This year’s competition faced venue challenges. Initially set for Israel, the event was relocated to Eindhoven. Our 2024 Women’s Water Polo EURO predictions guide offers insights into possible outcomes from this tournament.
The tournament will unfold in four phases: group stages, quarterfinals, semi-finals, and finals. This Women’s Water Polo event offers two main benefits for competing teams. First, the winners get a trophy. The winners also secure a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
| ℹ️ Tournament: | 2024 Women’s European Water Polo Championship |
| 🏟️ Venue: | Pieter van den Hoogenband Swimming Stadium, Eindhoven, Netherlands |
| 🗓️ Dates: | 5th January – 13th January 2024 |
The latest 2024 Women Euro Water Polo odds from the legal bookies in the Netherlands offer these options for the top five teams in the competition.
The Dutch women’s team is the top contender in the tournament. They are tied with Italy as five-time champions. Their recent triumph at Japan’s 2023 Water Polo World Championship puts them in a strong position heading into this event. They will also benefit from playing on their home turf. Spain is the second favorite, and they will be ready to battle for the title once more in Eindhoven. They come into the competition as current holders.
Hungary also features among the top contenders for the title. Still, choose among the betting sites with cash out. The Hungarians are fresh off their bronze victory at the 2023 Women’s Water Polo World Championships. Italy is another powerhouse with five titles to their name. Despite not clinching the top spot recently, Italy’s burning desire for a comeback is a force to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, Greece, just shy of gold in 2022, comes in with a fierce hunger for redemption and the sheer firepower to make a serious bid for the championship.
In this year’s tournament, every team gets two chances to prove themselves, thanks to the double-elimination setup. With the expansion to 16 teams, they’re grouped into four, each group hosting four teams. Every team plays three matches – one against each group member. The best two from each group make it to the quarterfinals.
In the quarterfinals, eight teams go head-to-head in four intense matches. Winners enter the semifinals, while the others compete for 5th to 8th places. The semifinals decide who will dazzle in the grand finale, and the runners-up from these matches vie for the third spot.
Marking a milestone, the Women’s European Water Polo Championship is celebrating its 20th anniversary. This event has been a showcase of top-tier aquatic athleticism and intense competition for two thrilling decades. The Dutch team, known for its exceptional skills, made history by winning the inaugural championship in 1985.
Since then, they’ve continued to dominate, sharing the record for the most victories alongside Italy, another formidable team in the sport. This year, the city of Eindhoven is once again at the forefront, hosting the EURO Water Polo Championships, replicating its successful role from the memorable 2012 edition. As teams prepare, fans anticipate another round of captivating matches and unforgettable poolside moments.
In the 2022 European Championship, the top eight teams are placed in Division 1, split into Groups A and B. The next eight teams fall into Division 2, comprising Groups C and D.
| Position | Team |
| 1st | Netherlands |
| 2nd | Hungary |
| 4th | Croatia |
| 3rd | Greece |
The Netherlands women’s team, with their home advantage and a record of five titles, are the favorites to top their group. Hungary’s women, boasting a strong competition history, are widely expected to secure the runner-up position by bet gurus. Given the group’s competitive nature, Greece should come third while Croatia finishes fourth.
| Position | Team |
| 1st | Spain |
| 3rd | Israel |
| 4th | France |
| 2nd | Italy |
Spain, as the defending champions, is anticipated to lead their group. Italy has a strong squad and is expected to clinch the second position. France should come third, while Israel ends up at the bottom of the group.
| Position | Team |
| 1st | Serbia |
| 2nd | Turkey |
| 3rd | Czech Republic |
| 2nd | Romania |
Serbia is expected to top this group conveniently, with rising star Turkey coming second. The Czech Republic is the favorite to finish third, with Romania finishing in fourth place.
| Position | Team |
| 1st | Great Britain |
| 2nd | Germany |
| 3rd | Slovakia |
| 4th | Bulgaria |
Great Britain has a youthful team and tactical flexibility that can aid them to win this group. Germany is likely to get the second spot due to their defensive resilience. Slovakia should finish third, while Bulgaria rounds out the group.
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The Netherlands stands a strong chance of seizing the title, backed by several favorable factors. As five-time European champions, they are well-versed in handling the pressure of high-stakes tournaments. Playing at home will motivate them more than ever to claim their 6th title.
Their team is powered by a dynamic offense, with stars like Simone van de Kraats and Vivian Roelen leading the charge. Their explosive playing style, marked by powerful shots and smart passes, often overwhelms their opponents’ defense.
The team’s ability to switch tactics and adapt to various playstyles while exploiting the opposition’s weaknesses makes them a formidable opponent. This combination of physical prowess and strategic thinking positions them as a major threat in the competition.
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Spain and France have consistently delivered high-scoring games in their recent matchups across all water polo competitions. Three of those games have ended with the total goals surpassing 22 in three. The Spanish women have been particularly prolific, averaging 26 goals in their last six games.
Meanwhile, the French team has also shown impressive scoring ability, averaging over 22 goals in their last five matches. Their latest face-off at the World Championship in Japan culminated in a combined total of 25 goals. This trend points to their upcoming clash being a high-scoring affair, making it a promising option for those looking for odds for water polo games.
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Spain’s record in water polo against France is impeccable. The Spanish women’s team has won three of their last four games against France by margins exceeding nine goals. Their offensive prowess, spearheaded by talents like Maica Garcia and Beatriz Pareja, positions them well to outperform France. As the defending champions and one of the favorites to win the title, Spain is poised to kick off their opening match with a significant impact, showcasing their strength and ambition to retain their championship status.
Here are our 2024 Women’s Euro Water Polo predictions for likely outcomes at this event:
We expect the outright winner to be a close call between Spain, the defending champion, and the host, the Netherlands. Both teams are also in good form ahead of this tournament. Use our 2024 Women Water Polo European Championship tips to stake and win some extra cash.
