The stage is set for a thrilling finish at the World Aquatics Women’s U20 Championships in Salvador, with four heavyweights advancing to the medal rounds. The United States will meet Italy, while Spain will face Greece in Friday’s semifinals.
Quarter-final highlights
United States 24–6 Croatia
After a competitive first half, USA exploded with a 13–1 second-half run. Meghan McAninch scored five, while Emily Ausmus, Charlotte Raisin, and Allison Cohen each netted four. Lauren Steele stopped nine shots as the Americans maintained their unbeaten record.
Italy 11–9 Netherlands
Italy’s defensive shutout in the opening quarter proved decisive. Malika Bovo and Beatrice Cassarà both scored hat-tricks, while captain Emma de March led from the front. Even a late Dutch surge couldn’t deny Italy’s first semi-final berth since 2011.
Spain 15–13 Hungary (pens)
Spain edged the reigning champions after a tense shootout. Carlota Penalver’s three goals and Blanca Colominas’ penalty save on Zoe Lendvay proved crucial. Hungary had forced the shootout with Dominika Kardos’ late equaliser but couldn’t finish the job from the 5m line.
Greece 20–7 Brazil
Greece never looked troubled, with Dionysia Koureta, Efstathia Kovatsevits, Zoi Tzortzakaki and Rafaela Saltamanika each scoring three. The reigning senior European champions’ junior side looks in ominous form.
Friday’s medal semifinals
- 19:00 – USA vs Italy
- 20:30 – Spain vs Greece
Both semifinals feature unbeaten sides, with the winners booking a place in Sunday’s gold-medal match.
Other results
- Classification 5–8: Croatia will meet Netherlands; Hungary face Brazil.
- Classification 9–12: China beat Israel 19–10; Australia defeated New Zealand 13–5.
- Classification 13–16: Argentina beat Mexico 12–8; Canada overcame South Africa 12–4.
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