Hungary Clinches Victory Over Spain with VAR: Greece Reaches World Cup Final for the First Time
Stars of Greece: Konstantinos Kakaris and Dimitrios Nikolaidis, Image: worldaquatics
Powerful Greece and ever-competent Hungary – the World Cup in Fukuoka has determined its finalists.
In the initial semi-final of the Water Polo World Cup, the “Hellenes” overcame Serbia with a score of 13:7, while in a nail-biting second match, Hungary edged out the reigning champion Spain with a score of 12:11, scoring the decisive goal in the match’s dying seconds.
Christian Manherz was the hero, with the ball nearly crossing the goal line before VAR confirmed it. Hungary secures its place in the final once more.
The last time this prestigious team was crowned champion was in 2013, defeating Montenegro in the final match.
The grand finale is set for Saturday at 11 a.m., while Serbia and Spain will clash at 9 a.m. in the third-place match.
Rejuvenated Serbia surprised Italy in the quarter-finals but stood no chance against formidable Greece in the quest for the World Cup final.
The “Dolphins” hit a wall against the team coached by Teodoros Vlahos – Greece convincingly took down Serbia with a dominant 13:7 to reach the finals of the World Water Polo Championship for the first time in history.
Previously, Greece had never reached a final at the European Championships, although they broke that barrier two years ago at the Tokyo Olympics by winning a silver medal. By advancing to the finals in Fukuoka, they have ensured participation in the next Olympics in Paris.
With one of the world’s top centers, Konstantinos Kakaris, leading the charge, Greece effectively sealed the match early in the third quarter with a commanding lead of 7:2, maintaining their momentum until the end.
Kakaris and Stilijanos Argiropoulos both contributed three goals to the victory, while Emanuil Cervedas excelled in goal with 11 saves.
For Serbia, Strahinja Rašović and Nikola Jakšić were the standout players, each netting two goals.
In the second semi-final, although Spain initially took the lead, Hungary consistently fought back, with Manherz ultimately sealing the win.
Manherz was Hungary’s standout performer, scoring three goals, while Gergo Zalanki and Szilard Jansik contributed with two goals each.
Spain saw Alberto Munariz, Bernat Sanauža, and Felipe Perone each score two goals.
WC FUKUOKA 2023.
Semi-final Results
Greece – Serbia 13:7
Hungary – Spain 12:11
FINAL, Saturday 11:00 a.m
Greece – Hungary
Third Place Match, 9:00 a.m
Serbia – Spain
7th Place Match, 04:30 a.m
Montenegro – USA
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