Spain beats U.S.; Serbia knocks off Croatia in water polo

Spain knocks off U.S.; Serbia beats Croatia

ROME — Guillermo Molina scored three goals, including the go-ahead score with 3:38 remaining, and Spain advanced to the gold medal game of the men’s water polo world championships with a 7-6 victory over the United States on Thursday night.

Layne Beaubien’s shot from 5 meters was stopped with 3 seconds remaining. Jeffrey Powers scored twice for the U.S. and Merrill Moses made 11 saves.

Spain advanced to face Serbia in Saturday’s title game. Filip Filipovic scored four goals to lead a 12-11 victory over defending world champion Croatia, which will meet the Americans for bronze.

Filipovic broke a 9-all tie late in the third period, and Serbia held on at the end. Croatia had a man advantage but Sandro Sukno missed a shot with 6 seconds remaining.

Vanja Udovicic added three goals for the Serbians. Miho Boskovic had three goals for Croatia.

Serbia will be going for its first title since splitting with Montenegro. Together, the countries won the 2005 water polo championships.