FINA Budapest 2022: Spain beat Italy on penalty shutout to wins the 2022 FINA World Championships men’s water polo title

Penaltiess shoutout decided the Budapest 2022 FINA World Championships men’s water polo crown after defending champion Italy came back from 9-6 down in the final quarter to force the shootout after equalising two minutes from time.

The fairytale of back-to-back titles did not eventuate as Spain became a three-time champion with a 15-14 victory in sudden-death penalty shootout.

Last time Spain has won the Water-Polo titles of Perth 1998 and Fukuoka 2001.

In the cycle of five goals for each team, both teams had a chance to enter sudden death.

Spain sent in the first two together with Italy since it was the first shooter. Spain won the title for the first time in 21 years after Unai Aguirre turned down Giacomo Canella's shot.

It's understandable that Spain would have wanted to celebrate its victory sooner. Ironically, it will defend its title in Fukuoka when the following edition is held.

In the triumph, Alvaro Granados scored six goals, including two in the shootout and four during the regular game. Captain Perrone scored twice in the shootout and once more in the third period, overcoming his growing age and demonstrating why he wants to win five Olympic medals in Paris.

FINA men’s water polo World Championships 2022 Standing: Final classifications, ranking.

1. Spain

2. Italy

3. Greece

4. Croatia

5. Serbia

6. United States of America

7. Hungary

8. Montenegro

9. Japan

10. Georgia

11. Australia

12. South Africa

13. Germany

14. Kazakhstan

15. Brazil

16. Canada

Water polo at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships, Full Awards, winners:

Most Valuable Player in Final:

Felipe Perrone (ESP)

Most Valuable Goalkeeper:

Uni Aguirre (ESP)

Highest Goal-scorer:

Alexander Bowen (USA) — 21 goals

Media All Star Team

Goalkeeper: Uni Aguirre (ESP)

Centre Forward: Konstantinos Kakaris (GRE)

Field players: Alexander Bowen (USA), Francesco di Fulvio (ITA), Alvaro Granados (ESP), Konstantin Kharkov (CRO), Strahinja Rasovic (SRB).

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Fina.org