The 2026 Men’s European Water Polo Championships in Belgrade showcased thrilling action as Greece, Croatia, Italy, and Romania all secured their second consecutive victories on January 13. This achievement confirmed their spots in the tournament’s second group stage, highlighting their strong performances.
Summary of Day Four Matches
On a packed day of competition, the results were as follows:
Match
Result
Highlights from Each Match
- Georgia vs. Croatia: Croatia dominated the match with a strong defense and clinical scoring, led by Loren Fatovic, who scored two goals. Georgia struggled offensively, managing to score only seven times.
- Slovenia vs. Greece: Alexandros Papanastasiou’s hat-trick propelled Greece to a considerable victory with a 23-8 score. Greece displayed a dominant performance, taking an early lead and maintaining their advantage throughout.
- Slovakia vs. Italy: Italy held off a tough challenge from Slovakia, winning 17-12. Despite a strong start, Italy had to recover from a spirited fightback by the Slovaks.
- Romania vs. Türkiye: In a thrilling encounter, Romania narrowly defeated Türkiye 20-19. The match saw multiple lead changes, but Romania’s experience ultimately saw them secure the win late in the game.
Key Player Performances
Several players stood out on Day Four:
- Alexandros Papanastasiou (Greece): Notable for his striking hat-trick in the match against Slovenia.
- Loren Fatovic (Croatia): Contributed two vital goals to Croatia’s crushing victory over Georgia.
- Filippo Ferrero (Italy): Excelled in Italy’s clash with Slovakia, netting crucial goals.
- Vlad-Luca Georgescu (Romania): Played a pivotal role for Romania against Türkiye, scoring key goals during critical moments.
Looking Ahead
With these victories, Greece, Croatia, Italy, and Romania have solidified their positions as favorites moving forward in the tournament. Fans can expect continued high-caliber performances in the upcoming matches as the teams aim for the championship title.
For complete details, schedules, and live updates, visit Filmogaz.com for the latest information on the 2026 European Water Polo Championships.