After two thrilling semifinals and a full slate of classification matches, the stage is set for the final day of the 2025 World Aquatics Men’s Water Polo Championships in Singapore. Hungary and Spain will contest the gold-medal final at 21:35 CET, with both sides riding the momentum of unforgettable semifinal wins—Hungary edging Serbia 19–18 in a high-octane classic, and Spain narrowly surviving Greece’s comeback to win in a penalty shootout.
Earlier in the day, classification matches will determine the final standings: Italy and the United States meet for 7th place, Montenegro face Croatia in an all-Balkan clash for 5th, while Greece and Serbia—both heartbreak semifinal losers—will battle for bronze. Japan, meanwhile, matched their best-ever finish (9th) after a wild win over Romania, and Canada claimed 11th with a comeback victory against Brazil. The final day promises fireworks, redemption arcs, and one last shot at glory.
Semi-Finals
Serbia 18 – 19 Hungary
Hungary triumphed over Serbia 19–18 in an unforgettable World Championship semifinal that showcased elite skill, relentless pace, and dramatic swings in momentum. The Hungarians came out firing, dominating the first quarter 6–3, but Serbia roared back in the second to briefly take the lead. By halftime it was level at 8–8, but the third period proved decisive—Hungary exploded with eight goals, including a stunning penalty from Manhercz and a pair of clinical strikes from Fekete and Nagy, building a seemingly insurmountable 16–12 advantage.
Serbia, led by a phenomenal six-goal performance from Dusan Mandic, launched a furious final-quarter comeback, cutting the deficit to just one goal with under two minutes to play. But Hungary held firm, with Vendel Vigvari’s goal on a crucial man-up sealing the win in the final moments. Manhercz and Fekete each scored four, while Hungary’s power-play efficiency (10/16) and sharp execution under pressure proved vital. Serbia’s late charge came too late, and Hungary—clearly the more determined side across four quarters—secured their place in the gold-medal final.
Greece 9 – 11 Spain
Spain edged past Greece 11–9 in a dramatic semifinal decided by penalties, booking their place in the World Championship final.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, shaped by moments of individual brilliance, critical fouls, and late drama. Spain initially built a commanding 6–2 lead, capitalizing on a four-minute man-up following a violent foul by Chalyvopoulos in the second quarter. However, Greece stormed back with five unanswered goals, eventually taking the lead late in the fourth quarter. Just when it looked like they had sealed the win, Alberto Munarriz scored with only two seconds left on the clock to force a penalty shootout.
Both teams struggled in the third quarter, but a red card to Álvaro Granados in the 21st minute left Spain without their star attacker. Greece used the momentum to go ahead 7–6 in the closing minutes, thanks to strong performances from Gkillas and Argyropoulos. Still, Spain held their nerve, and after forcing the shootout, it was goalkeeper Unai Aguirre who became the hero—saving two penalties to secure victory. The defending European and World Cup champions now head to the final with a chance to complete an historic treble.
Classifications
5-8 Semi-Finals
Italy 8 – 12 Montenegro
Montenegro defeated Italy 12–8 with a dominant display, shutting out their opponents in the first quarter to seize early control. The Montenegrins showed far more drive and urgency in the 5th–8th place semifinal, eager to restore pride after their quarterfinal loss to Spain. Italy, playing without Iocchi Gratta due to a four-game suspension, struggled to generate momentum and never seriously threatened a comeback. Montenegro led 7–3 at halftime and maintained a comfortable cushion throughout, with Balsa Vuckovic leading the charge. Despite some late resistance from Italy, the result was never in doubt.
United States 9 – 14 Croatia
Croatia overcame Team USA 14–9 in the 5th–8th place semifinal, showing flashes of their world champion pedigree with a dominant second quarter that proved decisive. After a close opening period, Croatia surged ahead 7–2 by halftime with slick passing and clinical finishing, while the USA struggled to keep pace. The Americans rallied in the second half, closing the gap to three goals on multiple occasions, but Croatia’s experience and sharp shooting proved too much. Rino Buric led the scoring with three goals, while the Dodd brothers and Marko Vavic stood out for the USA.
9th place play-off
Japan 20 – 19 Romania
Japan secured 9th place—matching their best-ever World Championship finish from 2022—after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Romania. Despite leading by eight goals early on, Japan had to fend off a fierce Romanian comeback that tied the game 16–16 with 34 seconds left. Goalkeeper Nishimura made two crucial saves in the shootout, including one in the sixth round, to seal the victory.
11th place play-off
Brazil 11 – 16 Canada
Canada avenged their earlier shootout loss to Brazil with a dominant comeback win in Singapore. Despite trailing 5–2 and losing veteran Gardijan to exclusion, the Canadians stormed back with a 7–0 run, including four unanswered goals in the third quarter. Brazil couldn’t respond as Canada sealed a convincing victory in their second meeting.
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