Greece and Serbia already made their way to the quarters by finishing atop in their respective groups. The Greeks staged a brilliant third period against the Russians to clinch their third win in as many matches. The Serbs had an easier task and they delivered – depsite of having a game in hand they also secured their spot in the best eight and joined Croatia and Montenegro.

The big game of the day featuring Greece and Russia was quite balanced till half-time but in the third the Greeks caught a wave, rode it and decided the game with a 5-1 rush. This great win sent them to the quarter-finals directly as they maintained their clean sheet and finished atop in Group B as they could beat both their big rivals Russia and Hungary.

A happy team in front of the camera: the Greeks after their second big win – Credit: Noemi Kondor

Earlier the Serbs also completed their mission by beating Canada in the opening match of Day 4. Though they have a game in hand but their first position has already been secured too. 

The third qualifying spot was at stake in Group A when Brazil clashed with Egypt and despite some hard resistance from the Africans the favourite side could build a gap after 4-5, big enough to last till the end of the match.

The United States bounced back from their painful loss to Italy, then to Croatia and earned their first win here – it was an easy one as they netted 26 goals and set up a decisive match for the third qualifying spot against New Zealand on Day 5.

Using one's head can be useful in water polo too – US goalie Kent Emden against Uzbekistan

The Italians beat New Zealand with ease, they geared up after a relatively slow start to book the second place in the group – they will play either with Hungary or Russia, a guaranteed highlight in the eight-final round.

In the closing match Hungary offered prime time entertainment for the locals who flooded the stands once again and enjoyed the show the hosts put up on the field while setting a new single-game scoring record by netting 30 against Argentina.

One from the 30 Hungarian goals: Benedek Baksa scores an easy one

Standings after Day 4

Group A

1. Montenegro 6, 2. Australia 4, 3. Brazil 4, 4. Egypt 1, 5. South Africa 1 (4 matches)

Group B

1. Greece 6, 1. Russia 4, 3. Hungary 4, 4. China 1, 5. Argentina 1 (4)

Group C

1. Croatia 6, 2. Italy 6 (4), 3. New Zealand 2, 4. United States 2, 5. Uzbekistan 0 

Group D

1. Serbia 6, 2. Spain 6 (4), 3. Columbia 2, 4. Canada 2, Saudi Arabia 0