Greece took a major step toward the semifinals of the European Men’s Water Polo Championships in Belgrade with a dramatic 11–10 victory over Croatia in the standout derby of Group Phase I.
The win secured Greece first place in Group B and ensured they carry six valuable points into Group Phase II. With Italy looming as their main rival in the next stage, Greece remain firmly on course but face a demanding road ahead.
Greece controlled the match for long stretches, leading for most of the contest and extending their advantage to three goals on just one occasion. The final minutes tested their resilience. With 3:13 remaining, captain Konstantinos Genidounias was red-carded for a violent foul following a VAR review, forcing Greece to play the remainder of the match with one fewer field player. Despite the setback, Greece defended superbly to hold on for all three points.
The victory marked a historic milestone for Greek water polo. In 14 previous European Championship meetings between the two sides, Greece had never beaten Croatia—until now.
Greece 11–10 Croatia
(3:2, 2:1, 3:4, 3:3)
Greece scorers: Argyropoulos 4, Gkiouvetsis 3, Genidounias, Skoumpakis, Papanastasiou, Pouros
Croatia scorers: Fatović 3, Burić 2, Kharkov 2, Butić 2, Žuvela, Vrlić
Croatia struck first through Konstantin Kharkov, converting the team’s only man-up opportunity of the opening quarter. It proved to be Croatia’s sole lead of the match. Greece responded with three consecutive goals before Josip Vrlić reduced the deficit on the counterattack.
The second quarter saw Greece increase their attacking pressure and generate more scoring chances, while Croatia’s defence—led by goalkeeper Marko Bijač—kept the contest tight. Missed man-up opportunities proved costly for Croatia, and Gkiouvetsis punished them with his third goal to make it 4–2. Pouros then restored Greece’s two-goal cushion in the final seconds of the half after Kharkov had scored from the penalty spot.
After the break, Greece briefly stretched their lead to three via a Papanastasiou penalty. Croatia responded strongly, with goals from Butić and Fatović levelling the score at 6–6. Stylianos Argyropoulos restored Greece’s lead late in the third period and continued to deliver at crucial moments.
In the fourth quarter, Greece rebuilt a two-goal lead, but the red card shown to Genidounias altered the flow of the match. Fatović converted from five metres, but Argyropoulos produced the decisive moment, scoring his fourth goal with a backhand finish to make it 11–9. Luka Žuvela narrowed the gap, yet Greece held firm. Croatia’s final attack ended with Papanastasiou blocking Fatović’s shot with two seconds remaining.
Georgia advance despite uneven display
Georgia joined Greece and Croatia in progressing from Group B with a 22–11 victory over Slovenia. Despite the final margin, the match remained competitive for much of the first half, with the teams tied 8–8 at halftime.
Slovenia, led by Jaša Kadivec and Aljaž Troppan, caused early problems, but Georgia asserted control in the third quarter with a decisive scoring run that broke the resistance.
Italy dominant in Group D
Italy confirmed top spot in Group D with a commanding 20–6 victory over Romania, producing their most complete performance of the tournament. After conceding heavily in earlier matches, Italy tightened defensively, limiting Romania to six goals and excelling in both man-up and man-down situations.
Italy’s young squad continued to show steady improvement, entering Group Phase II with six points and growing confidence, though sterner tests await against top-ranked opposition.
Türkiye stun Slovakia in late thriller
Türkiye claimed a landmark 17–16 victory over Slovakia to finish third in Group D and advance to the Top 12 in their first European Championship appearance since 2020.
A youthful Turkish side overcame a more experienced Slovak lineup, with a decisive 3–0 run late in the third quarter shaping the outcome. Nineteen-year-old Efe Naipoğlu led the scoring, while Türkiye managed the closing minutes with composure despite Slovakia’s late push, led by Lukáš Ďurík.
The result marked Türkiye’s fourth-ever win at the European Championships and keeps them in contention to surpass their best historical finish.
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