The opening day of the 2025 World Aquatics Men’s U20 Water Polo Championships in Zagreb delivered exactly what the tournament promised: elite-level talent, thrilling finishes, and a glimpse at the sport’s rising stars.
Defending world champions Hungary and European junior champions Croatia each started their campaign with emphatic victories, while Spain and Greece emerged from nail-biting contests in Group B to complete a dramatic start to the tournament.
Division 1 – Group A
Hungary 18 – Montenegro 10
The reigning champions wasted no time stamping their authority. Led by captain Oliver Leinweber, who scored five goals, Hungary pulled away in the second quarter and never looked back. With dominant goalkeeping from Dávid Szitas and strong support from Martin Tóth and Botond Balogh, the Hungarians cruised past a competitive Montenegrin side.
USA 10 – Croatia 19
Croatia proved clinical against Team USA, breaking away after a tight first half. With the game tied at 6-6 late in the second quarter, Croatia scored two quick goals before the break and then exploded with six goals in the third. Ante Jerković led the charge with five goals, while Pavlić and Tončinić added valuable contributions.
Division 1 – Group B
Greece 19 – Italy 18
Perhaps the most dramatic game of the day. Greece led by five heading into the final quarter, but Italy roared back with an 8-goal final period. It wasn’t enough. Andreas Bitsakos (5 goals) and Apostolos Georgaras (3 goals) held their nerve late on, edging a chaotic finish that tested the composure of both sides.
Serbia 13 – Spain 14
In another razor-tight encounter, Serbia led 11-8 late in the third, only for Spain to mount a remarkable comeback. With five unanswered goals, Spain flipped the game in their favour. Biel Gomila and Albert Sabadell scored three apiece, while Didac Garcia made nine saves in goal. Strahinja Krstić starred for Serbia with five goals.
Division 2 – Round 1 Results
- Group C: Brazil 25 – South Africa 6
- Group D: Kazakhstan 12 – New Zealand 11
- Group E: Australia 16 – Colombia 11
- Group F: Canada 20 – Singapore 6
Brazil, Australia, Canada, and Kazakhstan all enjoyed strong starts in Division 2, with standout performances from Lucas Wulfhorst (Brazil), Zachary Izzard (Australia), and Pavle Jelić (Canada). Kazakhstan’s dramatic last-minute winner against New Zealand was the highlight among Division 2 matchups.
Group Standings After Day 1
Group A:
- Croatia – 3 pts
- Hungary – 3 pts
- Montenegro – 0 pts
- USA – 0 pts
Group B:
- Greece – 3 pts
- Spain – 3 pts
- Italy – 0 pts
- Serbia – 0 pts
Looking Ahead: Day 2 Schedule (June 15)
- 09:00 – Iran vs New Zealand
- 10:30 – Argentina vs Australia
- 12:00 – China vs Singapore
- 13:30 – Germany vs South Africa
- 16:00 – Greece vs Serbia
- 17:30 – USA vs Hungary
- 19:00 – Croatia vs Montenegro
- 20:30 – Italy vs Spain
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