Greece’s men’s national water polo team faces a defining test on Friday, Jan. 23, as it takes on Hungary for a place in the final of the European Water Polo Championship.

Later this evening, the side coached by Thodoris Vlachos will meet Hungary in the tournament’s first semifinal, with a coveted spot in the final at stake.

Greece enters the clash brimming with confidence, built on two solid foundations: six victories in six matches so far, and the widespread belief that they have been the tournament’s most impressive team in the Serbian capital.

At the same time, the players are fully aware that such credentials carry little weight in a knockout match between two nearly evenly matched opponents, where the outcome is often decided by the finest of margins.

The Greek team completed two training sessions on Thursday at the Banjica pool, and Vlachos has all 15 internationals available. Dimitris Nikolaidis has recovered from a recent illness, allowing the coach to select his final 14-man squad, which will be announced an hour and a half before the match.

The semifinal is scheduled to begin at 6:00 and will be broadcast live on ERT2 Sport. In the other semifinal pairing, hosts Serbia face Italy at 9:30, with the home side considered favorites to secure victory and advance to Sunday’s final on Jan. 25.