World Cup holders Greece have confirmed their status as the team to beat after a commanding 14–10 semi-final victory over reigning Olympic champions USA at the World Aquatics Championships.
The Greeks, who lifted the World Cup in April, brought experience and precision to the pool, outpacing a youthful American side still finding its rhythm on the road to LA 2028.
Despite a fast-paced and fiercely contested start, Greece proved too organised and clinical in the final quarter, pulling away with a series of decisive goals from Vasiliki Plevritou, who scored four times, including a hat-trick in the last period.
Team USA began brightly with Emma Lineback netting early, and despite a successful VAR challenge that saw them momentarily go 2–0 up, Greece fought back through Stefania Santa and Eleftheria Plevritou to level the game.
From there, the match ebbed and flowed, with both teams exchanging the lead in a tense second and third quarter. But the Greeks found another gear in the final minutes, demonstrating why they are tipped for gold.
Eleni Xenaki’s brilliance at centre forward and Santa’s attacking prowess were key to the victory, while goalkeeper Ioanna Stamatopoulou made 12 vital saves to keep Greece ahead. Defensively, the team shone, out-stealing the US 6–1 and consistently frustrating their extra-player opportunities.
“We played really good. My team is ready for the final, ready for the gold,” Greek captain Eleftheria Plevritou said after the match.
Despite the loss, USA head coach Adam Krikorian was gracious in defeat: “I’m proud of the effort. We gave it everything… but the Greek team were just incredible.”
With the bronze medal match now awaiting the Americans, the young squad can take heart in their consistency and spirit. For Greece, the victory marks their first final since 2011 and sets up a mouth-watering showdown on Wednesday for water polo’s ultimate prize.
Source: World Aquatics
