Croatian women’s water polo team achieves best-ever Euro finish

(Photo: HVS)

Croatia’s women’s senior water polo team has achieved a historic milestone by finishing sixth at the European Championships in Funchal, Portugal, the best result ever recorded by the national side since Croatia’s independence.

The achievement marks a breakthrough moment for Croatian women’s water polo and secures qualification for the 2025 World Championships in Budapest.

It will be Croatia’s second consecutive appearance at the world tournament, confirming the team’s steady progress and growing presence on the international stage.

Although Croatia were defeated by Spain 23–9 in the match for fifth place, the final result does little to diminish what has been a landmark tournament for the team, affectionately known as the Barakudice.

This European Championship will be remembered not for the final match, but for Croatia’s performances throughout the competition.

(Photo: HVS)

The team recorded crucial victories over Turkey and Serbia and, most notably, achieved their first-ever European Championship wins against France and Israel – a significant step forward in the programme’s development.

Given the emotional and physical demands of the tournament, the final match proved challenging. Head coach Mia Šimunić was unable to call on injured player Nina Medić, with Tonka Rogulj stepping into the squad. The players themselves were understandably drained after an intense and historic week, already aware that they had secured a place among Europe’s top six.

Despite this, Croatia’s sixth-place finish stands as a defining achievement and a powerful signal of intent.

One of the most encouraging aspects of Croatia’s performance in Funchal is the youth of the squad. While Spain fielded a more experienced lineup, Croatia’s team consisted of 12 players born between 2004 and 2009 – underlining the long-term potential of this generation.

“This is a very young team,” said head coach Mia Šimunić after the tournament. “We achieved our goal – and even exceeded it. We are sixth in Europe. The players are tired, but they played beautiful water polo throughout this championship.”

(Photo: HVS)

She added that qualifying for the World Championships with such a young squad is a remarkable achievement and a strong foundation for future success.

By finishing sixth, Croatia has officially secured its place at the 2025 World Championships in Budapest. The upcoming tournament will provide another opportunity for this talented generation to test themselves against the world’s elite and continue building momentum.

The Croatian women’s water polo team will return home from Madeira via Budapest on Thursday, bringing with them not only a historic result but renewed confidence and belief.

(Photo: HVS)

With this achievement, Croatian women’s water polo has firmly established itself alongside the world’s leading nations. Budapest now awaits as the next chapter in an already remarkable journey.