The Greek women’s water polo team 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.
Key players like Vaso Plevritou and Fotini Tricha made pivotal contributions, including crucial penalties and counterattack goals that narrowed the gap and eventually turned the tide in their favor.
Now, with their place secured in the final, they await the outcome of the Spain vs. Hungary semi-final to determine their opponent. This victory not only marks a significant milestone for Greek women’s water polo but also sets the stage for a thrilling final where they aim further to solidify their place among the world’s elite teams.
Earlier in the week, the National Team beat Italy 19-14 to secure a place in the semi-final.
Greece opened with two goals and, at 3-1, looked good. Italy responded for 3-3, and Vasiliki Plevritou scored her second goal for the 4-4 quarter-time advantage. Dafne Bettini scored her second from the top for Italy to start the second quarter, and Vasiliki Plevritou crossed the penalty line for her third strike.
Goals were traded to 7-6 and Athina Giannopoulou made it 8-6. Veronica Gant and captain Agnese Cocchiere, for her second, levelled the score. Greece scored four of the next five goals with Eleni Xenaki scoring twice from the top right with the second on lob. This gave Greece a 12-9 halftime lead.
Bettini and Chiara Ranalli on penalty brought it to within one. However, Maria Myriokefalitaki turned at two metres and Vasiliki Plevritou scored from 14-11, three minutes into the third period. Goals were traded to 16-13 with Vasiliki Plevritou again in a scoring mood, this time off a cross pass. Both teams took a timeout early in the fourth quarter with Italy the first scorer, well after the timeout. Cocchiere backhanded from two metres for 16-14 down. Then Greece slammed in three more with Myriokefalitaki converting a penalty for a handsome five-goal victory.
Related: Greece Wins Silver in Water Polo World Cup After Thrilling Final Against Spain
