Serbia, with seven debutants after the mass withdrawal from Tokyo, survived three group stage defeats, losing by five to Australia and being pushed to one goal by Japan. Though eventually won three consecutive gold medals, and emulating Hungary earlier in the century to become a triple champion from three Olympic Games.

For Dusan and Nikola Jaksic, it was a third visit to the top of the dais. For Mandic, it was a fourth visit, winning bronze at London 2012. With points from Loren Fatovic, Jerko Marinic, for Croatia; and Milos Cuk, Nemanja Vico, Dedovic, Strahinja Rasovic or Nikola Jaksic scoring for Serbia, in a game that went into the last quarter wide open and even Croatia taking the lead.

Meanwhile, in the bronze medal match, the United States of America came from two goals down to beat nine-time champions Hungary 11-8 on penalties after the match was tied at eight all.

The US made it back to the Olympic podium after 16 years, when they won silver. It is their ninth medal at an Olympic Games, adding to their 1904 gold, four silvers and now four bronzes. Hungary, seventh in Doha, moved up to fourth in the world a year after becoming world champions in Fukuoka. Hungary was unable to add to its tally of nine golds, three silvers and four bronzes.

Weinberg was the star for the USA with 16 saves in goal, while Hallock was the only double goal scorer. Hungary's top shooters were Zalanki and Varga, with two each.

Greece also beat European champions Spain 15-13 to take fifth place in a match that started evenly in the first half. Though Greece gradually gained the upper hand in the other quarters, and although Spain closed the gap in the last quarter, it was not enough to turn the score around.