In a historic triumph, the Greek national women’s water polo team was crowned World Champion after defeating Hungary 12-9 in the final of the 2025 FINA World Championship.
Fourteen years after their last title in 2011, the Greek team climbed once again to the top of the world.
Led by coach Haris Pavlidis, Greece delivered an extraordinary performance—especially on defense—holding Hungary to just 1 goal out of 11 attempts in power-play situations. Goalkeeper Eleni Stamotopoulou was monumental with 10 saves, while standout performances came from Tricha and Xenaki on offense, and Santa, Eleftheria and Vasiliki Plevritou anchored a near-impenetrable defense.
Match Highlights
Greece took the lead early with a penalty goal from Tricha and never looked back. The first quarter ended 3-1, and by halftime the Greeks were ahead 8-4. Xenaki’s hat-trick was instrumental in maintaining a safe margin, while Myriokefalitaki and both Plevritou sisters scored crucial goals.
In the third quarter, Vasos Plevritou made it 9-4, and despite Hungary narrowing the gap to 9-6, a long-range goal from Santa just before the buzzer extended the lead to four.
The fourth quarter saw Greece score twice more, with Tricha and Santa making it 12-6. Hungary managed to close the gap to 12-9, but Greece controlled the tempo and secured their place at the pinnacle of women’s water polo.
Final Score by Quarters:
3-1, 5-3, 2-2, 2-3
Greece Lineup: Stamotopoulou, Eleftheria Plevritou (1), Tricha (3), Santa (2), Giannopoulou, Xenaki (3), Nynou, Patra, Siouti, Vasiliki Plevritou (2), Tornarou, Myriokefalitaki (1), Tzourka, Koureta
