Greece’s Women’s Under-20 national water polo team secured a thrilling place in the PYTHIA CUP 2026 – Women U20 final after defeating the Netherlands 18-17 on penalties following a 14-14 draw in regulation time in Itea.
Kassiána Margaríti and goalkeeper Nikól Kyriakopoulou starred in Greece’s dramatic semi-final victory.
Margaríti kept Greece’s hopes alive by scoring the equaliser to make it 14-14 with just 0.9 seconds remaining on the clock, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Kyriakopoulou then emerged as the hero, producing two crucial saves during the shootout to help Greece seal victory and book a place in the gold medal match.
Greece will face Russia in Thursday’s final (30 July, 11:30 local time), while Italy and the Netherlands will contest the bronze medal.
Match score by quarter
First quarter: 4-4
Second quarter: Greece 5-3
Third quarter: Netherlands 4-3
Fourth quarter: 3-2 Netherlands
Penalty shootout: Greece 4-3
Greece squad
Head coach: Lembesis
Kyriakopoulou, Margaríti (2), Kovasevits (1), Fouráki (3), Drakotoú (3), M. Papadopoulou, Klapsianoú, Beta, Tsiougkrí (2), Krassá (1), Karagiánni, Karabetsou (1), Lékkou, Saltamaníka (1), Th. Papadopoulou.