Greece and Hungary will play for the gold medal at the 2025 Women’s World Cup following two high-quality semifinal victories in Chengdu. Greece overcame a four-goal deficit to stun the Netherlands 15:13, while Hungary edged Olympic champions Spain 10:8 in a tense, defensive showdown. The two sides will meet in Sunday’s final.
Greece Stuns the Netherlands with Stunning Comeback
Netherlands 13 – Greece 15
(5:3, 4:3, 2:5, 2:4)
The Netherlands looked on course for a second consecutive World Cup final, but Greece produced a brilliant final 12 minutes to turn a 7:11 deficit into a 15:13 victory.
The Dutch dominated the first half, repeatedly punishing Greece on the extra player and leading by four midway through the third period. But Greece found a new gear, with Xenaki leveling the match 11:11 just before the final quarter.
Tricha and Santa scored late goals as the Greeks outscored the Dutch 4:2 in the final quarter. Tricha led the scorers with four, while Myriokefalitaki and Plevritou added crucial finishes.
Hungary’s Defense Too Strong for Spain
Spain 8 – Hungary 10
(1:3, 5:3, 2:2, 0:2)
Hungary booked their place in the final thanks to an excellent defensive second half that shut down Spain’s usually potent attack.
The Hungarians started fast, going 3:1 up in the first quarter. Spain hit back to tie it 6:6 at halftime, led by Camus and Elena Ruiz. The third period was evenly contested, but Camus’ brace brought the match to 8:8 with just eight minutes to play.
Hungary stepped up when it mattered most—Vályi scored on a fast break, and Leimeter added her second to give Hungary a two-goal lead. Spain failed to score in the final quarter. Faragó led all scorers with five goals.
Italy Overpowers Japan to Reach 5th-Place Match
Japan 17 – Italy 26
(4:5, 3:8, 3:4, 7:9)
Italy produced a dominant offensive display to overpower Japan 26:17 and move into the 5th-place match. After a level opening quarter, Sofia Giustini spearheaded a 6:1 second-quarter run that broke the game open. Giustini finished with eight goals, while Di Maria and Ranalli added four apiece. Despite a strong showing from Japan’s Inaba (4 goals), Italy was too clinical.
Australia Holds Off China in Hard-Fought Win
China 14 – Australia 16
(3:5, 6:3, 3:7, 2:1)
Australia came from behind to defeat hosts China 16:14 in a high-scoring battle. China rallied from an early deficit to lead 9:7, but the Aussies responded with a 5:1 run in the third quarter that proved decisive. Jackovich led all scorers with six goals, supported by Andrews with four. China’s Nong scored five, but her side couldn’t recover in the final stages.