The European Water Polo Championships in Belgrade are heating up, and Day 9 promises some thrilling encounters! But will the favorites prevail, or will we witness some unexpected upsets?
Group E: France vs. Spain
Spain is on a mission to prove their dominance, especially after their initial setback against Serbia. They've since displayed their prowess with commanding victories over the Netherlands and Montenegro. France, however, faces an uphill battle, having struggled against the Serbs. With Spain's recent form, it's hard to bet against them.
But here's where it gets interesting: Spain's top scorers, Munarriz, Biel, and Granados, are firing on all cylinders. Yet, their teammate Sanahuja has struggled, scoring only twice from 18 attempts. Will this imbalance affect their performance?
Group E: Montenegro vs. Netherlands
Although both teams are out of semi-final contention, this match holds significance for the 2027 World Championships qualification. Montenegro boasts a perfect head-to-head record against the Netherlands at major tournaments, including a recent 15-14 victory in the World Cup finals. But the Dutch have a Montenegrin coach, Branko Mitrovic, who led the U18 team to the semis in Belgrade in 2022. Will his knowledge of the city give the Netherlands an edge?
Group E: Hungary vs. Serbia
The clash of the titans! Hungary, with their rich history in the sport, aims to achieve what no other team has done: beat Serbia in Belgrade at the European Championships. Serbia has been unbeatable on home soil, winning all 18 matches across three editions. But Hungary won their last three meetings, including a 19-18 thriller at the 2025 World Championships semi-final.
And this is the part most people miss: Eight Serbian players have Hungarian connections, with several playing for Hungarian clubs. Will this familiarity with their opponents give Serbia an advantage or Hungary a strategic edge?
13th-16th Classification: Malta vs. Slovenia
Malta is on the brink of securing 13th place, needing just a point to confirm their position. Slovenia, however, can snatch 13th place with a regular-time victory. Malta has won both their matches so far, while Slovenia has drawn both. Will Malta hold their nerve, or will Slovenia find a way to turn the tables?
13th-16th Classification: Slovakia vs. Israel
The winner of this match could claim 14th place if Malta wins earlier. Slovakia and Israel have struggled, with Slovakia earning a point from a shootout loss and Israel securing their first points in their last game. With both teams desperate for a win, who will rise to the occasion?
Don't miss any of the action! Catch all the live matches on Eurovision Sport and follow the European Aquatics Water Polo social media accounts for updates.
What are your predictions for these matches? Do you think the favorites will reign supreme, or will we witness some surprising outcomes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
