Get ready for an epic showdown in Belgrade as Hungary and Serbia gear up for the ultimate battle for European gold!
In a thrilling semi-final clash, Hungary showcased their defensive prowess and clinical finishing, sweeping aside Greece with a dominant performance. The Greeks started strong, leading early, but the Magyars' defensive masterclass shut down their rivals, resulting in a memorable victory.
Meanwhile, hosts Serbia put on a spectacular display of strength, powering past Italy and sending the Belgrade Arena into a frenzy. Dusan Mandic and Strahinja Rasovic were the stars of the show, each scoring four goals, and now they aim to claim their third consecutive European Championships final on home soil.
The Men's 2026 European Water Polo Championships in Belgrade promises an unforgettable spectacle. On Day 14, Friday, January 23rd, we witnessed two intense semi-final battles:
Hungary vs. Greece: 15-12
Serbia vs. Italy: 17-13
In a game that will go down in history, Hungary defeated Greece with clinical precision. Both teams showcased stunning offensive combinations, but it was Hungary's defense that stepped up, conceding only seven goals in the final three quarters.
The match began with a penalty converted by Konstantinos Genidounias, followed by an incredible shot from Krisztian Manhercz. The Greeks defended well, but Hungary's precision in man-up situations, scoring 8 out of 9 shots, proved decisive.
As the game progressed, Hungary's dominance grew. Manhercz's equalizing goal in the second period was a turning point, as it kept the Greek scoring machine on the bench for crucial minutes. Despite Alexandros Papanastasiou's efforts, Hungary's defense held strong, and Vince Varga's equalizer kept the game tightly contested.
The second half saw Hungary's Soma Vogel shine, making crucial saves and keeping the Greeks at bay. Zsombor Vismeg's goal from the center gave Hungary a 3-0 lead in the third quarter, but the Greeks fought back, narrowing the gap to 10-11.
However, Hungary's confidence remained unshaken. Vendel Vigvari's converted extra put them back in control, and despite a late Greek comeback attempt, Hungary's defense held firm.
In the other semi-final, Serbia dominated from the start, unlike their previous encounters against Hungary and Spain. Despite losing captain Nikola Jaksic to a red card, they maintained control throughout the match.
The Italians, overwhelmed by the passionate Belgrade crowd, struggled to find their rhythm. Milan Glusac's impressive 14 saves earned him the MVP award and kept the Serbs in command.
Dusan Mandic and Nikola Jaksic opened the scoring with powerful blasts, but Lorenzo Bruni kept the Italians in the game with an extra goal. The Serbs had their chances, but missed a six-on-four and a clean shot from the center.
As the game progressed, the Serbs buried two six-on-fives, taking a 5-3 lead into the second quarter. Vasilije Martinovic's man-up goal and Edoardo Di Somma's exclusion gave Serbia a three-goal advantage early in the second.
The Italians fought back, but Serbia's offensive intensity and Milan Glusac's saves kept them in check. A controversial moment saw Nikola Jaksic receive a red card, but the Serbs maintained their focus and Mandic's goal extended their lead to 9-6.
Iocchi Gratta's late goal in the third quarter kept the Italians within striking distance, but the Serbs' momentum carried them forward. Strahinja Rasovic's goal from their own extra put them up 12-7, and despite Italian efforts, the Serbs' defense held strong.
In the fourth quarter, Serbia's festival continued. Djordje Lazic's rebound goal and Strahinja Rasovic's clean shot in a man-up showcased their dominance. Despite Italy's late rally, it was too little, too late to spoil the Serbian celebration.
Join us for the grand finale as Hungary and Serbia clash for the European title on Sunday! Will Hungary claim their third championship in five editions, or will Serbia reign supreme on home soil?
Don't miss a moment of the action! Catch all the live coverage on Eurovision Sport and stay tuned to European Aquatics Water Polo's social media for the latest updates.
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