Spain are World Cup champions once again. In a high-octane final in Podgorica, the reigning champions defended their title with a 16–13 victory over Greece, becoming the fifth team in history to win back-to-back men’s World Cups.
Led by Álvaro Granados’ four goals and another commanding performance from goalkeeper Unai Aguirre, David Martín’s side showed resilience, firepower, and experience under pressure to secure their second-ever title—just two years after their first triumph in Los Angeles.
Greece push Spain to the limit
Despite being second-best for much of the game, Greece came out swinging. Early goals from Argyropoulos and Genidounias gave Theodoros Vlachos’ men a 4:2 lead at the first break—the first time Spain had trailed in the tournament. But Spain weathered the storm. Back-to-back goals from Daura and Cabanas sparked a comeback, and Granados gave Spain an 8:7 lead late in the second quarter before Argyropoulos equalized on the buzzer (8:8).
The third period belonged to Spain. Aguirre’s saves inspired confidence, and Biel’s brace from distance helped build a 12:9 cushion. Greece’s young keeper Emmanouil Andreadis came in and made a few key stops, but Spain’s momentum couldn’t be halted.
Greece made one last push in the fourth (11:12), but Sanahuja and Valera kept the scoreboard ticking for the Spanish. Then, in a moment that summed up Spain’s confidence, Aguirre scored into an empty net from his own goal to seal the game at 16:12.
Emotions ran high in the final minutes, with both Aguirre and Nikolaidis shown red cards after a confrontation. Still, the final result was never in doubt—Spain were champions once again.
Final score: Greece 13–16 Spain
Top scorers:
Spain – Granados 4, Biel 3
Greece – Argyropoulos 5, Genidounias 3
Hungary edge Croatia for bronze in penalty drama
Hungary claimed the bronze medal in dramatic fashion after a penalty shootout win over Croatia (18:15). A tight game that saw 11 ties in regulation time came down to composure in the shootout—and Hungary had more of it.
Kristof Csoma was the hero, saving twice as Hungary converted all four of their penalties. Croatia’s Fatovic had been their standout scorer during the match (4 goals), but couldn’t inspire them from five metres.
Bronze-medal match: Hungary 18–15 Croatia (PSO)
Regular time scorers:
Hungary – Manhercz 3, Vismeg 2, Burian 2
Croatia – Fatovic 4, Loncar 3, Butic 2
Montenegro snatch fifth at the death
Hosts Montenegro left it late but delighted the home fans with a last-gasp 15:14 win over the Netherlands. Trailing for most of the game, the Montenegrins pulled level in the final minute before Nikola Moskov netted the winner with just seven seconds left.
The Dutch were impressive, particularly van der Weijden and Te Riele (5 goals each), but couldn’t hold on. Djuro Radovic top scored for Montenegro with three goals.
5th-place match: Montenegro 15–14 Netherlands
Germany cruise past Japan for seventh
Germany wrapped up their tournament with a solid 16:11 win over Japan, building a six-goal lead in the first half and managing the game well from there.
Zoran Bozic was clinical with five goals, and Germany’s defence held firm in the final minutes to resist Japan’s late charge.
7th-place match: Germany 16–11 Japan