The 36th Men’s EURO Water Polo Championship brings together the same teams from the 2022 tournament for an exciting rematch. Initially set for Israel, the tournament has been moved to Croatia. Our Mens Water Polo Euro 2024 betting guide previews potential outcomes.
Dubrovnik and Zagreb will host the tournament. Sixteen teams will compete for the title in Croatia. These teams include the top eight countries from the last tournament and seven teams from the qualifiers. All competing teams will be divided into four groups.
| ℹ️ Tournament: | Men’s European Water Polo Championship 2024 |
| 🏟️ Venue: | Dubrovnik and Zagreb, Croatia |
| 🗓️ Date: | 4th January – 16th January 2024 |
Several water polo betting sites offer competitive odds for this competition. The best sportsbooks have attached these 2024 Men’s Euro Water Polo odds to the top five teams in the competition. Be ready to dive into BetZillion online bets offers.
Spain steps in as a powerful contender with a streak of three top-three finishes. They proudly sit in second place in the latest LEN rankings. Their consistent, top-notch performances position them as strong candidates for the title. Croatia, the current champions, are just a little behind, closely challenging Spain in the rankings. Also, watch for Greece, the tournament’s dark horse.
Known for their unexpected brilliance, the Greeks, currently fourth in the LEN ratings, are poised to make a splash.
Italy also has a history of successive victories in this competition. They have three championships and 11 top-three finishes. Currently trailing Greece in the rankings, the Italians have a legacy that speaks of resilience and skill. Serbia carries the weight of history with five championship victories. Their records make them an unpredictable and thrilling competitor.
Sixteen European national teams clash in this championship, divided into four intense groups. The two leading teams from each group will proceed directly to the knockout stage. However, it’s not about winning the championship title; this tournament holds importance as it paves the way for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
With the stakes higher than ever, the top three teams won’t just celebrate their triumph; they’ll secure their direct passage to the Olympic games. And for those finishing fourth to sixth, the dream isn’t over yet – they’ll have a golden opportunity to chase Olympic glory in a thrilling pre-Olympic qualifying tournament.
This year’s event marks a milestone – the 38th Men’s European Water Polo Championship since the excitement first began in 1985. Hungary stands tall in the annals of this competition, boasting an impressive legacy with 13 titles and 26 appearances in the finals. Close on their heels, the Soviet Union and Serbia each lay claim to 5 titles, etching their own remarkable stories in the championship’s rich history.
The top eight teams in the 2022 European Championship ranking fall in Division 1 (Group A and B), while the following eight fall to Division 2 (Group C and D).
| Position | Team |
| 1st | Spain |
| 2nd | Croatia |
| 3rd | Montenegro |
| 4th | France |
Spain is a strong favorite to win this group as they are the highest-ranked team. Hosts Croatia will likely finish second, while Montenegro are favorites for third spot. France is expected to round out the group.
| Position | Team |
| 1st | Greece |
| 2nd | Italy |
| 3rd | Hungary |
| 4th | Georgia |
The tussle for the group winner is likely to be between Greece and Italy. However, the Greeks have the advantage, and they should finish top of the group. Hungary is expected to claim the third spot, while Georgia settles for 4th.
| Position | Team |
| 1st | Serbia |
| 2nd | Germany |
| 3rd | Israel |
| 4th | Malta |
Odds from bookies in Croatia largely favor Serbia to win the group. They are two-time champions and the highest-ranked team in the group. Germany has a solid squad and is poised to grab the second qualifying ticket. Malta is expected to come third, while Israel finishes fourth.
| Position | Team |
| 1st | Slovakia and Netherlands |
| 2nd | Netherlands and Romania |
| 3rd | Slovenia |
| 4th | Slovakia |
Netherlands and Romania are the highest-ranked teams in the group and will likely get the top two spots. We expect the Dutch team to finish top, with Romania picking the second spot. Slovenia should finish third, while Slovakia ends up fourth.
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Croatia has a strong case for claiming the coveted title as the host nation. The familiar pool and supportive atmosphere can give them an edge, especially in close matches. Croatia is also the reigning champion, having tasted victory in 2022. This momentum and experience can be invaluable, boosting their morale and belief in their abilities. They’ve reached the Semi-Finals in nine consecutive editions, winning seven medals between 2007 and 2019.
Croatian water polo is known for its robust defense, anchored by the reliable Ivica Martić in goal. Their ability to shut down opposing attacks can be a game-changer, especially against offensive powerhouses, and land their 3rd EURO title.
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In their last four head-to-head matches, they’ve impressively averaged 22.5 goals per game, consistently surpassing the 21-goal threshold. Montenegro, too, shows a solid offensive record with an average of 24.5 goals in their recent games, while France has maintained an average of 23.4 goals in their last five matches.
These statistics point towards a trend of high scoring, making it reasonable to anticipate over 21 goals in their upcoming water polo match in the tournament.
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Under coach Zsolt Varga’s guidance, Hungary brings a solid track record to the table, including a triumphant Water Polo World Cup win and a series of victories in friendly matches. This winning streak, combined with Varga’s strategic insight, positions Hungary as a team with the momentum and skill to potentially outscore Greece by at least three goals.
Their knack for seizing the early lead in games and holding onto it, along with the confidence and experience gleaned from their World Cup success, sets them up as strong contenders to clinch this contest with a significant goal margin.
Here are our 2024 Men’s Euro Water Polo betting predictions:
Croatia, backed by a wealth of experience and impressive performances in past competitions, stands out as our top pick to clinch the title. Their track record and skillful play make them strong contenders. Use our Water Polo 2024 Men’s EURO betting tips. Remember, there are also online betting 10 pound deposit options to stake on your favorite bookie and enjoy the game on live stream.
