Spain and Netherlands advance to European women’s water polo final in 2023 World Championship rematch

1^cent-Four^th Semi-final results
Netherlands 7 – 6 Italy
Spain 13 – 5 Greece

Five^th-8^th Semi-final
Croatia 10 – 12 France
Great Britain 5 – 21 Hungary

Twelve years ago, at the 2012 European Championships at Eindhoven’s Pieter van den Hoogenband Aquatics Stadium, Italy defeated hosts Netherlands in the quarter-finals to win their fifth European gold medal.

This time, in the semi-finals against the same opponents, the Dutch team was once again supported by a loud and raucous capacity crowd and did not disappoint, but after a tense 7-6 victory their nerves were torn to shreds. It was done.

The opening second quarter was a tense affair, with both teams’ offensive lines in disarray and they were unable to find a real rhythm.

Netherlands’ Bente Rogge commented after the match: “I think as a result of trying to be patient, we weren’t creative enough and weren’t very aggressive offensively. That’s why we struggled at the beginning.”

Simone van de Klaats took the lead with a penalty in the third minute, but Domitila Picozzi equalized the score at 1-1 just before the end of the first.

Laura Moelhuizen took the lead in the second, but goals from Silvia Avegno and Valeria Palmieri put Italy ahead (2-3), and the Netherlands were awarded another penalty, with Sabrina van der Sloot scoring a 3. The score was tied at -3.

The third quarter was equally nail-biting for fans of both teams, with goals from Marcie Küning and Van de Klaats for the Netherlands, and goals from Giulia Viacava and Daphne Bettini for Italy, making it 2-2 once again. finished.

The final eight minutes were tense with the score tied at 5-5, but the home fans quickly recovered and Keuning scored a goal in overtime to make it 6-5.

The stakes were high and the tension dissipated over the next few minutes as both teams struggled to maintain possession.

Passes went haywire and shots went off target, so a cool head was needed. Dutch captain Van der Sloot stood up and fired a shot from deep to put the Netherlands up by two points (7-5) with 1:54 left in the game.

Roberta Bianconi immediately responded with extra time, inciting tensions at the last minute, but the Netherlands were able to finish the match and sent their fans home in an ecstatic mood, dreaming of seeing them win gold on Saturday. I let it happen.

“Of course, there was some nervousness. It was a packed pool and it was a home crowd, so everyone wants to do their best.” He felt that the team’s sense of unity also contributed to their qualification. added Bente Rogge. Final.

“It was a tough game, but we have a lot of faith in this team, so even if we don’t play well, we can win.

“Spain are a great team so we have to prepare well. If you look at the results they have had so far in this tournament, I think they have played very confidently and very strongly. I think it will be a fun final.”

Meanwhile, the bronze medal match will be the only shootout for Olympic tickets to be held in Eindhoven, as the Netherlands and Spain have already secured safe passage to Paris.

An outstanding defensive performance was the basis for Spain’s impressive 13-5 victory over Greece in the first semi-final on Thursday.

Miki Oka’s formidable side have reached their fifth European final and are one win away from winning their third consecutive European title.

Spain national team goalkeeper Martina Terre commented after the victory, “I think our defense tonight was the most impressive.”

“We played a really good game defensively and of course we played a good game offensively. I’m very grateful to be a part of this team.

“This is my second European final and I am very grateful to be able to play alongside these players. We will prepare for the final.”

In contrast, Greece’s Eleni Xenaki did not hold back when asked to explain his team’s performance.

“It was a disaster for us,” she said. “We played against one of the best teams in the world and we had to play hard from the start if we wanted to get a good result.

“I wasn’t able to play at all, but it’s okay, I’ll aim for third place from now on.”

Terre was sensational in goal for Spain, saving 11 of his 16 goals, while his professional opponent Crissoula Diamanto could only save 7 of his 20 goals.

Judith Forca, the top scorer at the last two world championships, was able to play without pressure against such an impressive defense and was the top scorer for the Spanish national team with three shots. He increased his total points in the tournament to 13.

Against Greece, Spain once again got off to a strong start, taking a 4-1 lead after the first period. This is a familiar story, as it was only the fifth time Eindhoven had led by more than three points in the first eight minutes.

Greece recovered a bit in the second game and faced Spain 1-1 with both defenses having the upper hand, but the lead remained at 3 (5-2).

Spain continued to hold firm in the third set, but Greece crumbled, allowing a four-goal rush and putting the defending champions firmly in control, 9-2, with 2:53 left in the quarter.

Ksenaki cut the gap to six points (9-3) before the final intermission, but Spain was so dominant at that point that they won 4-2 in the final period.

The defeat means Greece’s elusive 39-year quest for European gold medals continues, with the team that finished runners-up in Split in contention for bronze.

Spain have now won five consecutive championships, but the big question is whether they can win six to become the fourth women’s team after the Netherlands, Italy and Russia to win three consecutive championships.

Thursday’s opening 5^th-8^th In the semi-finals, Croatia tried to catch up with France from beginning to end, but fell short 10-12 in the end.

France’s victory means they can continue their preparations for this summer’s Olympics at the world championships in Qatar next month.

Meanwhile, Croatia will have a second chance to qualify for Doha when they face Great Britain in the last seven on Saturday.^th/8^th Final classification.

Against Croatia, France maintained their advantage after the first quarter ended evenly (3-3).

France trailed just 5-6 at half-time, and after leading by two points twice in the second game, they began to open up the game a little bit in the third game.

With 1:18 left in the quarter, Camelia Burgbach scored from 2 meters, extending the lead to four points (6-10), but Iva Rozic cut the deficit three seconds before the buzzer.

Jelena Butic’s three in the final eight minutes made the score 9-10 at one point, but France made two of their own to seal the victory.

Great Britain, who suffered a crushing defeat to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, received further punishment from 2020 Olympic bronze medalists Hungary in the day’s remaining five games.^th-8^th semifinal.

The result was never in doubt (5-21) and everything was one-sided from the start, with Hungarian captain Rita Keszthely doing the most damage and leading with five goals.

It was a total breeze for Hungary, but England had their eyes firmly set on seven players, rotating a number of key players around centre-forward Thula Falvey for much of the game.^th/8^th The final against Croatia and the last ticket to Doha.

Germany won 11 games in Thursday’s opening game.^th With a brilliant final quarter, they won 15-12 against the Czech Republic and moved up the standings.

Germany, who were leading 3-4 after the first game and 6-8 at halftime, were constantly chasing the Czechs in an attempt to drag them in, and by the middle of the second game the difference was 4 (3-7). It has spread to

Germany tied the score at 8-8 midway through the third inning, but the Czech Republic cut the lead to two points in the final stages with three goals from Rosali Hugnerova, Barbora Kirianova, and Josefina Hora, and one goal from Germany’s Greta Tadai. They advanced to the finals with a score of 9-11. period.

In a six-goal onslaught, Germany took the lead for the first time (13-12) with 3:24 remaining, and added two more points to seal the victory.

Then Israel scored 9^th They won 12-13 in a thrilling match against Serbia and took first place.

Although they were at a disadvantage in the early attack and defense, they led 7-4 at the long break. Israel improved in the last two quarters and won 2-4 and 3-5, but Serbia got the better of them in the fourth quarter. Anja’s goal almost forced a penalty shootout. Subek tied the score at 12-12 in the final minute.

But Maria Mia Bogachenko was the hero, hitting her fourth shot with 45 seconds left for victory.

Israeli captain Shnit Strgo, who turned 37 on Sunday, then spoke about the team’s overall performance in Eindhoven.

“We finished in the first eight and of course we wanted to be in the first seven and qualify for the World Championships, but we lost to Great Britain.

“We didn’t plan on it, but after a game like this you have to continue and compete in the next game and we achieved that by winning the next two games.

“I believe this team has a great future and I hope they do better in the next competition. I really believe in this team.”

Asked about his future plans and whether the match against Serbia was his last match for the national team, Strgo replied: “Yes.

“My plan was to compete in the World Championships again, but plans changed…so I have to put this answer on the back burner.”