The quarter-final line-up at the European U20 Championships in Varna is complete after Hungary, Croatia, Germany and Montenegro came through Thursday’s crossover round.
They join Italy, Spain, Serbia and Greece in the last eight, with Spain facing Hungary and Serbia meeting Croatia among Friday’s standout quarter-finals.
Montenegro survived the biggest scare of the day, eventually overcoming Malta 17-15 after trailing by two goals early in the final quarter.
Malta recovered from an early three-goal deficit and levelled at 9-9 shortly before half-time. Captain Jayden Cutajar then put the Maltese ahead in the third period before two goals from Elijah Schembri helped them take a 13-11 advantage into the final eight minutes.
Malta still led 14-12 before Montenegro responded with four unanswered goals to turn the game around. Cutajar reduced the deficit to 16-15 with 47 seconds remaining, but Tim Perov scored on the following possession to secure Montenegro’s place in the quarter-finals.
Cutajar and Montenegro’s Moracanin finished with four goals each.
Germany were also pushed all the way, defeating the Netherlands 16-15 in another dramatic crossover.
The Dutch led 5-3 after the opening quarter and remained two goals ahead midway through the third. Germany then produced a four-goal run to move from 11-9 down to 13-11 ahead.
The Netherlands twice equalised during the final quarter, but two German goals in 46 seconds restored a 16-14 advantage. The Dutch pulled one back but could not find another equaliser.
Oskar Halb led Germany with five goals, while Imme van der Schaaf scored four for the Netherlands.
Hungary and Croatia had far more comfortable afternoons. Hungary defeated Turkiye 21-10, with Mor Benedek scoring five and Botond Balogh adding four.
Croatia were equally dominant in a 21-8 victory over France. Susic and Burburan scored four goals apiece.
Friday’s quarter-finals will see Spain face Hungary, Serbia take on Croatia, Italy meet Germany and Greece play Montenegro.
In the 13th-16th classification, Romania beat Slovenia 17-10 while hosts Bulgaria edged Czechia 14-13. Romania and Bulgaria also secured their places in the Elite Division for the next edition, with Slovenia and Czechia relegated.
In Division 1 in Oeiras, Neutral Athletes B, Israel and Belgium have secured semifinal places. Georgia and Poland will meet for the remaining spot.
SEO title: European U20 quarter-finals set after Montenegro and Germany survive thrillers
Results
European U20 Championships – Elite Division, crossover round
Hungary 21-10 Turkiye
Croatia 21-8 France
Germany 16-15 Netherlands
Montenegro 17-15 Malta
13th-16th place classification
Romania 17-10 Slovenia
Czech Republic 13-14 Bulgaria
Quarter-finals – August 14
Spain vs Hungary
Serbia vs Croatia
Italy vs Germany
Greece vs Montenegro
Homepage
Read more about U20 European Championships
Read more about Youth water polo
Visit the WP360 Shop!
Follow Waterpolo 360 on Facebook, Instagram and X