In a gripping semifinal match at the 2025 World Men’s Water Polo Championship, Greece came heartbreakingly close to a spot in the final but ultimately fell short, losing 11-9 to Spain in a penalty shootout after regular time ended in a dramatic 7-7 draw.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Greek team showing remarkable resilience. Despite being at a disadvantage for four minutes in the second period—due to a red card exclusion without substitution for player Halivopoulos—Greece managed to fight back from a 6-2 deficit. With extraordinary defensive discipline, they kept Spain scoreless for 19 minutes, turning the game around and even taking the lead at 7-6 with less than two minutes remaining.

However, just seconds before the final whistle, Spain’s Munárriz equalized, forcing the game into penalties. In the shootout, the Spanish goalkeeper Aguirre made crucial saves against Skoumpakis and Kakaris, giving his team the edge. Spain converted four of their five penalties, while Greece only managed two.

Key moments included:

• A crucial penalty miss by Kakaris.
• A strong performance by Greek goalkeeper Tzortzatos, who made several vital saves during regulation time.
• A disallowed penalty after a challenge by Spain and a controversial call leading to Halivopoulos’ exclusion, which heavily influenced the second quarter.

The Greek team showed heart, character, and tactical discipline, but the psychological blow of conceding at the end of regular time proved too much to overcome in the shootout.

Greece will now play for the bronze medal, hoping to end their impressive campaign on a high note. Spain, on the other hand, advances to the final and will compete for the gold.

The semifinal was a testament to the high level of competition and intensity in international water polo, with Greece once again proving they belong among the world’s elite.