Greece was crowned the new Women’s Water Polo World Cup champion after defeating Hungary 13-9 in the World Cup final in Chengdu, China, on Easter Sunday.
The Greek squad, coached by Charis Pavlidis, dominated from the start, leading 6-4 at halftime and pulling away with a 6-3 third quarter to take a commanding 12-7 lead.
“Rookie” goalkeeper Alexia Tzourka made 13 saves. Elena Xenaki was named the tournament’s MVP.
Greece stormed into the World Cup final with confidence, opening the match with a fierce offensive display. Led by Vasiliki and Eleftheria Plevritou, who netted the team’s first goals, and a beautiful lob from Tricha to make it 3-2, the “blue and white” dominated the first eight minutes, ending the opening period ahead 5-4. Although Hungary managed to score just before the buzzer, Greece had already made their intentions clear.
From the second quarter on, Greece played the kind of water polo that brought them all the way to the final. Their defense was nothing short of masterful—like a seminar in shutdown tactics. The Ethniki became impenetrable, with Tzourka turning into a human wall between the posts. Greece didn’t concede a single goal in the second period, while Xenaki added the only score, tightening their grip on the game.
The rhythm didn’t change in the third quarter. Greece’s momentum only grew, with two scorching shots from Siouti pushing the lead to 8-5. By the end of the third period, the scoreboard read 12-7, and gold was within touching distance.
In the final stretch, Tzourka continued her heroics in goal, snuffing out any last flicker of Hungarian hope. As the final whistle blew, Greece stood triumphant—World Cup champions, crowned with gold!
Haris Pavlidis, was overjoyed, proud and happy, after the triumph in China: “My first tournament as head coach of Greece was combined with winning the gold medal. We played well, we had good defense, we didn’t let them score. We made few mistakes. It was a good game. I had a feeling from the morning that we would be the winners. I want to congratulate my girls for the incredible tournament they had.”
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis congratulated the Greek team in a post on the social media. “Congratulations to the Women’s Water Polo National Team for winning the gold medal in the World Cup in China. You made us proud for one more time!
In the semis, the Greeks stunned the Netherlands with a dramatic comeback from a four-goal deficit to win 15-13.
Greece staged an Incredible comeback against the formidable Netherlands, securing a historic victory with a 15-13 score line in the World Cup semi-final.
Initially trailing by four goals, they showed remarkable resilience and determination under coach Haris Pavlidis’ leadership. In a thrilling match held in Chengdu, China, they turned the game around with an impressive 8-2 run in the final 12 minutes, clinching their first-ever medal in this prestigious competition.
Facing the “bronze” Olympic champions from Paris, the Greek team demonstrated exceptional competitive spirit and tactical prowess. Despite the Netherlands’ early dominance and maintaining a lead throughout the match, Greece persisted and eventually seized control in the crucial moments.
The Dutch were bronze medalists at the Paris Olympics just months earlier. In the quarterfinals, Greece knocked out Italy 19-14.
Since the mid-1990s, Greece have emerged as one of the leading powers in the world, becoming World Champions after their gold medal win at the 2011 World Championship.
They have also won the silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics, the gold medal at the 2005 World League, 4 silver medals at the 2010, 2012, 2018 European Championships and 2022 European Championships and the gold medal at the 2018 Europa Cup.
