Belgrade 2026: Race for semi-finals heats up as Greece, Italy and Croatia win big on day eight

Greece’s Efstathios Kalogeropoulos struck five times against Türkiye during his team’s convincing win on Day 8. Photo: European Aquatics

Day 8 of the men’s European Water Polo Championships in Belgrade delivered drama and high entertainment, opening with a spectacular 30-goal contest between Italy and Georgia. Italy appeared to have the match under control with a six-goal cushion late in the third quarter, yet Georgia showed great resolve, continuing to pressure their rivals right up to the final buzzer.