The Spanish men’s water polo delegation faces the fight for the bronze medal against dangerous Hungary after failing to defeat Serbia in the semifinals. Spain completed a superb group stage and soberly defeated the United States in the quarterfinals, but the Balkans took revenge on the debut and agreed to the final, where Greece awaits.
Those of David Martín, who are current runners-up in Europe and the world, seek the first Olympic metal in the 21st century after winning the gold and silver medals in Atlanta 1996 and Barcelona 1992, respectively. To do this you must bend Hungary, the most successful team in history in the men’s water polo category.
Spain wants to quickly forget the elimination against Serbia and close its participation in Tokyo 2020 with a bronze that would end more than two decades without an Olympic medal and get the third metal in the history of the section.
Defeat Hungary after three years
The Spanish want the bronze medal and for that they will have to subdue a Hungary that has been resisting for more than three years. Spain beat the Hungarians in the 2018 World League for the second time in its history, after achieving it in a friendly in 2016.
The direct confrontations between Spain and Hungary are not especially favorable, something that adds favoritism to the Hungarians: In the last 14 games, the Spaniards have only won twice, and one of them was in extra time.