Spain too strong for Greek women

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - QUARTERFINALS

Spain defeated Greece 12-9 in the quarterfinals of the 2020 Women’s European Water Polo Championship in Budapest.

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The Greeks came into the match as underdogs, as the Spaniards are the favorites to win the whole tournament after having won medals at each of the last three major tournaments. Spain also easily defeated Greece 14-4 in the group stage at last year’s World Championships. However, Greece did beat Spain 11-9 in the semifinals of the 2018 European Championships in Barcelona.

The Spaniards led 4-3 after the first period, and 6-5 at halftime. A goal early in the third period from 19-year-old Maria Myriokefalitaki saw Greece level the score at 6-6. Nevertheless, Spain would dominate the rest of the third period to go up 9-6. In the end, Spain prevailed 12-9 and eliminated Greece from the European Championships. Greece will now have to fight to reach the Olympics via the World Qualification Tournament in March.

With four goals, Margarita Plevritou led Greece offensively. Vasiliki Diamantopoulou, Nikoleta Eleftheriadou, Myriokefalitaki, 17-year-old Eirini Ninou, and Eleftheria Plevritou each scored one goal for Greece as well.

Spain will now play against host Hungary in the semifinals, with Russia and the Netherlands facing off in the other semifinal. Greece will take on France in the 5th-8th place semifinals on Thursday.

By: Andrew Stamas

Image souce: sport24.gr

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