Greek men to fight for third spot in global water polo

The men’s national water polo team came to close to reaching the final of the World Championship taking place in Kazan, but eventually succumbed to Croatia in the penalty shootout on Thursday and will fight for the bronze medal.

After a great campaign at the group stage, including victories over the United States and Italy, Greece defeated Australia in the quarterfinals at the shootout and faced the might of Croatia in the semis.

Croatia led for almost the entire semifinal, by up to three goals (5-2), but Greece fought back and half a minute from the end it equalized at 10-10 to take the game to the penalties, just as it had done two days earlier against Australia.

However this time Greece lost 5-3 in the shootout and 15-13 overall and will have to settle for the 3rd-place playoff against the loser of the tie between Italy and Serbia.