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Spain was looking for revenge and has found redemption. After the world final two years ago (Gwanju 2019), the Spanish team arrived in Budapest with only one objective: get on top of the world. An unstoppable desire that allowed the men’s water polo team to take home the gold medal.
The triumph obtained in Hungary is the third world title in its history after those of 1998 and 2001. They were more than of the decades for the Spanish men’s water polo team without reaching such a result, too long for a sport that has given many emotions to Spanish fans.
In the first part of the match, Spain started strong with their favorite shot: the counterattack. Álvaro Granados’ first goal of the game came thanks to a quick exit from David Martín’s team, taking advantage of a free kick to surprise the Italian defense.
The selection showed not to be afraid of the reigning world champion. There was a lot of spectacle in the first quarter, with six goals. Italy was not intimidated either and recovered the deficit to close the first quarter with a draw (3-3).
Unai Aguirre He was once again among the protagonists thanks to his stops and his shouts, which encouraged the entire team. A spirit that the Spanish team has shown throughout the tournament. At the beginning of the second quarter, the team roared again and the effects were immediate. Guided by an excellent Ortega, they took the lead again to reach the middle of the match with a hopeful 6-3.
Things changed after the restart. Thanks to a reaction of pride, the transalpines closed the gap and reached the last quarter alive (8-6)
The best of the duel remained, a final stretch marked by tension, and in which Italy has once again demonstrated its craft. The 9-8 came two minutes from the end, and the final tie at nine just thirty seconds later.
The final was decided on penalties, where the real protagonists were the goalkeepers, Unai Aguirre and Lorrio. One stop from each was enough to crown Spain Spain, again at the top of the podium after years of drought.
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