The Netherlands successfully defended their European women’s water polo title on Wednesday night, edging Hungary 15–13 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 10–10 draw in regular time at the 2026 European Championships in Funchal.
The victory secured the Netherlands’ seventh European title and their 14th medal overall at the continental championships (7 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze). Hungary, meanwhile, added a 15th European medal to their rich history (3 gold, 6 silver, 6 bronze).
A final worthy of the occasion
The final was packed with momentum swings, though Hungary led only once after halftime — moving ahead 6–5 midway through the third quarter.
It was the second meeting between the two sides in Funchal, following the Netherlands’ narrow 5–4 victory over Hungary in Group Phase II.
Hungary made the brighter start, racing into a 2–0 lead and holding a 3–1 advantage at the first break. The Dutch responded strongly in the second quarter, leaning on long-range shooting to claw their way back. Simone van de Kraats converted a penalty in the 15th minute to make it 5–3, before Hungary finally ended its nine-minute goal drought with the first successful power-play goal of the match.
Hungary struck back early in the third quarter through Rita Keszthelyi, but the Netherlands closed the period in control. Goals from Lieke Rogge and Fleurien Bosveld restored a 7–6 Dutch lead heading into the final eight minutes.
Late drama, then penalties
The fourth quarter saw the teams trade blows. Hungary levelled twice, at 8–8 and 9–9, while the Dutch finally found rhythm on extra-player situations. Power-play goals from Maartje Keuning and Joustra pushed the Netherlands ahead, only for Panna Tiba to equalise again with 90 seconds remaining.
Both teams had chances to settle it in regular time. Hungary lost possession with 26 seconds left, while Dutch goalkeeper Laura Aarts denied Sabrina van der Sloot in the dying moments to force penalties.
In the shootout, Aarts produced the decisive moment — saving Rita Keszthelyi’s attempt in the second round. All remaining shooters converted, sending the Netherlands into celebration.
Aarts finished with 12 saves, while Simone van de Kraats led the scoring in regulation time with three goals. For Hungary, Vályi, Varró, Keszthelyi and Garda each scored twice.
Greece claim bronze
The bronze-medal match proved far more one-sided, as Greece swept past Italy 15–8.
After an early Italian response through Roberta Bianconi, Greece surged clear with a 4–0 run and never looked back, leading 10–4 at halftime and 15–6 after three quarters. Vasiliki Plevritou and Foteini Tricha scored three goals apiece, while Dafne Bettini netted four for Italy.
Classification matches
In the 5th-place match, Spain finished strongly, overpowering Croatia 23–9 behind five goals from Bea Ortiz. Despite the heavy defeat, Croatia celebrated their best-ever finish at a European Championships.
Israel secured seventh place with a 19–9 win over France, taking control early and pulling away decisively.
Final standings – Women’s European Championships 2026 (Funchal)
- Netherlands
- Hungary
- Greece
- Italy
- Spain
- Croatia
- Israel
- France
- Great Britain
- Serbia
- Germany
- Portugal
- Türkiye
- Switzerland
- Slovakia
- Romania
European Championships 2026 Homepage
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