Greece and the Netherlands advanced to the semifinals of the European Women’s Championships as the group winners, while Italy and Hungary secured their spots in the top four by finishing in second place in their respective groups.

While Greece, Hungary, and Italy had already practically or mathematically secured their places in the semifinals yesterday, the reigning champion, the Netherlands, had to fight for its ticket until the very end of the final match in Group Phase II.

The Netherlands lost to Spain in a penalty shootout, 13:16, this evening. However, the Dutch managed to remain at the top of Group F, earning one point in this game. Hungary finished in second place, while Olympic champion Spain, having secured third place in the group, will not compete for a medal.

The semifinals, Greece – Hungary and Netherlands – Italy, will be played on Tuesday. Pairs of th 5th-8th place semifinals: Spain – France, Croatia – Israel.

2026 European Women’s  Championships, Funchal
Group Phase II, Round 2
Group E

 

Favorites in Group E played at full speed in their last matches before the semifinals.

Greece confirmed first place in the group with a 23:6 victory over Croatia. Vasiliki Plevritou scored six goals like all Croats together.

Photo by Istvan Derencsenyi/European Aquatics

Italy achieved a more convincing victory than Greece, with five goals from Claudia Ranalli.

Standings: 1. Greece 9, 2. Italy 6, 3. Croatia 3, 4. France 0.

Group F

 

The big match of the day, between Spain and the Netherlands, was a replay of the 2024 European Championships final. Two years ago, the Dutch beat Spain by a goal in Eindhoven.

The game in Funchal was a do-or-die game for both teams, as only one of the two powerhouses could reach the semifinals. The Netherlands was in a far better position before the first whistle, because Spain needed at least a 2-goal win to advance (because it lost to Hungary by two goals, and the Netherlands beat Hungary by one).

The Dutch scored an opening goal. Anton leveled at 1:1 in the 6th minute. Then, Beatriz Ortiz took the stage. She scored four goals, giving Spain a 5:1 lead (11th minute). The Spaniards were on the right track, but the Netherlands recovered.

Bea Ortiz Photo by Istvan Derencsenyi/European AquaticsThe Dutch cut the deficit to one goal in the very last second of the first half, when Joustra scored for 4:5.
The same player leveled at 5:5 early in the third quarter. After an equalizer and until the end of the third period, the lead changed hands a few times. The Netherlands entered the final period leading 9:8. Midway through the final period, Spain earned a desired 2-goal lead (12:10). But, the Dutch responded with a 3:0 run, taking a 13:12 lead in the 30th minute. Beatriz Ortiz leveled at 13:13 with 65 seconds remaining on the clock. However, the Spaniards couldn’t add one more goal in the regular time. They were better than the rival in a penalty shootout (3:0), but two points are a slim consolation for one of the title contenders.

Bea Ortiz was the player of the match with seven goals, and Kitty Joustra scored five for the Netherlands.

Israel kept up with Hungary until 5:5. The Hungarians took control then and ruled the field.

Standings: 1. Netherlands 7, 2. Hungary 6, 3. Spain 5, 4. Israel 0.

9th – 16th place classification
Group G

 

Germany defeated Serbia in a penalty shootout, but one point was enough for Serbia to keep 1st place in the group and advance to the 9th-place match. The Serbs led 8:6 at halftime. However, they struggled in the attack during the second half. The Germans were slightly better, so they went ahead 9:8 in the middle of the fourth period. Just 61 seconds before the end, Serbia scored its only goal in the second half. Jovana Radonjic leveled at 9:9 with an extra player. Serba kept one point in the last minute. Germany took two points in a shootout and maintained 2nd position ahead of Turkiye.

Standings: 1. Serbia 7, 2. Germany 6, 3. Turkiye 5, 4. Slovakia 0.

Group H

 

The battle for 1st place in Group H offered less excitement than the Group G derby. Great Britain led throughout against Portugal and will face Serbia in the 9th-place game.

Standings: 1. Great Britain 9, 2. Portugal 6, 3. Switzerland 3, 4. Romania 0.

The matches for the final standings in the 9th-16th place classification will take place on Monday: Serbia – Great Britain (for 9th place), Germany – Portugal (for 11th place), Turkiye – Switzerland (for 13th place) and Slovakia – Romania (for 15th place).