The Hungarian men’s water polo team triumphed over Italy with a score of 12–10 after a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics on Wednesday, securing their place in the top four. Hungary will face the reigning world champions, Croatia, in the semifinal on Friday.
The heroes of the dramatic encounter were Soma Vogel, who saved two penalties in regular time and three in the shootout, and Krisztián Manhercz, who scored five goals and secured the decisive final penalty.
Hungary and Italy have met several times in recent months. In January, Hungary’s rejuvenated team defeated Italy in the group stage of the European Championships in Croatia, though Italy prevailed in the semifinal. In February, at the World Championships in Doha Hungary won in the group stage after a penalty shootout. During summer preparations the teams also hosted each other, with Italy winning 13–11 at the Domino Trans Cup in Budapest and then again in Sicily after a penalty shootout.
The match started with Hungary successfully defending an Italian power play. After more than two minutes, Manhercz set the tone with a long-range action goal. Another solid defence led to Dénes Varga drawing a penalty, which Manhercz converted. Italy earned a penalty, but Andrea Fondelli hit the post. Hungary had a chance to extend the lead to three but missed, allowing Italy to score on a power play. Manhercz then completed a hat-trick in the first quarter with a powerful shot. Despite a series of counterattacks, Italy managed to score again, making it 3–2 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw no goals for over five minutes, with both teams having missed opportunities. Italy eventually scored, but the goal was disallowed after
Francesco Condemi hit Jansik in the face, leading to a brutal foul call.
Condemi was ejected, with a four-minute exclusion, and Hungary was awarded a penalty, which Manhercz converted. Replays showed that the foul was accidental, causing outrage on the Italian bench (4–2).
Italy began the third quarter with a quick goal, reducing the deficit. After a missed opportunity from Vámos, Italy equalized through Gonzalo Echenique. Hungary struggled offensively, missing multiple power plays. Italy took the lead, prompting Hungary to call a timeout. Italy extended their lead before Zalánki broke Hungary’s scoring drought, making it 7–6 at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter started with both teams trading power play goals. Hungary’s Zalánki equalized with a surprising shot over the Italian defence. Italy was awarded a penalty, but Vogel saved Fondelli’s shot. Hárai earned a power play, and Manhercz scored in the final seconds, but Italy equalized with 100 seconds left. Both teams had opportunities, but Del Lungo’s save on Jansik forced a penalty shootout.
The drama continued in the shootout, with Varga missing first, but Vogel saved Italy’s response. Vámos scored confidently, and Vogel saved again. Despite Italy changing goalkeepers, Zalánki scored. Presciutti scored for Italy, but Nicosia saved Fekete’s shot. Vogel saved Di Somma’s penalty, and Manhercz delivered the final blow, securing Hungary’s victory.
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