Funchal 2026: Dutch delight as Netherlands secure second successive European crown with epic shootout victory

Netherlands needed penalties to beat Hungary and win back-to-back European titles. Photo: European Aquatics

The Netherlands continued their dominance on the continental stage by retaining their European title with a sensational shootout victory in Thursday’s final against Hungary. Having been crowned champions in Eindhoven two years ago, the Dutch repeated the feat in Madeira to secure back-to-back wins. Laura Aarts was the hero, decisively saving Rita Keszthelyi’s penalty in the second round to hand her team the initiative...