Water Polo Team Settles for Bitter Silver at the European Championship

The Hungarian national team finished the Men’s European Water Polo Championship in Belgrade with the silver medal. In a thrilling final on Sunday evening, coach Zsolt Varga’s team lost 7-10 to the hosts and reigning Olympic champions Serbia.

The game was decided primarily by the Serbs’ outstanding defensive work. Although Hungary kept the game open for a long time, the team’s offense stalled in the second half, scoring only two goals in the last two quarters. A familiar face from the Hungarian league became the match winner. Dušan Mandić, who plays for Hungarian top club FTC, secured Serbia’s ninth European Championship title in history (including Yugoslavia’s successes) with four goals. With this triumph, Serbia reclaimed the title of European champions for the first time since 2018.

For Hungary, the 13-time European champions, it was their ninth appearance in a “classic” final.

Although their disappointment was great, our country continues to lead the all-time rankings by a wide margin with 13 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze medals.

Despite the defeat, coach Zsolt Varga was visibly proud of his team, which had already reached the World Cup final in Singapore in August. “Both teams were at the end of their tether, which is why the game did not have its usual rhythm. The Serbs had that decisive spark of extra experience to score the goals at key moments. We need to play in more finals like this to learn exactly that composure,” he explained.

Zsolt Varga (L2). Photo: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt

Captain Krisztián Manhercz, who was voted into the tournament’s All-Star Team, had some critical words after the game – and not just about his own performance. “We are devastated. We really wanted to give the title to the Hungarian fans who supported us so wonderfully. It was a special European Championship, where things happened that have no place in professional sport,” said the water polo player, referring to technical errors in the timing during the intermediate round, that benefited the Serbs. ”Today in the final, Serbia was simply better,” he admitted.

Despite missing out on the title, the Hungarian national team can look back on a successful tournament.

In particular, 21-year-old left-hander Ákos Nagy caused a sensation and, like Krisztián Manhercz, was selected for the All-Star Team.

Goalkeeper Soma Vogel also emphasized the learning effect. “We have to learn how to win such finals. It was a tough road to get here, and after a short break, the next challenges are already waiting,” he said.

Szilárd Jansik (L) and Djordje Lazic of Serbia. Photo: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt

Coach Zsolt Varga is already looking ahead to the future with optimism.

His goal remains to establish Hungary permanently among the top nations that compete for medals at every major tournament.

The development of the team, which fought its way to the final through tough matches against France, Montenegro, and Spain, gives every reason for confidence.

Win over World Champions Sends Water Polo Team into European Semifinals