This was the biggest success of the Croatian men's water polo team, which played the final at the Atlanta Olympics 16 years ago as well but lost to Spain (5-7).

Croatia took control of the match early in the second half after Miho Boskovic scored from long distance and then converted a penalty to take a 5-3 lead.

Maro Jokovic gave Croatia scored two in the fourth quarter, setting the Barracuda's fans into a frenzy.

The bronze medal was won by Serbia with a 12-11 decision over Montenegro.

This was Croatia's third gold and sixth overall medal at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, making this the most successful Olympics since the country gained independence in 1991.

In 2012 London Olympic Games, a total of six medals were secured: the golds by female discus thrower Sandra Perkovic, shooter Giovanni Cernogoraz in the men's trap, and the men's water polo team; the Croatian rowing team first won the silver in the men's quadruple sculls, and two bronze medals were bagged by taekwondo fighter Lucija Zaninovic in the women's flyweight (under 49 kg) and by the men's handball team.

Over 100 sportsmen and sportswomen represented Croatia in the latest Summer Olympic Games, competing in 18 sports.

Handball was where Croatia's participation was strongest (30 athletes) with both the women's and the men's national teams participating in this Olympiad.

Croatia's water polo team included 13 male water polo players and seven other members.

The women's basketball squad with 12 players took part in this event at the Olympic Games for the first time.

Sailing was among the most numerous teams, with 12 Croatians having competed.

There were nine Croatian athletes in track and field.

Also, five Croatians competed in shooting, and five Croatians took part in rowing. Croatia was represented by tennis players and table tennis players.

Croatia had its representatives also in swimming, open water swimming, cycling, gymnastics, wrestling, judo, taekwondo, fencing and kayak racing.