Croatia, Spain, Hungary, and Greece are through to the semifinals of the World Cup Final Eight in Podgorica. Croatia edged Montenegro in a thriller, while the other favorites cruised.
Romania also earned a spot at the 2025 World Championships thanks to today’s results.
Montenegro 10–11 Croatia
In the match of the day, Croatia escaped with a dramatic 11–10 win over hosts Montenegro. Loren Fatović starred with six goals, including a sensational lob three seconds from time to seal the victory. Montenegro, playing without starting goalie Petar Tešanović, relied on Lazar Andrić, who kept them in the game with 11 saves. The hosts led for most of the contest and took a 10–8 advantage into the final minutes. But Fatović and Bušić led Croatia’s charge back.
Mauro Ivan Čubranić, who replaced Marko Bijač in the third period, made crucial late saves. After tying the game with 47 seconds left, Croatia got the ball one last time and Fatović delivered the final blow. It was a crushing loss for Montenegro, who had hoped to reach the semifinals on home soil. Croatia now advances to face Spain in the next round.
Spain 22–9 Germany
Spain dominated from start to finish, with Álvaro Granados and Alberto Munárriz scoring 10 goals combined. Germany couldn’t keep up with the reigning champs, who stormed into the semis.
Hungary 21–11 Netherlands
Hungary opened with a 4–0 run and never looked back. Nine different scorers, including the Vigvári brothers and Ádám Nagy, powered them into the semis with ease.
Greece 20–10 Japan
Japan hung on early, but Greece pulled away with a huge second-half run. Argyropoulos and Kalogeropoulos each scored four as Greece cruised into the final four.\
Romania Secure World Championship Spot
Romania didn’t play today, but the results brought good news. With Spain, Hungary, and Greece all winning—teams that had already qualified for the World Championships via other pathways—Romania’s eighth-place finish at the 2024 European Championships now guarantees them a spot in Singapore.
The final European slots are now filled by Italy, Montenegro, and Romania, joining Croatia (Olympic silver medalist) as representatives from the continent.
Semifinal Fixtures – April 12
- Hungary vs. Greece – 18:20
- Spain vs. Croatia – 20:30
5th–8th Place Matches
- Netherlands vs. Japan – 14:00
- Germany vs. Montenegro – 16:10