The aquatic warriors showed their pride and quality as current queens of Europe to solve the dangerous matchup of the quarterfinals of the European Split against the very tough Hungary (11-15) and qualify for their fifth consecutive continental semifinal. For a place in the final, Spain will face the Netherlands, on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. An early final. In the other semifinal, Italy and Greece will face each other (8:30 p.m.).
The selection of Miki Oca started furiously, knowing the advantage that acquires whoever gives first. He scored a resounding 1-4 in the first quarter, with goals from Paula Leiton from the buoy (0-1), from Anni Espar against (0-2), and two from Bea Ortiz, who put the 3 to 51 seconds closing the first sleeve.
However, the good performance of the first quarter was overshadowed by a poor second quarter in which the Spanish conceded a tough 4-2. After Anni Espar crashed the fourth ball into the post, cut Szilagyi and scored the Barcelonan 2-5, Martina Terré, the 20-year-old starter, conceded three goals in a row, seen and unseen.
Parkes, Szilagyi and Gurisati made it 5-5 in four minutes, making it 5-5 with just 30 seconds remaining. The furious reply of the young Paula Prats, taking an assist on the fly and scoring with a left foot, returned the advantage to Spain with 3 seconds to go before the half-time buzzer (5-6).
After the intermission, Spain was once again a gale with an overwhelming start, a 1-4 that returned the 4-goal lead (6-10) after four minutes. Pairs scored Elena Ruiz and Paula Leiton, who wreaked havoc from the buoy. Garda closed the gap (8-11), but Nona Pérez returned the 4 (8-12) 41 seconds from the end, to face the last quarter with more calm.
However, Hungary sold its skin dearly. Garda and Leimeter with a distant missile made it 10-12 to unsettle Oca's men. Then the veteran of Maica García and Laura Ester appeared. The captain returned the 4th with three goals of strength and the 'Pajarito', who came out to play the last four minutes, made worthwhile saves to stop the Magyars.
Hungary: Magyari, Szilagyi (2), Valyi (1), Gurisati (1), Horvath (1), Parkes (2), Mate, Peresztegi-Nagy, Leimeter (1), Mahieu, Farago, Garda (3) and Kiss (p.s.).
Spain: Terré, Nogué, Anni Espar (2), Bea Ortiz (3), Nona Pérez (1), Paula Prats (1), Elena Ruiz (2), Pili Peña, Forca, Camus, Maica García (3), Paula Leiton (3) and Laura Ester (ps).
Quarters: 1-4, 4-2, 3-6, 3-3.
