze, Beka Kapanadze, Damir Crepulia, Marco Elez, Galaktion Laitadze, Marco Elacha, Giorgi Khvedeliani, Mikheil Bagaturia, Zurab Rurua, Konstantine Gegelashvili, Tato Nikoleishvili, Marino Franicevic, Beka Kapanadze.
Head coach: Vladimer Iselidze
Coach: Jovan Popovic
Otar Maglakelidze
