Strong defence proved decisive as the Netherlands and Hungary booked their places in the gold-medal match at the 2026 Women’s European Championships in Funchal.
The defending champions, the Netherlands, produced a composed and controlled display to defeat Italy 8–4 in the first semifinal, while Hungary edged a dramatic penalty shootout against reigning world champions Greece in a thrilling second encounter.
Hungary edge Greece in shootout drama
Semifinal
Greece 11–12 Hungary (after penalties, 8–8 FT)
Hungary reached their first European final since 2016 — when they won gold in Belgrade — by overcoming Greece in a tense shootout, taking a measure of revenge for defeats in the finals of both the World Cup and World Championships last year.
The Hungarians made the stronger start, leading 3–1 at the end of the first quarter. Greece gradually found their rhythm and levelled early in the third period (5–5), but missed chances on extra-player situations prevented them from seizing control.
With under three minutes remaining, Xenaki equalised again at 6–6, only for Hungary to respond with two quick goals to open an 8–6 lead. Greece showed resilience, striking back through Siouti and Plevritou to force an 8–8 tie with just 39 seconds left on the clock.
Hungary lost possession on their final attack, sending the contest to penalties. After Greece goalkeeper Stamatopoulou denied Rita Keszthelyi in the opening round, Hungary turned to their reserve goalkeeper, Szonja Golopencza, who delivered two crucial saves to seal a dramatic shootout victory and send Hungary into the final.
Netherlands too strong for Italy
Semifinal
Netherlands 8–4 Italy
The Netherlands laid the foundations for victory early, racing into a 3–0 lead inside the opening two minutes. Their defensive organisation frustrated Italy throughout the first half, and midway through the second quarter the Dutch had extended their advantage to 5–1.
Italy attempted to claw their way back after the break, with Bettini narrowing the gap in the 23rd minute. However, the Netherlands responded calmly, with Hicks converting a woman-up late in the third quarter to make it 6–3, ending a rare 12-minute scoreless spell.
From there, the defending champions managed the game expertly, limiting Italy’s chances and closing out a convincing 8–4 win to book their place in Thursday’s gold-medal match.
Classification matches
Spain will meet Croatia in the fifth-place playoff, while France and Israel will contest seventh place. Great Britain concluded their European campaign in ninth position, finishing ahead of Serbia, Germany, Portugal, Türkiye, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Romania.
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