(Sports Network) - Serbia used strong defense on the way to a 9-5 win over Spain in the quarterfinals of the men's water polo tournament at the Beijing Olympics. Serbia limited Spain to a pair of goals on 12 chances with the man-advantage and advanced to play the United States in the semifinals on Friday. Dusko Pijetlovic led the way with four goals for Spain, the 1996 Olympic champion.

Serbia has a wealth of confidence going into Friday's game, having already beaten the U.S., 4-2, last Thursday.

"We have played them twice (world league 2008 and world championships 2007) and we have beaten them twice," said Serbian head coach Dejan Udovicic. "I expect the same. We did not play our best here. One goal can decide the game."

The other semifinal will be between two-time defending Olympic champion Hungary and Montenegro. Hungary, like the U.S., received a bye to the semifinals by finishing atop its group. Montenegro edged Croatia, 7-6, on Wednesday, ending a story-filled tournament for the Croatians.

Each one of the Croatian players decided to grow their mustaches as a sign of team unity and they entered the tournament ranked No.1 in the world.

"We will shave now," said Croatian player Maro Jokovic.



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