Greece punches their ticket to the final for the first time since 2011 with a clutch performance. Hungary dominates from start to finish while flying into second straight World Championship final. With both teams showcasing crisp defence, Greece and Hungary will battle for gold, while the 3rd place match will feature reigning World Champions USA against Olympic Champions Spain.
Greece beat the reigning champions in a commanding performance built on extraordinary defensive discipline and clinical execution. The Americans struggled to break through the Greek wall, while Greece maintained composure on both ends, eyeing their first world title since their lone gold in 2011. Hungary, meanwhile, overwhelmed Spain from the opening whistle, controlling every aspect of the game. An explosive first half and another standout performance by goalkeeper Boglarka Neszmelyi sealed Hungary’s place in back-to-back finals, as they aim to improve on last year’s silver and claim the top of the podium. The young American squad will now take on Spain for bronze—two global giants fighting to leave with a medal. Australia and the Netherlands will battle for fifth place, while Italy meets Japan in the playoff for seventh.
Greece stun reigning champions with defensive masterclass to reach the final
Left-hander Emma Lineback opened the scoring for Team USA, but the Americans were met with fierce resistance from Greece’s M-Zone defence. Recording multiple field blocks, the U.S. shut down Greece for nearly the entire first period, while struggling to convert their own chances. A VAR review overturned Greece’s first goal and instead awarded a penalty to the USA, calmly converted by Jenna Flynn. But Greece responded with two quick goals in 30 seconds to level the game at 2–2 at the end of the opening period.
Emily Ausmus put the U.S. back ahead in the second with a sharp skip shot, but Greece struck back quickly on a well-executed woman-up play. Eleni Xenaki then gave Greece their first lead after a clever finish with the U.S. goalkeeper out of position, followed by Foteini Tricha’s goal on a perfect counterattack to stretch the lead to two. Ryann Neushul reduced the gap with a strong penalty, but Xenaki scored again, redirecting the ball with her fingertips, to restore the cushion. An individual effort by Ausmus earned another penalty just before halftime, which Team USA converted to bring the score within one.
The momentum shifted in the third quarter. USA struck twice in quick succession to regain the lead, but Maria Myriokefalitaki’s calm and clinical finish from center leveled the match again. The teams exchanged goals, with neither able to gain separation, as Greece continued to impress defensively, led by another standout performance from goalkeeper Ioanna Stamatopoulou.
Leading by one heading into the final quarter, Greece struck again through Stefania Santa—her third of the match—before Lineback responded immediately to cut the lead. But Greece held firm, denying two crucial U.S. power plays, and then pulled away. Xenaki completed her hat trick with a powerful backhand finish, and Vasiliki Plevritou added two quick goals, giving Greece a commanding four-goal lead. USA managed one final goal with a 7-on-6 play, but it was too late to change the outcome. Greece advance to their second-ever World Championship final. Their disciplined defence, backed by the brilliant Stamatopoulou in goal, left fans and opponents stunned. They will now battle for their first world title since 2011.
Hungary stuns Spain with dominant Semifinal display
Hungary delivered a masterclass in execution and intensity, overpowering Spain to book their place in a second consecutive World Championship final. Spain opened the scoring with a strong center goal from Paula Leiton, but Hungary quickly flipped the game with two sharp woman-up conversions. Krisztina Garda’s strike gave Hungary a two-goal cushion, and the goal flood started. Eszter Varro added another with a post finish, followed by Dorottya Szilagyi capitalising on a Spanish turnover to score into an empty net. With six unanswered goals, Hungary silenced the Spanish offence, until Elena Ruiz finally found the net with a long-range effort to end the first quarter 6–2.
Spain looked to respond early in the second with a power play goal from Paula Crespi, but Hungary stayed relentless. Dora Leimeter and Rita Keszthelyi combined for back-to-back goals, before Szilagyi struck again on the counter to stretch Hungary’s lead to seven. Spain struggled to find their rhythm, stopped repeatedly by Hungary’s field blocks and the superb form of goalkeeper Boglarka Neszmelyi. Elena Ruiz added a goal in transition, but Keszthelyi’s second of the game restored Hungary’s commanding advantage heading into halftime.
Hungary continued their clinical display in the third. Vanda Valyi finished a fast break, and although Bea Ortiz lobbed one in for Spain, Keszthelyi answered immediately to regain the eight-goal cushion.
Elena Ruiz and Paula Camus reduced the deficit in the dying minutes, but Hungary maintained firm control. Led by an inspired Rita Keszthelyi and anchored by Neszmelyi’s 13 saves, Hungary’s all-around performance left Spain with little room to respond. With this win, Hungary advances to their second straight World Championship final, seeking to upgrade last year’s silver. Spain, meanwhile, will aim to regroup and fight for bronze to stay on the podium.
Semifinals Results:
Greece 14 – 10 USA
Hungary 15 – 9 Spain
Finals Schedule:
July 23rd 2025
Gold Medal Game – 15:35CET Greece – Hungary
Bronze Medal Game – 11:35CET USA – Spain
5th–8th Place
Australia vs. Japan
Japan started strong against Australia, capitalising on fast breaks and sharp shooting to stay level in a high-scoring first quarter. While the Aussie Stingers remained composed and converted their chances confidently, their defence initially struggled to contain Japan’s pace and quick ball movement.
Australia found their rhythm in the second quarter, pulling ahead with a three-goal lead for the first time. With Tilly Kearns dominant at center forward, Japan had difficulty defending. Still, the Japanese side showed resilience, trying to close the gap with their trademark fast-paced, mobile style, but Australia maintained their three-goal cushion heading into halftime.
Despite Japan’s push, where they reduced the gap back to two, Australia stayed ahead, leaning heavily on their centers, with both Kearns and Danijela Jackovich finishing the match with five goals each. The final quarter sealed the result, with the Stingers taking control and securing the win to advance to the 5th place match.
Italy vs. Netherlands
The Netherlands burst out of the gates with a dominant start, racing to a 3–0 lead in the opening minutes. Italy managed to respond and close the gap to one, but the Dutch quickly regained control, ending the first quarter with a commanding four-goal lead. The second quarter saw a strong response from Italy. While the Netherlands opened the scoring again, Italy fired back with three unanswered goals. Four different Italian players got on the scoreboard in the period, helping reduce the deficit to just two at halftime.
After the break, the Dutch came out fierce, scoring four consecutive goals to open up a six-goal lead. Italy responded with a timeout that proved effective, scoring immediately to stop the Dutch run. The match took a dramatic turn when Simone van de Kraats received a red card, forcing the Netherlands to play a woman down for four minutes while Italy was awarded a penalty. Sofia Giustini converted the opportunity to cut the lead back to three. Despite the disadvantage, Dutch captain Sabrina van der Sloot found the back of the net, giving her side a four-goal cushion entering the final period. Italy refused to back down. A well-executed woman-up brought the Setterosa within two, and strong defensive adjustments helped stop the Dutch offence.
A spirited push saw Italy narrow the gap to a single goal late in the fourth, sparking hopes of a comeback. But the Netherlands held their nerve, scoring a crucial goal to restore a two-goal lead, followed by a decisive woman-up conversion that sealed the 13–10 victory. The Netherlands will now face Australia in the match for 5th place.
5th-8th Place Results:
Australia 21 – 17 Japan
Italy 13 – 16 Netherlands
5th-8th Place Schedule:
July 23rd 2025
5th Place – 14:00CET Australia – Netherlands
7th Place – 10:00CET Japan – Italy
9th-12th Place
9th Place – China 10 – 6 New Zealand
After strong performances throughout the World Championships, China and New Zealand faced off in their final game with 9th place on the line. China opened with confidence, racing to a 3–0 lead within the first three minutes. New Zealand showed resilience in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to just two goals, led by another standout performance from Morgan McDowell, who netted five times. However, China’s disciplined defence and well-organised team play proved too strong. Despite failing to convert a single power play, China looked composed and dangerous, with four players scoring multiple goals to highlight a well-balanced attack. Both teams leave the tournament with heads held high—demonstrating clear improvement and pushing close to the top 8. Their performances offer real promise for the future, where a quarterfinal qualification seems well within reach.
11th Place – Great Britain 14 – 9 France
In a repeat of their group stage encounter, Great Britain once again came out on top against France to secure 11th place and match their result from last year’s World Championships. France opened the scoring in the first quarter, but Great Britain quickly responded, shifting the momentum and never losing control. With a consistent performance across all four quarters, the British side steadily extended their lead, ultimately sealing a convincing win. A strong team effort was on full display, with eight different players finding the back of the net. Team captain Kathy Rodgers and Lily Turner led the charge with three goals apiece, while goalkeeper Sophie Jackson made a significant impact with 13 saves. A four-goal cushion established in the third quarter proved decisive, topping off a solid campaign for Great Britain.
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