Hungary's Goalkeeper Saves Four to Upset Spain at Euros

Sometimes a single player can rewrite history with their hands, and that's exactly what Hungarian goalkeeper Soma Vogel did on Tuesday night in Belgrade.

Vogel turned away four penalties, two in regular time and two more in the shootout, to send Hungary past defending European champion Spain in a water polo thriller that had the arena on its feet. The match ended 11-11 after regulation, setting up the dramatic penalty shootout that sealed Spain's exit from the tournament.

The game felt like a final before the semifinals had even begun. Hungary led for most of the contest, trading goals in a back-and-forth battle that saw neither team able to pull away. Spain fought back to briefly take the lead early in the fourth quarter, but Hungary responded with typical resilience.

When Sergi Cabanas scored a buzzer-beater to force the shootout, it looked like Spain's championship experience might carry them through. That's when Vogel took over, stopping two more Spanish attempts to send the Hungarian bench into celebration and book their ticket to the semifinals.

The victory continues Hungary's strong tournament run and ends Spain's quest to defend their European title in dramatic fashion. It's the kind of performance that creates legends and reminds us why sports can be so captivating.

The Bright Side

While Spain's reign as champions ended, the match showcased water polo at its absolute best. Both teams left everything in the pool, trading spectacular goals and defensive stops that had fans from both nations applauding the effort. These moments of pure athletic excellence, where competitors push each other to new heights, remind us why international competition brings out the best in athletes.

Vogel's performance also highlights how one person's preparation and focus can make all the difference when the pressure is highest. His teammates mobbed him after the final save, a pure moment of joy that sports delivers like nothing else.

The tournament in Belgrade continues to deliver unforgettable moments, with France also celebrating a convincing victory over the Netherlands behind six goals from captain Thomas Vernoux. Montenegro pulled off their own upset by handing host Serbia their first home loss at a European Championship held in Belgrade across three different editions.

These are the nights that young water polo players will remember, the performances that inspire the next generation to chase their own dreams in the pool.