Greece crowned Women’s Water Polo World Champion, beats Hungary 12–9.

After 14 years, Greece has returned to the top of the world in women’s water polo. The national team defeated Hungary 12–9 in the final held in Singapore, making history once again.

Earlier this year, Greece also won the World Cup (again against Hungary) during Easter, and now they’ve climbed to the top step of the podium at the World Championships as well.

The Match

Greece got off to an ideal start with a penalty goal by Triha, won on the first possession by Myriokefalitaki.

At the start of the 2nd quarter, Triha scored on a power play, and Vaso Plevritou followed up with a stunning goal to make it 5–1. Vály pulled one back (6–2), but Xenaki responded again with a power-play goal just before halftime (6–2).

Leimeter scored a nice goal for Hungary, but once again Xenaki found the net for 7–3. Haidou cut it to 7–4, but Vaso Plevritou earned a penalty. Myriokefalitaki took the shot and made it 8–4 at the end of the 2nd quarter.

Vaso Plevritou opened the 3rd quarter scoring (9–4), but Keszthelyi responded (9–5). Zilagyi made it 9–6, but Santa blasted in a long-range goal for 10–6. She scored again early in the 4th for 11–6, and Triha made it 12–6.

Tiba reduced the margin to 12–7 at 5:45, then again to 12–8 on a 6-on-4 advantage for Hungary. Haidou made it 12–9 with 1:04 left, but it wasn’t enough.

Quarter Scores:
3–1, 3–1, 4–4, 2–3

Greece (Coach: Haris Pavlidis):
Stamatopoulou, Eleftheria Plevritou (1), Triha (3), Santa (2), Giannopoulou, Xenaki (3), Ninos, Patra, Siouti, Vasiliki Plevritou (2), Tornarou, Myriokefalitaki (1), Tzourka, Koureta.

Hungary (Coach: Sándor Cseh):
Neszmélyi, Zilagyi (1), Vály (1), Váró, Sümegi, Dosmóndi, Keszthelyi (1), Leimeter (1), Rybanska (1), Faragó, Garda, Torma, Tiba (2), Haidou (2).