Greece Defeat Netherlands in Thrilling Pythia Cup Semi-Final

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. Advertising1 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Greece Defeat Netherlands in Thrilling Pythia Cup Semi-Final appeared first on Greek City Times.