BARCELONA, 16 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish women's water polo team has won the bronze medal at the World Championship in Doha (Qatar) after beating Greece (10-9) in a heart-stopping finale, with a goal by Elena Ruiz on the horn and an empty goal, after a very even duel in which the Spanish played in a tight grip, without success but with a final prize.
Spain achieved a three-goal advantage with 6:27 minutes left in the game, being the maximum difference of the match. But, instead of breaking down, the Greeks managed a 0-3 run to even the score.
When it seemed that the many times called 'consolation final' was going to penalties, Spain managed to take the bronze in a crazy play, with Greece attacking with goalkeeper-player but committing a counterfoul.
After a first failed attempt by Judith Forca to shoot into an empty goal (she was fouled, possibly a penalty), Elena Ruiz took the saving ball, which allowed her to score from a distance and allow Spain to climb to the Doha 2024 podium as third best team in the world, in the first World Cup bronze in history for the 'Water Warriors'.