Greece and the Netherlands achieved victories in big games of Day 1 of Group Phase II at the European Women’s Championships in Funchal.
Greece defeated Italy 15:10 in Group E. The Netherlands narrowly beat Hungary in a low-scoring thriller, 5:4, in Group F.
Greece practically secured the top spot in its group.
The semifinalists from Group H have not yet been determined. On the last day, Spain will face the Netherlands. Despite the loss to the Dutch, Hungary remains the closest of the three teams to reaching the semifinals, having carried over a 9:7 victory over Spain from Group Phase I. If Hungary defeats Israel on Sunday, which is highly likely, it will qualify for the semifinals, regardless of the outcome of the Spain vs. Netherlands match. Additionally, Hungary could finish at the top of the group if Spain beats the Netherlands by one goal.
2026 European Women’s Championships
Group E, Round 1
Greece stunned Italy with an explosive start. The Greeks led 4:0 in the sixth minute, and increased the margin to five (6:1) by the first break.
Italy never recovered from an early shock. The “Setterossa” cut their deficit to two goals on two occasions during the third quarter (5:7 and 7:9). Greece rebuilt a 5-goal lead in the last three and a half minutes of the period and entered the final period with a comfortable 12:7 advantage.
Vasiliki Plevritou led Greece with four goals.
Italy lost, but it still has realistic chances of advancing to the semifinals. It has to beat France in the next game.
Xenaki scored three goals for Greece Photo by Istvan Derencsenyi/European Aquatics
Croatia dictated the pace throughout the game against France and deserved a nice 6-goal win. The Croats probably won’t qualify for the semifinals, but their performances against Serbia and France are encouraging before the classification matches.
Standings: 1. Greece 6, 2. Italy 3, 3. Croatia 3, 4. France 0.
Group F, Round 1
The first quarter of the derby between the Netherlands and Hungary proved crucial for the outcome. The Netherlands earned a 2:0 lead in the first quarter, with goals from Lieke and Bente Rogge.
Hungary got on the scoreboard only in the 11th minute, when Szilagyi made it 1:2 from a counterattack. The Dutch restored a 2-goal lead. It stood 4:2 at halftime. There were no goals in the third quarter, and both goalkeepers, Aarts (Netherlands) and Neszmely (Hungary) saved one penalty shot each in this period.
Photo by Istvan Derencsenyi/European Aquatics
Hungary finally equalized in the 28th minute, when Varro converted a 6 on 5 for 4:4. That was followed by several mistakes in attack at both ends of the pool. Moolhujzen converted a woman-up with 96 seconds left on the clock, putting the Netherlands ahead. The Dutch kept a slim advantage in the rest of the match. They had a great chance to double their advantage from a penalty shot with 35 seconds to go. Still, Neszmely posted another save and practically sealed Hungary’s spot in the semis.
Spain had an easy task against Israel, but it was just a warm-up for the game against the Netherlands, in which the Spaniards will chase a 2-goal win.
Standings: 1. Netherlands 6, 2. Hungary 3, 3. Spain 3, 4. Israel 0.
9th-16th place classification
Group G, Round 1
Turkiye beat Germany in a shootout, while Serbia recorded a comfortable victory over Slovakia. The duel between the Serbs and the Germans will decide which team will finish atop the group and battle for 9th place in the final standings.
Standings: 1. Serbia 6, 2. Germany 4, 3. Turkiye 2, 4. Slovakia 0.
Group H, Round 1
Neither Great Britain nor Portugal had challenging tasks in the first round of Group H. Tomorrow, they will play face off in the last round in a match for 1st place in the group.
Standings:1. Great Britain 6, 2. Portugal 6, 3. Switzerland 0, 4. Romania 0.
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