Greece beat China 13-11 in the Aquatic World Championship in Doha on Tuesday (Doha time) making to the top of Group B.
Greece has lost only twice to powerhouse Spain and has beaten France and Italy in its focus on to making the semifinals.
The men’s water polo competition at the World Championships in Doha which started on Monday, has two big favourites vying for the watery throne.
Greece, the silver medallist in Fukuoka last year’s championships, failed in Zagreb this January, landing in 5th place and the team’s performances at the European Championships didn’t meet expectations and were far from Greece’s true potential. However, the win against upcoming France and China has bolstered moods and chances. Doha now serves as an opportunity for a make-up exam, and the Greeks are considered firm favourites to claim the top spot.
Reigning world champions Hungary, is the first men’s water polo team that must defend its world champion title just six months after winning, returns to the stage with eight aces who missed the European Championships in Croatia.
Spain is showcasing almost the same winning line-up from the European Championship.
Four Olympic berths are at stake in Doha. Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, and Serbia are the favourites for earning Olympic tickets.
However, the four teams have higher ambitions than qualifying for the Paris Olympics this European summer.
Greece, the USA, and possibly France are contenders for semifinal spots.
Eight teams haven’t qualified for the Olympic Games yet. In addition to the four European powerhouses, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, and Serbia, there is Romania, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and China.
Group A
Spain
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 20.
Debuted in 1973.Fukuoka 2023: bronze.
Best results: gold (1998, 2001, 2022), silver (1991, 1994, 2009, 2019), bronze (2007, 2023).
Croatia
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 15.
Debuted in 1994 (as a part of Yugoslavia in 1973), Fukuoka 2023: 9th place
Best results: gold (2007, 2017), silver (2015), bronze (2009, 2011, 2013, 2019), 4th place (1994, 2005, 2022).
As a part of Yugoslavia (until 1991), Croatia won two gold and two bronze medals.
Australia
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 21.
Debuted in 1973. Fukuoka 2023: 10th place.
Best result: 4th place (1998).
South Africa
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 13.
Debuted in 1994. Fukuoka 2023: 16th place.
Best results: 12th place (2015, 2019, 2022)
Group B
Greece
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 18.
Debuted in 1973. Fukuoka 2023: silver medal.
Best results: silver (2023), bronze (2005, 2015, 2022), 4th place (2003, 2017)
France
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 6.
Debuted in 1982. Fukuoka 2023: 6th place.
Best result: 6th place (2023).
Brazil
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 11.
Debuted in 1986.Fukuoka 2023: Withdrew.
Best result: 10th place (2015).
China
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 11.
Debuted in 1982. Fukuoka 2023: 15th place
Best result: 10th place (1982)
Group C
Serbia
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 10.
Debuted in 2007 (as a part of Yugoslavia in 1973), Fukuoka 2023: 4th place
Best results: gold (2009, 2015), silver (2011), bronze (2017), 4th place (2007, 2023).
As part of former Yugoslavia, Serbia, and Montenegro (until 2005), Serbia won three gold medals, one silver medal, and four bronze medals.
USA
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 21.
Debuted in 1973.Fukuoka 2023: 7th place.
Best result: 4th place (1986, 1991, 2009).
Montenegro
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 9.
Debuted in 2009 (as a part of Yugoslavia in 1973).Fukuoka 2023 8th place
Best result: silver (2013)
As a part of former-Yugoslavia, Serbia, and Montenegro (until 2005), Serbia won three gold medals, one silver medal, and four bronze medals.
Japan
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 11.
Debuted in 2001.Fukuoka 2023: 11th place
Best result: 9th place (2022)
Group D
Hungary
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 21.
Debuted in 1973. Fukuoka 2023: gold medal.
Best results: gold (1973, 2003, 2013, 2023), silver (1975, 1978, 1982, 1998, 2005, 2007, 2017), bronze (1991), 4th place (2011, 2019)
Italy
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 21.
Debuted in 1973. Fukuoka 2023: 5th place.
Best results: gold (1978, 1994, 2011, 2019), silver (1986, 2003, 2022), bronze (1975), 4th place (1973,2001, 2013, 2015)
Romania
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 12.
Debuted in 1973. Fukuoka 2023: Didn’t qualify.
Best results: 5th place (1975)
Kazakhstan
World Championships appearances (including 2024): 12.
Debuted in 1994. Fukuoka 2023: 14th place
Best result: 11th place (1998, 2015, 2017)
*As a part of the USSR (until 1991), Kazakhstan won two gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal.
