Two heavyweight clashes headlined Day 1 of Group Phase II at the 2026 European Women’s Water Polo Championships, with Greece and the Netherlands delivering statement wins in Funchal.
Greece powered past Italy in Group E, while the Netherlands survived a tense, defensive battle against Hungary in Group F. The results leave Greece all but assured of top spot in their group, while the semifinal picture in Group F remains delicately poised.
Group E – Round 1
Greece 15–10 Italy
Croatia 15–9 France
Greece stunned Italy with an explosive opening, racing into a 4–0 lead inside six minutes and stretching the margin to 6–1 by the first break. Italy briefly rallied in the third quarter—cutting the deficit to two on two occasions—but Greece responded ruthlessly, restoring a five-goal cushion before the final period and closing out comfortably.
Vasiliki Plevritou led the charge with four goals, underlining Greece’s attacking depth and control. Despite the defeat, Italy remain firmly in the semifinal hunt and must now beat France to keep their campaign on track.
Earlier, Croatia dictated the tempo throughout against France, securing a deserved six-goal victory. While a semifinal place remains unlikely, the Croats’ performances across the phase have been encouraging ahead of the classification matches.
Standings: 1. Greece 6 pts, 2. Italy 3 pts, 3. Croatia 3 pts, 4. France 0 pts.
Group F – Round 1
Netherlands 5–4 Hungary
Spain 23–7 Israel
Defence ruled the day in a gripping derby between the Netherlands and Hungary. Goals from Lieke and Bente Rogge gave the Dutch a crucial 2–0 first-quarter edge. Hungary finally broke through in the 11th minute, but the Netherlands carried a 4–2 lead into halftime.
The third quarter passed scoreless, highlighted by penalty saves at both ends from Aarts (Netherlands) and Neszmély (Hungary). Hungary clawed level late on through a woman-up conversion, only for the Dutch to strike decisively with 96 seconds remaining. Another late penalty save by Neszmély kept Hungary within touching distance—and effectively protected their semifinal prospects.
Spain, meanwhile, eased past Israel in what served as a warm-up for their decisive final group match against the Netherlands, where they must chase a two-goal win.
Standings: 1. Netherlands 6 pts, 2. Hungary 3 pts, 3. Spain 3 pts, 4. Israel 0 pts.
Semifinal outlook: Hungary remain best placed among the chasing pack. A likely win over Israel on Sunday would send them through regardless of the Spain–Netherlands result, with a narrow Spain victory even opening the door to Hungary topping the group.
9th–16th Place Classification
Group G – Round 1
Germany 14–15 Türkiye (shootout)
Serbia 12–4 Slovakia
Türkiye edged Germany after penalties, while Serbia cruised past Slovakia. Serbia and Germany will meet to decide top spot and the right to contest ninth place.
Standings: 1. Serbia 6 pts, 2. Germany 4 pts, 3. Türkiye 2 pts, 4. Slovakia 0 pts.
Group H – Round 1
Portugal 17–10 Switzerland
Great Britain 20–2 Romania
Great Britain and Portugal both enjoyed straightforward victories and will face each other in the final round with first place in the group on the line.
Standings: 1. Great Britain 6 pts, 2. Portugal 6 pts, 3. Switzerland 0 pts, 4. Romania 0 pts.
European Championships 2026 Homepage
Follow Waterpolo 360 on Facebook, Instagram and X