“Jugadores de waterpolo españoles en las portadas de ‘Marke’ y ‘Asa'”
Spaniards stand on the podium in Zagreb, Photo: Real Federación Española de Natación (X)
Since 2018, Spain has participated in eight major competitions, consistently reaching at least the semi-finals and bringing home seven medals, including two golds. This makes Spain a formidable force in water polo and cements its prominence with a historic European title.
Coach David Martin’s squad achieved what many past generations failed to do, including Olympic and world champions from the turn of the millennium—securing Europe’s top honor.
Spain clinched its first continental championship against the defending champions, Croatia, in their water polo stronghold “on the Sava” in Zagreb.
The fact that star players like Alvaro Granados and the legendary Felipe Perone graced the covers of Spain’s leading sports publications—”Marca” and “As”—illustrates the significance of the water polo team’s success in a country where football typically dominates the headlines.
“Liquid Gold” reads the headline in “Marca.”
“Bathing in Gold,” proclaims the front page of “As.”
“Alvaro Granados’ unforgettable goal, a remarkable screw shot, 48 seconds before the final whistle, propelled David Martin’s team to Paris,” adds “As.”
Though not in the spotlight, Spain’s water polo players—predominantly from Catalonia—also made headlines in popular sports newspapers from Barcelona.
“The gold we dreamed of,” states “Mundo Deportivo.”
“Champions of Europe—Spain is also headed to the Olympic Games,” proclaims “Sport.”
As European champions and world champions from two years ago, this exceptional generation of Spain will seek the ultimate prize—gold at the Olympics in Paris this summer.
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