Get ready for an exhilarating Day 7 of the Men's European Water Polo Championships in Belgrade, 2026! Today's matches promise to be thrilling, with some intense rivalries and crucial points at stake. Let's dive right in!
The Battle for Supremacy in Group E
In the first match of the day, Montenegro and Spain face off in a highly anticipated clash. Both teams are currently tied with 3 points each, and a defeat could mean elimination from the semi-final race. This match is a continuation of a long-standing rivalry, with a notable turning point at the Tokyo Olympics. Between 2010 and 2020, Montenegro remained unbeaten, but Spain turned the tables in Tokyo and has since dominated, winning every encounter. Will Montenegro bounce back, or will Spain continue their winning streak?
And here's where it gets controversial... Montenegro's head coach, Dejan Savic, has a close bond with Spain's boss, David Martin. These two former teammates from Barcelona share a unique connection, but will it influence the outcome of this match?
In the second match, Hungary, with their perfect record of 6 points, takes on the Netherlands. The Dutch showed they can challenge the favorites, but Hungary's defense, which has conceded the second-fewest goals, will be a tough nut to crack. The recent clash in Rotterdam saw Hungary come back from a significant deficit to win, setting the stage for an exciting rematch.
The Fun Fact: Several Dutch players, including the Hessels twins, have strong connections to Hungary, either playing there or speaking the language fluently. Will this give them an edge or add an extra layer of complexity to the match?
The final Group E match of the day pits France against Serbia. France seeks revenge for their embarrassing defeat in 2022, which led to their worst-ever European result. Serbia, on the other hand, aims to continue their dominance over the French, having won 16 of the last 15 encounters.
A Fun Historical Note: In their journey to a third consecutive Olympic title, Serbia faced France in Paris, and a loss would have been an unprecedented elimination for a title-holder. Serbia won that match and went on to claim the gold.
In the classification matches, Malta and Israel aim for their first wins, while Slovenia and Slovakia look to recover from their recent defeats.
Don't miss any of the action! Catch all the matches live on Eurovision Sport, and stay updated with the latest news and live updates on the European Aquatics Water Polo social media accounts.
For more details, schedules, and results, visit the official website. Get your tickets now and be a part of this thrilling tournament!
Gergely Csurka for European Aquatics
