The men’s tournament at the World Championships now moves into its decisive second phase: the crossover round. After a dramatic final day of group-stage action, the quarter-final picture is starting to take shape—though there’s still plenty to be decided.
Eight matches were played on the last day of group competition, with tension and fine margins defining the outcomes—especially in Groups B and D. Spain claimed top spot in Group B with a stunning late turnaround against Hungary, fighting back from 6–9 down in the fourth quarter to win 10–9. Japan edged Australia 12–11 to clinch third place and a spot in the crossovers, eliminating the Olympic quarterfinalists in the process.
Croatia also mounted a comeback, recovering from a 0–3 first-quarter deficit to beat Greece 10–9 and finish Group D with a perfect record. Greece, ill-disciplined at key moments, placed third behind Montenegro, who secured their crossover berth with a composed 13–9 win over China.
In Group C, the USA confirmed top spot with a 26–6 victory over Singapore. But the drama came in the battle for second, where Brazil pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat Canada 19–18 on penalties—setting up a crossover showdown with Greece. The winner of that clash will meet Italy in the quarter-finals, after the Azzurri cruised past South Africa 28–4 to win Group A.
Serbia finished second in Group A thanks to a 19–9 win over Romania. They now face a dangerous Japanese side in what promises to be one of the most intriguing crossover matchups—a rematch of last year’s Olympic encounter in Paris, which Serbia narrowly won by a single goal.
Meanwhile, Montenegro’s win sets up a tie with Canada, with the prize a quarter-final date with Spain. And Croatia, already through, await the winner of Hungary vs Romania.
Crossover matches
Italy vs Brazil/Greece
Spain vs Canada/Montenegro
United States vs Serbia/Japan
Croatia vs Romania/ Hungary
Group A
Serbia rounded off its group stage campaign with a confident 19–9 victory over Romania, securing second place in Group A and setting up a crossover clash with Japan.
The Olympic champions controlled the game from the outset, surging to a 7–1 lead and never looking back. Captain Nikola Jaksic was outstanding with three goals and earned Player of the Match, while Sava Randelovic led the scoring with four. Romania battled in the second half, but Serbia’s extra-man efficiency (9/15) and dominant defence proved decisive.
Earlier in the day, Italy cruised past South Africa 28–4 in a lopsided contest that featured a 9–0 second quarter. Italy rotated its squad effectively, with Cassia and Ferrero each netting four goals, while their defence conceded just one goal across the middle two periods. Italy now advances directly to the quarterfinals, while South Africa prepares for classification matches.
Serbia 19 – 9 Romania
Italy 28 – 4 South Africa
Group B
Japan clinched a dramatic 12–11 win over Australia in a back-and-forth thriller that sent them into the next round and relegated the Sharks to the 13–16th place bracket — their lowest finish trajectory since 1973. Despite a dominant start from Australia, who led 3–1 early thanks to captain Nathan Power, Japan’s relentless pace and six-goal final quarter sealed the comeback. Power scored five goals and Nic Porter tallied 16 saves, but it wasn’t enough to stop Yusuke Inaba and Toi Suzuki from delivering late clutch goals. Japan’s superior shot volume and sharper execution in key moments proved decisive, leaving Australia heartbroken and out of medal contention.
Spain produced a stunning final-quarter turnaround to defeat Hungary in a thrilling 11–10 victory. Hungary had looked in control, building a three-goal lead in the third period with unanswered strikes from Gergely Burian, Vince Vigvari, and Daniel Angyal. For much of the match, Hungary held the edge, while Spain were left frustrated — striking the woodwork nearly ten times — and struggling to convert key chances.
But the momentum shifted dramatically in the final eight minutes. Goals from Álvaro Granados, Roger Tahull, and Felipe Perrone brought Spain level with four minutes to play, as Unai Aguirre made a string of world-class saves to keep Hungary at bay. With three minutes left, Granados struck again to put Spain 10–9 ahead, and they never looked back. A final-quarter scoreline of 5–1 sealed a famous comeback and handed Spain a vital win in Group B.
Australia 11 – 12 Japan
Spain 10 – 9 Hungary
Group C
Brazil pulled off a dramatic 19–18 win over Canada in a thrilling Group C showdown that ended in sudden-death penalties after a regulation 11–11 draw. Despite trailing for nearly the entire game, Brazil clawed back from an early 6–1 deficit behind an extraordinary eight-goal performance from Luca Andrade, who also netted twice in the shootout — including the last. Canada appeared to have control, even leading 10–7 late in the third, but costly turnovers and missed chances opened the door for Brazil. Joao Fernandes was immense in goal with 16 saves, and Gustavo Coutinho scored the decisive penalty after Reuel D’Souza’s miss. The result gives Brazil a historic second-place group finish, while Canada’s inexperience showed in key moments as they now face a tougher path ahead.
In the final group game, Olympic bronze medallists USA breezed past hosts Singapore 26–6. Max Irving and Ryder Dodd led a high-tempo American attack, with support from a mix of senior players and junior world silver medallists like Dan Liechty and Ryan Ohl. Despite a passionate home crowd and goals from Jayden See and Zhi Zhi Loh, Singapore couldn’t contain the USA’s relentless pace. The Americans dominated in steals, counter-attacks, and shot efficiency, cruising into the quarterfinals undefeated. Singapore now heads to classification matches for 13–16th place.
Brazil 19 – 18 Canada (11-11 after regulation time)
Singapore 6 – 26 United States
Group D
World champions Croatia battled back from a three-goal deficit to narrowly defeat Greece 10–9 in a tense Group D showdown. Greece started strong, leading 4–1 after the first quarter, but lost momentum as Croatia dominated the middle quarters, with standout goals from Fatovic and Zuvela and 14 key saves from goalkeeper Marko Bijac. Despite a late push from Greece, including a brilliant backhand by Skoumpakis, Croatia held on, with both coaches visibly animated during the tense final minutes.
Meanwhile, Montenegro overcame a spirited Chinese side 13–8 to finish second in the group. Montenegro’s early 4–0 lead was critical, though China stayed competitive, led by captain Chen’s three goals. Lazar Andric shone with eight saves in his first tournament start, helping Montenegro avoid an upset. Croatia now tops the group, while Greece faces a tougher road through the knockouts.
Greece 9 – 10 Croatia
China 8 – 13 Montenegro
What’s Next – Day 8 Fixtures (18th July)
Classification 13-16 semifinals:
Match 25. 09:00. South Africa v Australia
Match 26. 10:30. Singapore v China
Crossovers
Match 27. 16:00. Serbia v Japan
Match 28. 17:30. Romania v Hungary
Match 29. 19:00. Brazil v Greece
Match 30. 20:30. Canada v Montenegro
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