Greece have won their first ever water polo gold medal at the Men’s European U17 Championships in Manisa, Turkey.
The Greeks withheld a late comeback from Serbia to win the final 9-8, in what was a thrilling match.
The win also served as revenge for the Greeks who two years ago lost to Serbia in the final, taking home a silver medal in the process.
Serbia scored the opening goal five minutes into the match but wouldn’t score again until after half time, with Greece scoring three goals in 128 seconds to close the first quarter and lead 3-1.
Another three goals in the second quarter made it six consecutive goals for Greece and a 6-1 half time lead.
The third quarter saw the Serbs restrict play and defend really well, which they needed to do, with Greece scoring so potently. They kept Greece to one goal and scored four themselves, taking a 5-7 deficit to the final break.
Despite their opponent scoring more in the final quarter, three goals to two, the Greeks held on to win by a goal.
👏🇬🇷GREECE crowned U17 European Champions🏆
After an action-packed final at #U17EWPCManisa GREECE take the men's 🥇 with a 9 – 8 final score, with SERBIA 🥈 and SPAIN 🥉 completing the podium.#WaterPolo #VaterPolo #Pallanuoto pic.twitter.com/1F8q0qydHi
— European Aquatics Water Polo (@Euro_Waterpolo) August 14, 2023
A late potential equaliser was missed by Serbia 25 seconds before the end, with the shot going just above the crossbar.
Greece won all six of its games in the tournament, including two wins over Serbia, with the two also meeting in the group stage.
Final standings
1. Greece
2. Serbia
3. Spain
4. Hungary
5. Montenegro
6. Italy
7. Croatia
8. Netherlands
9. Turkey
10. Germany
11. Malta
12. France
13. Romania
14. Georgia
15. Ukraine
16. Poland
