Greece’s Women’s Water Polo Team Triumphs Over the USA to Reach World Championship Final

In a thrilling semifinal match at the women’s water polo championship, Greece’s women’s national water polo team delivered a stunning performance, defeating powerhouse USA 14–10 to secure a spot in the tournament final. This victory marks a historic moment for Greece, as they return to a world championship final for the first time in 14 years.

A Legendary Performance

The Greek team, under the guidance of coach Haris Pavlidis, showcased resilience, tactical brilliance, and exceptional teamwork. Despite the USA jumping to an early 2–0 lead in the first quarter, Greece responded with tenacity. In a rapid turnaround, Stefania Santa and Eleftheria Plevritou scored back-to-back goals to level the score at 2–2 before the end of the quarter.

Goalkeeper Ioanna Stamatopoulou was phenomenal, especially in the first half, making six crucial saves. Her performance set the tone for the rest of the match.

Turning the Tide

Greece took their first lead at 4–3 with goals from Vaso Plevritou and Eleni Xenaki, and extended the advantage to 5–3 through Fotini Tricha. The Greek defense held strong, and despite another disputed penalty converted by the Americans, Xenaki closed the half with a goal for a 6–5 lead.

In the third quarter, the match intensified. The USA managed to take a brief 7–6 lead, but Maria Myriokefalitaki’s determined goal tied things up again. Maria Patra and Stefania Santa added to the scoreboard, and Greece entered the final quarter tied at 8–8 after a powerful exchange of goals.

Dominant Final Quarter

In the last quarter, Greece unleashed an unstoppable performance. Santa gave Greece a 10–8 lead on a power play. Although the USA pulled one back, Xenaki’s brilliant turn-and-shoot goal from 2 meters reestablished a two-goal cushion. Vaso Plevritou then delivered two more goals to seal the win, completing a sensational night for the team.

The match concluded 14–10 in favor of Greece, with the final quarter ending 6–2 — a clear demonstration of Greece’s dominance when it mattered most.

Road to the Final

This is the second consecutive major tournament where Greece has reached the final under Pavlidis’ leadership. The last time Greece appeared in a world championship final was in 2011, when they won gold in Shanghai after defeating China 9–8. Now, once again in Asia, they aim to repeat history.

Greece will face either Spain or Hungary in the final, scheduled for Wednesday, July 23 at 16:35 (local time).

Scorers and Lineups

Final Score: Greece 14 – USA 10
Quarters: 2–2, 4–3, 2–3, 6–2

Greece (Coach: Haris Pavlidis):
Stamatopoulou, Eleftheria Plevritou (1), Tricha (1), Santa (3), Giannopoulou, Xenaki (3), Ninos, Patra (1), Siouti, Vaso Plevritou (4), Tornarou, Myriokefalitaki (1), Koureta, Tzourka.

USA (Coach: Adam Krikorian):
Longan, Striker (1), Prentice, Pierson, Flynn (1), Bonaguidi, Sekulic, Neushul (2), Ramer (2), Lineback (2), Ausmus (2), Woodhead, Williams, Gazanica.

With passion, grit, and world-class play, Greece has written another golden chapter in its water polo history. The final awaits — and so does the chance for glory.