Greece produced the standout result of the final group-stage matches at the World Aquatics U16 Women’s Water Polo Championships in Zagreb, defeating defending champions Spain 8-5 to complete an unbeaten opening phase.

Georgia Lampatou scored three times for Greece, who broke open a closely contested game during the final quarter. Spain goalkeeper Julia Teodoro made 10 saves, but the reigning champions were unable to recover as Greece secured a quarterfinal against New Zealand.

Hungary also reached the last eight after surviving a dramatic contest against Canada. The teams were level at 10-10 after regulation before Hungary prevailed 15-14 following a sudden-death penalty shootout.

Hungarian captain Doniz Domsodi scored four goals as her side claimed the victory needed to progress. Canada had an opportunity to win the shootout but failed to convert its decisive attempt.

The United States completed the group phase with a perfect record after recovering from a two-goal deficit to beat Italy 6-4. Italy led 4-2 during the second quarter, but Kate Bambury scored four times as the Americans shut their opponents out throughout the second half.

Australia secured its quarterfinal place with an 11-9 victory over hosts Croatia. Juliette Trbojevic Cabrera led Australia with four goals, while Karla Popovic scored five for a Croatian side that pushed the unbeaten Australians throughout.

Russia beat Turkiye 10-8 to book a meeting with the Netherlands, who comfortably defeated Israel 10-4. New Zealand completed the quarterfinal line-up by overcoming China 8-6.

Elsewhere, Peru recorded a memorable first victory by defeating Germany following a penalty shootout. The game finished just 3-3 in regulation before Peru won 7-6 overall.

Ukraine also needed penalties to beat Romania 10-8, while Serbia defeated Brazil 11-5 behind five-goal performances from Jana Pejic and Masa Cuk.

The knockout phase began on Wednesday, with Hungary leading the United States 7-5 in the opening quarterfinal at the time of publication. Australia were due to face Spain later in the day, followed by Russia against the Netherlands and Greece against New Zealand.

The semifinals will be played on Thursday before the medal matches conclude the competition on Friday.

Results

Hungary 15-14 Canada (10-10, Hungary won on penalties)
Greece 8-5 Spain
United States 6-4 Italy
Netherlands 10-4 Israel
New Zealand 8-6 China
South Africa 12-4 Mexico
Czechia 14-7 Zimbabwe
Ukraine 10-8 Romania (7-7, Ukraine won on penalties)
Australia 11-9 Croatia
Russia 10-8 Turkiye
Peru 7-6 Germany (3-3, Peru won on penalties)
Serbia 11-5 Brazil

Classification matches:

Italy 12-5 Israel
Croatia 8-7 Romania
China 11-7 Ukraine
Germany 8-7 Brazil
Turkiye 19-6 Czechia
Serbia 18-16 Canada