Twenty-one years after the event, Spain is again the world champion in waterpolo. David Martin’s team beat Italy in Budapest to win a gold medal, making it once more a reference in water polo.
After Italy had discounted two goals in last minutes and Spain was already celebrating victory, the sudden death in penalty shootout ended a volcanic duel between two great power. The tie reached nine in regulation time. Eduardo Lorrio, the goalkeeper, stopped the shot from Cannella’s transalpine and gave glory to Spain since Granados had converted it without his arm trembling.
This is the third consecutive time Spain has been named world champion in waterpolo. This feat is a crowning moment for a new generation of water polo champions. The key to their success is the unity of the dressing room as well as the winning mentality. This triumph in Budapest is the latest in a series of victories for the Spanish team at the World Cups in 1998 in Perth and 2001 in Fukuoka. Joan Jane was also a part of the Spanish team.
Three years ago, Italy defeated Spain in Gwangju in South Korea in a final that was decided in favor 5-10 by the transalpines. This victory was a validation of the Italians’ status as the “black beast” of Spain, a Spain they had defeated in the finals of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.
The Spanish team retaliated after those humiliating defeats on Sunday. Unai Aguirre and Felipe Perrone were the most notable figures. The veteran player from Club Natacio Atletic Barceloneta was named the best player in his ninth World Cup. He started the match with a 0-3 score, but lost steam in the fourth quarter. Italy then took control and went from 6-9 to 9-9. This result left both teams unable to win the penalty shootout.
Aguirre won the World Cup’s best goalkeeper award. The Catalan goalkeeper is only 19 years old and four years in the elite. He has performed admirably in the world championship, winning the award for the best goalkeeper in the World Cup.
