Greece has made history by winning its first Women’s Water Polo World Cup, defeating Hungary 13-9 in the final held in Chengdu, China, on Easter Sunday. The Greek team, under the guidance of coach Charis Pavlidis, showcased a dominant performance throughout the tournament, culminating in a thrilling victory that marks a significant milestone in their sporting history.

Key Takeaways

  • Greece won the Women’s Water Polo World Cup for the first time.
  • The final score against Hungary was 13-9.
  • Elena Xenaki was named the tournament MVP.
  • Greece staged a remarkable comeback in the semifinals against the Netherlands.
  • The victory is a historic achievement for Greek women’s water polo.

Dominant Performance in the Final

From the outset, Greece demonstrated its intent to win, leading 6-4 at halftime. The team maintained its momentum with a powerful third quarter, outscoring Hungary 6-3 to establish a commanding 12-7 lead. Key players included:

  • Alexia Tzourka: The rookie goalkeeper made 13 crucial saves, proving instrumental in Greece’s defensive strategy.
  • Elena Xenaki: Scored multiple goals and was later awarded MVP of the tournament.
  • Vasiliki and Eleftheria Plevritou: Both players contributed significantly to the scoring, setting the tone early in the match.

Road to the Final

Greece’s journey to the final was marked by impressive victories:

  1. Quarterfinals: Defeated Italy 19-14.
  2. Semifinals: Overcame the Netherlands in a dramatic comeback, winning 15-13 after trailing by four goals.

This resilience showcased the team’s determination and tactical prowess, especially against the Dutch, who were the bronze medalists at the recent Paris Olympics.

Coach’s Pride and National Celebration

After the victory, coach Charis Pavlidis expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, "My first tournament as head coach of Greece was combined with winning the gold medal. We played well, we had good defense, and we made few mistakes. It was a good game."

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Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also congratulated the team, highlighting their achievement as a source of national pride. The victory not only marks a significant achievement for the team but also elevates Greece’s status in the world of water polo, where they have been competitive since the mid-1990s.

Historical Context

This win is particularly significant as it comes after Greece’s previous successes, including:

  • Silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
  • Gold medal at the 2011 World Championship.
  • Multiple medals in European Championships and World League events.

The triumph in Chengdu is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, finally bringing home the coveted World Cup trophy.

As Greece celebrates this monumental achievement, the future looks bright for women’s water polo in the country, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue excellence in the sport.

Sources

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Emre Emehet
Emre Emehet
Emre Emehet is a 45-year-old journalist from the Balkans, best known for his dedication to telling stories that reflect the everyday lives of people in his region. Growing up in a small town in northern Bosnia, Emre always had an interest in local history and storytelling, which drew him to pursue a degree in journalism and communications at the University of Sarajevo. He wasn’t the top of his class, but his professors admired his practical approach and natural curiosity, qualities that would later define his career.

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