Greece Win Inaugural Europa Cup
EUROPA CUP WOMEN - FINAL
| Greece | 9 - 8 | Russia |
|---|---|---|
| (0 - 1) (2 - 2) (6 - 3) (9 - 8) |
Greece’s women’s national water polo team defeated Russia 9-8 in the final to become Europa Cup champions in Spain.
After finishing first in their qualifying group and then defeating the Netherlands in the semifinals, the Greek girls were set for a tough match with Russia in the final. The Russians got off to an early 0-2 lead, but the Greeks were able to equalize and make it 2-2 going into halftime. Greece seemed to be on their way to a comfortable victory, as they led 6-3 after three periods of play. This lead was late extended to 7-3 and then 9-6.
However, the Russians would fight back and reduce the deficit to 9-8 in the last minute of the game. The Greeks would hold on though, with 9-8 being the final score. Vasiliki Diamantopoulou, Nikoleta Eleftheriadou, and Eleni Xenaki were Greece’s top scorers with two goals each. Ioanna Chydirioti, Anastasia Kalargirou, and Christina Tsoukala each scored one goal.
Greece won 20,000 euros as a reward, while runner-up Russia got 15,000. Goalkeeper Chrysoula Diamantopoulou was named tournament MVP.
by Andrew Stamas
Image Source: gazzetta.gr
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