Spain edges Hungary 8-7 to reach World Cup semifinals

Spain's national water polo team, the reigning Olympic champions, clinched a dramatic 8-7 victory over Hungary on Wednesday to reach the semifinals of the World Cup Superfinal in Sydney, Australia. The hard-fought win came after a tense final period where Spain trailed by one goal.

Jordi Valls' team had to dig deep in the closing minutes. Trailing 6-7, two crucial goals from Queralt Bertran and Irene González, the latter on a power play, turned the game around. A final defensive stand secured the win, keeping Spain's hopes alive for the only major title missing from their trophy cabinet.

The match was a closely contested affair, with defenses dominating. Spain felt the absence of captain Bea Ortiz, who was sidelined after minor surgery. Despite this, the team demonstrated its competitive spirit, with Bertran and González stepping up offensively in the critical moments.

In the semifinals, Spain is set to face Russia. Russia caused the day's biggest upset by defeating the Netherlands, the most decorated team in the competition's history with eight titles.