Womens World ChampionshipTeams

Group A	Group B	Group C	Group D
Spain	Australia	United States	Hungry
Russia	China	Canada	Italy
Netherlands	New Zealand	Greece	Brazil
Uzebekistan	South Africa	Great Britain	Kazakhstan

Day 1 - Sunday, July 21

World champion Greece tasted defeat on the opening day of its title defence of the FINA Women’s Water Polo World Championship at the Bernat Picornell Pool. Who better to inflict the defeat than Olympic and World Cup champion United States of America with what was a flattering 12-8 margin after a brilliant final quarter. In the other Group C encounter, Canada and Great Britain played a spirited match before Canada prevailed 14-9.

In Group A action, the marquee match of the day, Spain took until midway through the second quarter to gain the lead, which it never relinquished in what was the most thrilling match of the day. Russia opened the championship with a 22-6 victory over Uzbekistan.

In Group B action, World League champion China nearly kept South Africa scoreless with a handsome 17-2 victory and world No 3 Australia earlier dispensed with New Zealand 15-4.

In Group D, Hungary romped home 20-6 over Brazil and Italy came back from 3-0 down to Kazakhstan to rebound 8-3 and finally come home 9-7.

Women's points after day one:

Group A: RUS 2, ESP 2, NED 0, UZB 0.
Group B: CHN 2, AUS 2, NZL 0, RSA 0.
Group C: CAN 2, USA 2, GRE 0, GBR 0.
Group D: HUN 2, ITA 2, KAZ 0, BRA

Stats and Match reports by Russ McKinnon, FINA Press Commission

Game #2 RUS 22 vs UZB 6

Quarters: 5-1, 6-1, 5-2, 6-2
Referees: Doriel Terpenka (CAN), Kazuhiko Makita (JPN)
Extra Man: RUS: 3/5. UZB: 2/3
Pens: RUS: 1/1. UZB: 0/1

Teams:

RUSSIA: Anna Ustyukhina, Diana Antonova, Ekaterina Prokofyeva (6), Elvina Karimova (1), Alexandra Antonova (3), Olga Belova (2), Ekaterina Tankeeva (1), Anna Grineva, Anna Timofeeva, Olga Beliaeva (4), Evgeniya Ivanova (4), Ekaterina Zelentsova (1), Anna Karnaukh. Head Coach: Mikhail Nakoryakov.

UZBEKISTAN: Elena Dukhanova, Diana Dadabaeva, Aleksandra Sarancha (2), Angelina Djumalieva, Evgeniya Ivanova, Ekaterina Morozova, Natalya Plyusova (2), Anna Shcheglova, Ramilya Khalikova (2), Adelina Zinurova, Guzelya Khamitova, Anna Plyusova, Natalya Shlyonskaya. Head Coach: Akbar Sadikov.

Match Report:

Russia was far the better team and the match proved to be a warm-up to the latter stages of the competition. Russia stole the ball, countered and calmly worked the ball to free players rather than slam every opportunity. This calmness gave the match a sense of poise and character, but as the game progressed and Uzbekistan started to reclaim parts of the match, Russia used its urgency to greater effect. Alexandra Antonova scored three goals in the opening half with six other players also making the sheet. For Uzbekistan’s part, Aleksandra Sarancha made the most of a chance at centre forward in the first quarter for 2-1 and then received a pass on counter for 11-2 late in the second quarter. Natalya Plyusova could have earlier made it 11-2 but her penalty attempt was blocked by Anna Ustyukhina. Ekaterina Prokofyeva, most valuable player at the 2009 FINA Youth World Championships, scored three goals in the third period while Uzbekistan responded with two goals on extra-man advantage. Russia went into the final quarter 16-4 ahead and raced away with the game with Ivanova grabbing another pair for four and Prokofyeva converting a penalty and another lob shot for six goals from six attempts. Uzbekistan scored two more, including a beautiful six-metre lob from Ramilya Khalikova.

FLASH QUOTES:

Evgeniya Ivanova (RUS):
“This match has been like a preparation before playing  against the  host team, Spain. We could check the pool on this first match.”

Olga Beliaeva (RUS):
“We started off the game very nervous and slow in the first quarter. From the second quarter we were more serious and faster, following the tactics of our coach. The fact that this championship is held in an open pool may influence our game, because of the sun. We prepare very thoroughly every match. We are very serious.”

Mikhail Nakoryakov (Head coach Russia):
“The first match is always tough. I consider that Spain and the Netherlands are our most powerful competitors. In just 2-3 matches anything could happen. It´s all right that the other teams may fear us.”

Game #3 AUS 15 vs NZL 4

Quarters: 3-1, 4-2, 4-0, 4-1
Referees: Gabor Vogel (HUN), Joao Cardenuto (BRA)
Extra Man: AUS: 3/4. NZL: 2/4
Pens: AUS: 1/1

Teams:

AUSTRALIA: Lea Barta, Jayde Appel (1), Hannah Buckling (1), Holly Lincoln-Smith (3), Isobel Bishop, Bronwen Knox, Rowena Webster (4), Glencora McGhie, Zoe Arancini (2), Ashleigh Southern (2), Keesja Gofers (1), Nicola Zagame (1), Kelsey Wakefield. Head Coach: Greg McFadden.

NEW ZEALAND: Brooke Millar, Emily Cox (1), Kelly Mason (2), Nicole Lewis, Alexandra Boyd, Lynlee Smith, Sarah Landry, Danielle Lewis, Lauren Sieprath, Casie Bowry (1), Kirsten Hudson, Alexandra Myles, Ianetta Hutchinson. Head Coach: Attila Biro.

Match Report:

World No 3 Australia had the better of trans-Tasman rival New Zealand but the start was scratchy by the more dominant Aussie Stingers. Australia found faith in the first four minutes of the second quarter to slip out to 6-1, but the Kiwis kept them honest with two goals to close the half at 7-3. New Zealand goalkeeper Brooke Millar proved a worthy opponent, stopping some excellent Australian shots and keeping her team close. Australia played closer to head coach Greg McFadden’s expectations with a shutout period that left New Zealand barren for 15 minutes in the second half. The third period was clinical and, at 12-3, Kelly Mason thought it was time for Kiwi scoring to lift with a bouncer from seven metres. Lincoln-Smith scored her third for 13-4 and earned an ejection on the next attack for Australia to use a second timeout and score through Webster for her fourth. Australia was not finished and scored with two seconds remaining, Zoe Arancini netting from the deep left for an 11-goal margin that was better than the five and eight-goal margins in this year’s World League Asia-Oceania round in Auckland, New Zealand.

FLASH QUOTES:

Glencora McGhie (AUS):
“It was a great start for us to the tournament. We were nervous before the start. We were playing our game, very focused on our defence. It was crucial to rotate today. The next game against China will be very tough. It is exciting to play in this outdoor pool. It’s a beautiful day and a great start for us.”

Greg McFadden (AUS Head Coach):
“We  had a  good start, but we didn´t have patience at some points of the game.
This venue is fantastic. We were here in 1992.”

Lauren Sieprath (NZL):
“I found the match very tough. Australia is a good team. I don´t think we are going to win the competition.”

Alexandra Myles (NZL):
“The first match is always the toughest . The Australians are very physical players. We will be improving during the tournament.”

Casie Bowry (NZL):
“We need to improve our shooting and leadership for the upcoming games.”

Game #4 CHN 17 vs RSA 2

Quarters: 4-0, 4-0, 5-0, 4-2
Referees: Amber Drury (USA), Brian Littlejohn (GBR)
Extra Man: CHN: 7/7. RSA: 0/2
Pens: CHN: 1/1

Teams:

CHINA: Jun Yang, Fei Teng (2), Ping Liu, Yujun Sun (1), Jin He (2), Yating Sun (2), Donglun Song (3), Lu Xu (2), Xiaohan Mei, Huanhuan Ma (5), Cong Zhang, Qun Xia, Ying Wang. Head Coach: Alexander Kleymenov.

SOUTH AFRICA: Anke Jacobs, Kimberley Schmidt, Kieren Paley, Christ Rawstrom, Megan Schooling, Taryn Schooling, Kimberley Kay, Lee-Anne Keet (1), Delaine Christian, Marcelle Keet (1`) , Lindsay Killeen, Kelsey White, Thembelihle Mkhize. Head Coach: Brad Rowe.

Match Report:

World League champion China continued its winning streak beyond the excellent effort in Beijing last month when it collected its first international gold medal at the senior level. South Africa, an intermittent performer on the world stage, was not over-awed and pressured China at the attacking end, which brought success in the final quarter. It was China’s counter attack that proved fatal for the “girls in green”. The “red tide” sent in four goals in each of the first two quarters and five in the third with Huanhuan Ma scoring two more to take her bag to five. What was unusual was that Ma was caught out of position on several occasions, but still managed to convert. South Africa still wanted goals, but the bigger, taller and stronger Chinese, with seven players having contested more than 200 internationals proved a handful. South Africa’s most experienced player, Lee-Anne Keet, was playing in just her 23rd senior international match. She raised the spirits of her supporters when she scored from two metres with a sweeping shot with 4:50 left in the game and 14-1. China, however, stung by the goal, reacted quickly through two Fei Teng goals. Marcelle Keet, the younger sister of Lee-Anne and also an international hockey player, scored from outside at 2:34 for 16-2. China closed the game through Jin He in the final second for 17-2.

FLASH QUOTES:

Huanhuan Ma (CHN):
“We played well. We are playing match after match. The next one is against Australia, so it is a very important one. I am happy to have scored a few times and wish to do better and better.”

Jun Yang (CHN):
“Here we don´t feel the pressure we had in Shanghai. We have confidence in our new coach. I have been preparing myself for 10 years; this is my fifth (FINA World) championship.”

Kelsey White (RSA):
“We knew that China was a great team. I expected such a result ”

Kimberly Kay (RSA):
“It was a very difficult match, but we are going to try to win the competition.
We tried to play our best, but we know that China is number 1. We hope to have a great competition, but we have a hard pool.”

Kieran Paley (RSA):
“It was a very difficult match, but we work harder doing an improvement on the second part. I am satisfied with our effort.”

Game #5 USA 12 vs GRE 8

Quarters: 1-2, 3-2, 4-2, 4-2
Referees: Sergio Borrell (ESP), Radoslaw Koryzna (POL)
Extra Man: USA: 1/1. GRE: 2/5
Pens: USA: 1/1.

Teams:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Elizabeth Armstrong, Lauren Silver, Melissa Seidemann, Rachel Fattal (1), Caroline Clark (1), Margaret Steffens (3), Courtney Mathewson (2), Kiley Neushal (2), Jillian Kraus, Kelly Rulon (2), Annika Dries, Kameryn Craig (1), Tumuaialii Anae. Head Coach: Adam Krikorian.

GREECE: Eleni Kouvdou, Christina Tsoukala (3), Vasiliki Diamanopoulou, Ilektra Psouni, Margarita Plevritou, Alkisti Avramidou (2), Alexandra Asimaki, Antigoni Roumpesi (3), Christina Kotsia, Triantafyllia Manolioudaki, Eleftheria Plevritou, Alkistis Benekou, Chrysoula Diamantopoulou. Head Coach: Georgios Morfesis.

Match Report:

Olympic champion United States of America — also holder of the FINA World Cup — proved too strong for world champion Greece, who fell away in the final quarter. Led by experienced star Antigoni Roumpesi, Greece shot away to a 2-0 lead only for USA to have a 3-2 advantage midway through the second quarter. By halftime, Greece earned a 4-4 draw and goals were switched until 6-6 with Roumpesi scoring her third halfway through the third. Then USA went into overdrive with two goals before the final break and the first in the fourth. Greece’s lack of international experience since winning gold in Shanghai two years ago, was telling. USA’s persistence and frequency at the dais shone through even with relative newcomers blending with the old-stagers. Five consecutive goals from 6-6 to 11-6 had USA well ahead before Christina Tsoukala scored either side of a Maggie Steffens goal for 12-8. It was Steffens’ third goal of the period.

Match report by Gregg Mescall, Director of Communications USA Water Polo

Barcelona, Spain - July 21 - The USA Water Polo Women's National Team started off the 2013 FINA World Championships in strong fashion with a 12-8 victory over the defending gold medalist, Greece. Behind a strong second half and a balanced offensive attack the United States moved to 1-0 in preliminary play with Canada up next on Tuesday. Maggie Steffens(Danville, CA/Stanford/Diablo) scored three goals, all in the fourth period, to lead the offense and Betsey Armstrong (Ann Arbor, MI/Michigan/NYAC) recorded 13 saves to anchor the defense. The match will air on delay on Universal Sports today at 6pm et/3pm pt.  

The 2011 World Champions started the match off hot scoring two straight goals in the first three minutes to build a 2-0 lead. The United States answered when Kiley Neushul (Goleta, CA/Stanford/SBWPF) converted a penalty shot to leave Team USA trailing 2-1 with 4:21 left in the first. That was the score in the second period when the United States took their first lead on consecutive goals from Kelly Rulon (San Diego, CA/UCLA/NYAC) and Courtney Mathewson (Anaheim Hills, CA/UCLA/NYAC) for a 3-2 advantage. After failing on a power play, Greece was able to find the net on a lob shot with 2:55 remaining in the half to tie the game at 3-3. 90 seconds later Rachel Fattal (Seal Beach, CA/UCLA/SOCAL) scored on a player advantage for a 4-3 lead. Greece had the last word in the first half knocking home a shot off the post on a power play for a 4-4 game at intermission.

KK Clark (Menlo Park, CA/UCLA/NYAC) opened up the scoring less than a minute into the third period with an outside shot for a 5-4 lead. While the United States would never trail after that, the two teams proceeded to trade goals for the majority of the period. Greece hit from the outside only to see Mathewson score her second of the game with 6:16 left in the period for a 6-5 USA lead. Moments later Greece would even the match once more only to give way to Kami Craig (Santa Barbara, CA/USC/SBWPF) rearranging the defense inside for a 7-6 advantage. Rulon closed out the period skipping a shot over the goalkeepers head for an 8-6 lead as play moved to the fourth.

Team USA continued their offensive onslaught in the final period as Steffens got going with her first goal of the game to build a 9-6 lead. After a field block killed off a Greece power play, Neushul scored on a skipshot for a 10-6 lead. Steffens followed with a skip of her own and the United States were cruising, up 11-6. Greece stopped the bleeding with an outside shot with 2:02 remaining but it did not halt the USA attack. Steffens found the cage for the third time from the outside for a 12-7 lead with less than a minute to play. Greece tacked on one final goal but it did not factor in the decision, and the United States came away winners 12-8.

The United States earned just two exclusions in addition to the penalty and converted one of those opportunities while Greece went 2/8 on the power play. 

Saves - USA - B. Armstrong 13

FLASH QUOTES:

Margaret Steffens (USA):
“It was a very physical game and the competition is fine. I love Barcelona and the atmosphere is incredible in this city. Each game is long and we have to stay focused. Greece was great. Every game is difficult. We have to focus, the team is together and we are having fun.”

Ilektra Maria Psouni (GRE):
“This competition was good; we lost but we are looking forward to the other matches.”

Eleftheria Plevritou (GRE):
“We played quite well, but we can improve, because we really did a lot of mistakes. After the second quarter we suffered because we felt tired, and from that point the match started to go worse and worse for us.“

Christina Tsoukala (GRE):
“This match has been very tough because our rival is maybe the best one. At the start of the match we were better, but at a certain point the American (USA) team got a big lead. From now on we will take every match step by step.”

Alkisti Avramidou (GRE):
“We are a young team. We are going to fix mistakes before the next match.”

Alexandra Asimaki (GRE):
“I think we were a bit tired on the third part. USA had lots of opportunities because it is the Olympic champion. We are going to improve.”

Game #6 CAN 14 vs GBR 9

Quarters: 3-2, 4-3, 4-3, 3-1
Referees: Daniel Flahive (AUS), Cory Williams (NZL)
Extra Man: CAN: 4/6. GBR: 4/6
Pens: CAN: 1/1.

Teams:

CANADA: Michele Relton, Krystina Alogbo (4), Katrina Monton (1), Emma Wright (3), Monika Eggens, Sophie Baron La Salle (1), Joelle Bekhazi (2), Dominique Perrault, Carmen Eggens, Christine Robinson (2), Stephanie Valin (1), Marina Radu, Nicola Colterjohn. Head Coach: Guy Baker.

GREAT BRITAIN: Rosemary Morris, Chloe Wilcox (2), Fiona McCann, Ciara Gibson-Byrne (4), Ainee Hoy, Claire Nixon, Lisa Gibson, Hazel Musgrove (3), Peggy Etiebet, Angela Winstanley-Smith, Francesca Clayton, Kathryn Fowler, Jade Smith. Head Coach: Paul Metz.

Match Reoprt:

Canada may have missed competing at the last two Olympic Games while Great Britain competed in London last year for eighth place, but it was the Maple Leafs who shone through today.

The match certainly had the large British supporter base enthralled. Goals were traded to 2-2 and Canada went two up with goals either side of the first break, but Britain was not to be denied.

Three stirring goals lifted Britain equal then one past Canada with just over two minutes remaining in the half. The score shone appealing light on the British. However, three Canadian goals in 77 seconds caught Britain unawares and the halftime score was 7-5 in favour of the North American team.

There did not appear to be any nervousness with these teams as they rattled in more goals in the third period, Great Britain drawing to 9-8 behind before Canada went 11-8 ahead by the final break. Canada went to 13-8; Ciara Gibson-Byrne netted her fourth goal for 13-9 and Canada completed the scoring through captain Alogbo with a neat centre-forward turn — her fourth as well. For a first match by both teams, it was a good showing and bodes well for the tournament.

The match also marked the third country for which Great Britain coach Paul Metz has controlled the national team — New Zealand, Netherlands and Great Britain

FLASH QUOTES:

Emma Wright (CAN):
“We played a good game. I’m really excited to be here because it’s a great opportunity although the game was really hard. At some moments of the game we played at the same level as our rivals but were able to improve our offensive game to win.”

Jade Smith (GBR):
“We are a little disappointed about the match today. We should talk about what we did wrong today and try to improve for the future. ”

Peggy Etiebet (GBR):
“We had a challenge, we made a great effort, but we’ll try to make it better the next time.”

Game #7 HUN 20 vs BRA 6

Quarters: 5-2, 4-0, 3-0, 8-4
Referees: Sergy Naumov (RUS), Gideon Reemnet (NED)
Extra Man: HUN: 3/6. BRA: 3/7
Pens: HUN: 4/4. BRA: 1/1.

Teams:

HUNGARY: Flora Bolonyai, Anna Illes (2), Dora Antal, Dora Kisteleki (2), Gabriella Szucs, Orsolya Takacs (1), Ibolya Miskolczi (2), Rita Keszthelyi (5), Ildiko Toth, Barbara Bujka (3), Krisztina Garda (1), Kata Menczinger (4), Orsolya Kaso. Head Coach: Andras Meresz.

BRAZIL: Manuella Canetti, Diana Abla, Marina Zablith (2), Marina Canetti, Luciane Maia (1), Adhara Santoro, Melani Dias, Izabela Chiappini (2), Victoria Muratore, Flavia Vigna, Mirella Coutinho (1), Viviane Bahia, Victoria Chamorro. Head Coach: Sandy Nitta.

Match Report:

Hungary was always going to swim away with this match, despite the defiance of Brazil in what was a period too late — the fourth.

With crowds building for the evening session and the sun starting to cause problems at one end, Rita Keszthelyi was on fire like the great orb above. She scored three of Hungary’s first four goals for 4-1 with not four minutes into the game.

Luciane Maia scored on extra for 4-2 but there the Brazilian dream of victory died.
Hungary rattled in four goals in the second period and had the game in its hand at 9-2 by the long

break.
Keszthelyi worried the match secretaries further with another two goals to start the second half and Hungary showed total dominance as it moved to 12-2 by the final break.

The final period was a goal fest with Hungary finishing 20-6 ahead, meaning Brazil came back into the game with four goals.

Barbara Bujka and Kata Menczinger netted twice in the period as did Marina Zablith — breaking the Brazilian drought of nearly 24 minutes — and teammate Izabella Chiappini.

However, it was Hungary’s day and great experience for the young Brazilians

FLASH QUOTES:

Ibolya Kitti Miskolczi (HUN):
“It was a hard game; being here in this tournament is hard. We played well but it some parts of the game we did it bad, but it is a good start.”

Andras Meresz (HUN Head Coach):
“The first game at the world championships is always tough. So we are happy about this win. We won’t change anything facing the next game, starting with the same team. The next game will be really tough against Italy. But we will aim to book the quarter-final ticket.”

Victoria Chamorro (BRA):
“We have a really young team, we’ve seven new players. So, we have to work more in order to be better in our next game. Hungary was really strong and we were tired, but we tried to not give up.”

Mirella Coutinho (BRA):
“We have to think about our next match and win it. We have been working so hard, but it was not possible.”

Game #8 ITA 9 vs KAZ 7

Quarters: 1-3, 5-0, 2-3, 1-1
Referees: Manol Taylan (TUR), Shi Wei Ni (CHN)
Extra Man: ITA: 3/5. KAZ: 5/8
Pens: ITA: 3/3.

Teams:

ITALY: Elena Gigli, Francesca Pomeri, Arianna Garibotti (1), Federica Radicchi, Elisa Queirolo, Rosaria Aiello, Tania Di Mario (3), Roberta Bianconi (1), Giulia Emmolo (1), Valeria Palmieri (1), Aleksandra Cotti (2), Teresa Frassinetti, Loredana Sparano. Head Coach: Fabio Conti.

KAZAKHSTAN: Alexandra Zharkova, Natalya Shepelina, Aizhan Akilbayeva (2), Anna Turova (1), Anastassiya Mirshina, Anna Zubkova, Natalya Alexandrova (1), Yekaterina Glushkova, Assel Jakayeva (1), Marina Gritsenko (2), Alexandra Rozhentseva, Assem Mussarova, Kristina Krassikova. Head Coach: Andrey Sasykin

Match Report

There was no way Italy was not going to win this match, but spare a thought for the scriptwriters who started their screenplay with the wrong scorers!

Kazakhstan sent in one goal at 4:39, a second at 1:48 and a third at 0:52. It was 3-0 in favour of the team that was supposed to finish second.

What would Italy do to get back into the game? Score a penalty goal through captain Tania Di Mario, one of the heroes of Italy’s gold-medal win at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, that’s what.
The scriptwriters went crazy again and allowed Di Mario to score two more penalty goals to level the match. Three more Italian goals — two to Aleksandra Cotti on extra-man attack — took the margin to 6-3 at halftime with Kazakhstan kept scoreless.

Italy scored twice more before Anna Turova lobbed from six metres to bring Kazakhstan back into the game after 12 minutes of no scoring. There was still life in Kazakhstan’s attack.

Italy went to a timeout to no joy in the scoring department while Kazakhstan made the most of two extra-man chances, scoring both for 8-6 with Marina Gritsenko’s last shot coming a second from the final break. Grand theatre, indeed.

The final period ended 1-1 with Roberta Bianconi, normally the high scorer, reduced to one goal from six attempts but at 9-6, it was the winning goal.

Kazakhstan smashed in another on extra but, at 0:23, it was too late, so the curtain was drawn on what was a superb performance by both teams who deserve rave reviews.

FLASH QUOTES:

Elisa Queirolo (ITA):
“We made many mistakes and we wanted to improve; it hasn’t been a good game because three of our mates had been excluded.”

Fabio Conti (ITA Head Coach):
“It’s always difficult to start a championship against a team that seems to be not as good as ours, but it was good to break the ice”

Alexandra Zharkova (KAZ):
“We played good, but Italy is a really strong and hard team. We feel very good. At the beginning we thought that we could win, but it was not possible. We learnt a lot from Italy; they shoot very strong, but we tried to do our best.”

Game #1 ESP 14 vs NED 12

Quarters: 2-4, 5-1, 3-3, 4-4
Referees: Mario Bianchi (ITA), Axel Bender (GER)
Extra Man: ESP: 2/5. NED: 3/7.
Pens: ESP: 0/1.

Teams:

SPAIN: Laura Ester, Marta Bach, Anna Espar (3), Roser Tarrago (2), Matilda Ortiz, Jennifer Pareja (1), Lorena Miranda (1), Pilar Pena (3), Andrea Blas (2), Ona Meseguer (1), Maica Garcia, Laura Lopez (1), Patricia Herrera. Head Coach: Miguel Oca.

NETHERLANDS: Ilse van der Meijden, Yasemin Smit (4), Marloes Nijhuis, Biurakin Hakverdian, Sabrina van der Sloot, Nomi Stomphorst (1), Iefke van Belkum (2), Vivian Sevenich (2), Carolina Slagter, Dagmar Genee, Lieke Klaassen (3), Leonie van der Molen, Anne Heinis. Head Coach: Arno Havenga.

Match Report:

Olympic silver medallist Spain overcame the persistent Netherlands in a stirring match that had the large crowd on the edge of its seat. The win was largely due to the 5-1 second quarter and the brilliance of Anna Espar and Pilar Pena, who scored three goals apiece.

With Dutch head coach Mauro Maugeri sitting out the match on suspension for a red card gained in the 2013 FINA World League, his assistant Arno Havenga took the reins. It looked a good move as the Dutch, Olympic champions five years ago, sprang to a three-goal lead. This was trimmed to 4-2 at the first break.

Spurred on by a screaming home crowd, the Spanish fired in five unanswered goals from five different players for a 7-4 lead. Captain Yasemin Smit nailed her third goal for the Dutch with a bouncer into the top of the net to turn at 7-5.

Stern words were spoken by both coaches in the long break, while the Aqua Troupe, dressed in old-fashioned bathing costumes and armed with water pistols and parasols, entertained the crowd with “Singing in the Rain”.

Netherlands three times dragged the game back to one goal in the third quarter only for Spain to take a 10-8 advantage when Andrea Blas scored from two metres. Havenga earned a yellow card for appealing to the referee over the awarding of the goal.

It was a one-goal game again when Smit scored her fourth from five attempts. Spain went 12-9 ahead, Netherlands responded on a timeout ploy for 12-10 at 2:23 but time was running out for the Dutch. It proved so as Espar scored off a rebound for 13-10 at 1:42 after an extra-man chance went begging. It was 2013 Olympic All Star team member Espar’s third goal and probably, most precious. Klaassen narrowed the margin to two but Roser Tarrago scored her second of the period for an unbeatable 14-11 at 0:23, leaving the Dutch with a timeout and 10 seconds later a third goal for Klaassen and 14-12.

FLASH QUOTES:

Jennifer Pareja (ESP):
“It was a difficult game, and it was difficult for us to win. At the beginning we were losing but we came back. It’s important to start with a victory.”

Laura Ester (ESP):
“We were so nervous at the first moment. It was hard at the beginning. The objective now is to be the first of our group, and we will go step by step. The public tonight was amazing.”

Miki Oca (ESP Head Coach):
“It was important to win the first match. The first match has been very hard at the beginning. The participation of all the team was really important and as a result a lot of players scored a goal. The Netherlands played great.”

Sabrina van der Sloot (NED):
“We started really well, but Spain was really aggressive and we let them go. To play the first game against Spain was very exciting because it’s a really good team. ”

Ilse van der Meijden (NED):
“We started strong but finally Spain won the match. If we had made less mistakes in the personal game probably it wouldn’t have been like this.”

Vivian Sevenich(NED) :
“We haven’t had a really good championship start. It was a hard game against Spain.”

WATER POLO PLANET.COM: the Alternative Voice    www.waterpoloplanet.com

Day 2 - Tuesday, July 23

As Olympic bronze medallist it might be said that Australia would never cause an upset, but this is what transpired in day-two action at the FINA Women’s Water Polo World Championships at the Bernat Picornell Pool.

Australia came back from 5-4 down to thrash recently crowned FINA World League champion China 14-5 in what was a display of pressure defence, power shooting and general aggression.

The all-round effort made everyone sit up while a dejected China, a day-one winner over South Africa, will now shoot for second spot in Group B. Australia now needs to defeat South Africa, who lost to New Zealand 14-7 in the day’s first match, to win the group.

In Group A action in the evening, Netherlands posted a world record 30-3 win over Uzbekistan, who were also part of the previous record. Host Spain, the Olympic silver medallist, fell to Russia 7-6 who have two wins in what is one of the toughest two groups.

In Group C, star centre forward Alexandra Asimaki steered Greece to a 13-7 victory over Great Britain, scoring five goals. The United States of America gained a second win with a 10-8 win over neighbour Canada despite allowing Canada to score five of the last six goals.

In Group D, Kazakhstan gained a first win, defeating Brazil 9-5. Hungary then made progression in the tournament harder for Italy with a 10-4 margin. Rita Keszthelyi added four more goals to her five from the opening day and Barbara Bujka scored four for a total of seven.

Points after day two:

Group A: RUS 4, ESP 2, NED 2, UZB 0.
Group B: AUS 4, CHN 2, NZL 2, RSA 0.
Group C: USA 4, CAN 2, GRE 2, GBR 0.
Group D: HUN 4, KAZ 2, ITA 2, BRA 0.

Stats and Match reports by Russ McKinnon, FINA Press Commission

Game #9 RSA 7 vs NZL 14

Quarters: 3-5, 1-3, 1-3, 3-4
Referees: Radoslaw Koryzna (POL), Petar Abramovic (MNE).
Extra Man: RSA: 1/3. NZL: 3/7.
Pens: RSA: ½.

Teams:

SOUTH AFRICA: Anke Jacobs, Kimberley Schmidt, Kieren Paley, Christ Rawstrom, Megan Schooling, Taryn Schooling (1), Kimberley Kay (2), Lee-Anne Keet, Delaine Christian, Marcelle Keet (1), Lindsay Killeen, Kelsey White (3), Thembelihle Mkhize. Head Coach: Brad Rowe.

NEW ZEALAND: Brooke Millar, Emily Cox, Kelly Mason (1), Nicole Lewis (1), Alexandra Boyd, Lynlee Smith, Sarah Landry (2), Danielle Lewis (1), Lauren Sieprath, Casie Bowry, Kirsten Hudson (4), Alexandra Myles (4), Ianetta Hutchinson. Head Coach: Attila Biro.

Match Report

New Zealand maintained its winning margin record against South Africa with a 14-7 victory on day two of the women’s competition. The teams had met just once before with the Kiwis a 12-5 winner at the 2009 World Championships — the only previous encounter between these two countries at the major FINA events.

New Zealand’s victory was built on aggression and accurate shooting with Kirsten Hudson and Alexandra Myles on fire with four goals each. New Zealand had the luxury of counter attack as a potent weapon, especially in the second half as the South Africans started to tire. New Zealand also had the better of the extra-man attack and looked stronger around the field.

The score could have been much different if South Africa did not have the excellent rearguard form of goalkeeper Anke Jacobs, who made 11 saves from 24 attempts.

New Zealand had the edge at the quarter and a healthy three-goal margin by halftime. Myles struck twice in the third and the first of the fourth period for 10-4, which proved an unattainable peak for South Africa to climb.

Significantly for both teams this was a close match between teams who are not expected to make the top eight. In previous tournaments 9-12 play off for positions but in Barcelona it is just an early visit to the grandstands as their competitions will be over after four days. Their chance for three days of close matches are not to be.

FLASH QUOTES:

Christy Rawstron (RSA):
“In the first quarter we missed many shots and there was a lot of room in the game. We need to play more like a team to be more efficient. We are getting better and I can tell now that South Africa will be in the top teams in the future because we have good training facilities. We are proud that our sport is developing strong in our country and is broadcast live on a main South African TV channel.”

Delaine Cristian (RSA):
“The defence was the key of the match. I consider that we are good in that aspect of the game.”

Danielle Lewis (NZL):
“The turning point of this match was the third period, on the ninth goal when we got a lead of five goals.  At that time we were working very hard as a team.”

Game #10 AUS 14 vs CHN 5

Quarters: 1-3, 3-2, 6-0, 4-0
Referees: Mario Bianchi (ITA), Axel Bender (GER).
Extra Man: AUS: 3/4. CHN: 1/3

Teams:

AUSTRALIA: Lea Barta, Jayde Appel, Hannah Buckling, Holly Lincoln-Smith (1), Isobel Bishop (2), Bronwen Knox (1), Rowena Webster (2), Glencora McGhie (3), Zoe Arancini (1), Ashleigh Southern (2), Keesja Gofers, Nicola Zagame (2), Kelsey Wakefield. Head Coach: Greg McFadden.

CHINA: Jun Yang, Fei Teng, Ping Liu (2), Yujun Sun (1), Jin He, Yating Sun, Donglun Song, Lu Xu, Xiaohan Mei, Huanhuan Ma (1), Cong Zhang (1), Qun Xia, Ying Wang. Head Coach: Alexander Kleymenov.

Match Report:

Australia scored its 20th major championship victory over China with a stunning third-quarter effort that sent the opposition reeling and produced a real upset. By scoring six unanswered goals after being 5-4 behind at halftime, Australia stamped itself as a true contender for the crown in Barcelona. China went scoreless in the final quarter as well in what was a remarkable effort by Australia.

In the FINA World League preliminary round in Auckland, New Zealand in May, Australia won the first encounter in penalty shootout after being tied at 11-11 (final score 15-13) and then trounced China 17-7 in the return match. Today’s nine-goal margin echoes that result.

China won the FINA World League crown for the first time in Beijing last month and should have had the ascendancy for much of the encounter. However, the 3-1 opening quarter proved not enough.

Then came a scintillating third period in which Australia made it six in a row at major events over China and 20 of their 23 at World Championships.

The turning point was when Nicola Zagame scored on a hugely open counter attack for 5-5 and then superior defence led to a tidal wave of goals at the other end. Zoe Arancini made it 7-5 with a controversial goal that Chinese goalkeeper Jun Yang grabbed in what was determined as being behind the line. On the next Aussie Stingers attack, captain Bronwen Knox, playing in 249th international, shot under the arm of her defender, the ball turned sharply to the right off the water and into goal for 8-5. Zagame and Ash Southern finished the onslaught before the final break.

Southern added another a the top of the fourth, Isobel Bishop drilled two left-handed shots and Rowie Webster, who opened the scoring for Australia, closed it with a faltering shot from two metres.

Australia and China did not meet in Beijing last month, where China was first and Australia seventh. That was testament more to the quality of the tournament where anyone could have won but it was China, who lost its first three matches, won the ones that counted.

FLASH QUOTES:

Nicola Zagame (AUS):
“We played well as a team, we had a lot of doubts at the beginning. The third quarter was the most important one because we came together as a team.”

Ashleigh Southern (AUS):
“I scored an awesome goal in the fourth quarter swimming the whole pool, because I had come from the bench and I was fresh. We have great expectations for the tournament because we are first in the group, but I prefer to focus on the next game. In Australia we have good facilities to train in the capital Canberra, but media coverage is still poor because other sports are more popular.”

Ma Huanhuan (CHN):
“We were winning at half time and then it has been a big surprise. The coach changed the team with too many young players.”

Sun Yujun (CHN):
“I feel disappointed. After the Olympic Games we changed a lot of players who aren’t strong enough as they are too young.”

Game #11 GBR 7 vs GRE 13

Quarters: 1-1,2-2, 2-5, 2-5
Referees: Gideon Reemnet (NED), Anastasiya SKOVPINA (UZB).
Extra Man: GBR: ¼. GRE: 3/5
Pens: GBR: 1/1. GRE: 2/2

Teams:

GREAT BRITAIN: Rosemary Morris, Chloe Wilcox (1), Fiona McCann, Ciara Gibson-Byrne (2), Ainee Hoy, Claire Nixon, Lisa Gibson (2), Hazel Musgrove, Peggy Etiebet, Angela Winstanley-Smith (1), Francesca Clayton (1), Kathryn Fowler, Jade Smith. Head Coach: Paul Metz.

GREECE: Eleni Kouvdou, Christina Tsoukala (4), Vasiliki Diamanopoulou, Ilektra Psouni (1), Margarita Plevritou, Alkisti Avramidou (2), Alexandra Asimaki (5), Antigoni Roumpesi, Christina Kotsia, Triantafyllia Manolioudaki (1), Eleftheria Plevritou, Alkistis Benekou, Chrysoula Diamantopoulou. Head Coach: Georgios Morfesis.

Match Report:

The power and physical presence of Alexandra Asimaki belies her size and woe betide any player who takes her lightly. Asimaki scored a tournament-high five goals to lead world champion Greece to a 13-7 Group C victory over Great Britain, a match that was undecided at halftime but had Greece 8-5 ahead at the final break.

Asimaki plays centre forward and dominates, making her one of the world’s best. She scored three in a row and two of those within 20 seconds, to take Greece from 3-2 ahead to 5-3 up.

Greece proceeded to 8-5 ahead with just eight minutes remaining and Asimaki scored her fifth goal on extra-man attack with a neat turn on the left post to lob into the right of the goal. That was 10-6 and victory for Great Britain was now out of reach. Christina Tsoukala, emulated Asimaki’s scoring skills, firing in four.

Great Britain worked tirelessly throughout and scored some excellent goals. Lisa Gibson and Ciara Gibson-Byrne scored twice each with the former’s two low-percentage successes.

Greece had won five of their last six encounters, all in FINA World League competition. Great Britain won a match in 2011.

FLASH QUOTES:

Alexandra Asimaki (GRE):
“We were a little stressed at the start and Great Britain was stronger at the beginning. It’s logical that they tried to focus their strategy on stopping me. My job is to fight and to score. Today our tactics worked very well because we trained a lot and I could score five goals. Today it was a more open game than against the USA.”

Christina Tsoukala (GRE):
“All the teams have a good level. The key to win this match has been the fact that we had a lot of patience, even when both teams were very equal before halftime.”

Eleni Kouvdou:
“We have a very good centre (Asimaki) and all of the teams try to focus on her. We won this game because we are better in defence and had enough patience.”

Rosemary Morris (GBR):
“We didn´t do our best. We made a few mistakes, especially in the second half. We didn´t pay attention to the movement of our opponents. We must improve our defence.”

Paul Metz (GBR Head Coach):
“After our results in the Olympics last year, we had to change everything. We put a lot of young players in place.”

Game #12 USA 12 vs   CAN 8

Quarters: 4-1, 2-2, 3-2, 1-3
Referees: Adrian Alexandrescu (ROU), Cory Williams (NZL).
Extra Man: USA: 3/5. CAN: 3/5
Pens: CAN: 1/1

Teams:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Elizabeth Armstrong, Lauren Silver (2), Melissa Seidemann (2), Rachel Fattal, Caroline Clark, Margaret Steffens (1), Courtney Mathewson (1), Kiley Neushul (1), Jillian Kraus (1), Kelly Rulon, Annika Dries (1), Kameryn Craig (1), Tumuaialii Anae. Head Coach: Adam Krikorian.

CANADA: Michele Relton, Krystina Alogbo (1), Katrina Monton, Emma Wright (2), Monika Eggens, Sophie Baron La Salle, Joelle Bekhazi (1), Dominique Perrault (3), Carmen Eggens, Christine Robinson, Stephanie Valin (1), Marina Radu, Nicola Colterjohn. Head Coach: Guy Baker.

Match Report:

Olympic champion United States of America beat Canada 10-8 in a crucial Group C encounter.

USA twice went on four-goal sprees — at the start of the match and straddling halftime — and looked impressive at 9-3 halfway through the third period.

Then the wheels fell off the USA wagon as Canada struck back, getting previously inaccurate shots on target. Stephanie Valin and Dominique Perrault gave Canada a 9-5 chance at the final break.
Emma Wright, the 17 year old who has already played two FINA World League Super Finals and excelled, scored either side of a Kiley Neushul goal for 10-7 at 6:37. It lifted Wright to five goals from two matches.

Joelle Bekhazi converted a penalty and Canada was back in the match, with 5:43 to inflict damage.
Both teams took timeouts but both look bruised and battered from the conflict and neither could score, settling instead for 10-8.

Canada, try as it might, is struggling to gain a win against USA, losing the previous 12 matches — two of those by one goal in the FINA World League this year.

Match report by Gregg Mescall, Director of Communications USA Water Polo

Barcelona, Spain - July 23 - The USA Women's National Team picked up their second straight victory and secured first place in their group with a 10-8 win over Canada earlier today. Lolo Silver (Long Beach, CA/Stanford/NYAC) and Melissa Seidemann (Walnut Creek, CA/Stanford/Stanford) each scored twice in the victory while Betsey Armstrong (Ann Arbor, MI/Michigan/NYAC) posted seven saves in net. Team USA held off a late Canada rally as they built a 9-3 lead midway through the third period only to see Canada close to within two with 5:43 to play. The United States moved to 2-0 and will close out group play on Thursday when they meet Great Britain. Today's match will air on delay on Universal Sports at 6pm et/3pm pt. 

The Unites States offense burst out of the gate as they opened up a 4-0 lead to start the match. Silver connected on an outside shot to start, followed two minutes later by Kami Craig(Santa Barbara, CA/USC/SBWPF) getting free inside to redirect a pass past the keeper for a 2-0 advantage. With less than two minutes to play Seidemann scored on power play and then a lob shot to grab a 4-0 lead with 1:21 left. Canada got on the board late in the period, scoring a power play goal with just fou seconds left on the clock. 

Trailing 4-1 to start the second period, Canada cut the deficit in half with a power play strike in the first minute, drawing to within 4-2. Courtney Mathewson (Anaheim Hills, CA/UCLA/NYAC) scored right as a power play expired to take a 5-2 lead. The teams would continue to trade goals with Canada pushing a rebound into the cage on a player advantage and Annika Dries(Laguna Beach, CA/Stanford/SET) scoring in close to build a 6-3 United States lead at half. 

The third period saw the Team USA offense pick up where it left off in the first period with three straight goals to open the quarter. Maggie Steffens (Danville, CA/Stanford/Diablo) hit on a power play, Silver got free on a 2-on-1 counter attack for a score, and Jillian Kraus (Santa Ana, CA/UCLA/SOCAL) stuffed home a shot on the nearside for a 9-3 lead with 3:49 to play. Canada then started a run of their own, scoring two straight goals to close out the period down 9-5. The comeback continued for Canada early in the fourth with another goal and the USA lead cut to 9-6. Kiley Neushul (Goleta, CA/Stanford/SBWPF) halted the Canadian rally with a player advantage goal to take a 10-6 lead with 7:03 left. 

Canada kept the pressure on as the fourth progressed. First it was a skip shot goal, followed by a penalty shot score, and Canada trailed just 10-8 with 5:43. They would get no closer with the United States defense clamping down and not allowing another goal the rest of the way. Team USA had done enough on offense and came away winners 10-8

Saves - USA - B. Armstrong - 7

FLASH QUOTES:

Kiley Neushul (USA):
“The game was a rollercoaster ride. We did well, got away but they got back. Canada is a good team. We did well in the first half, but then we lost the concentration. Canada has good shooters.”

Courtney Mathewson (USA Captain):
“After halftime we had a big lead.  We felt comfortable so Canada got closer but we fought back.”

Adam Krikorian (USA Head Coach):
“It was a good win against a great rival. We did great at the start. We played better but at the end we played too conservatively. It was as we expected, a close game.”

Monika Eggens (CAN):
“We felt strong the whole time. We tried to put them under pressure and even more after the last timeout.”

Krystina Alogbo (CAN Captain):
“We dominated the game in the second half. If only we could have continued being that strong we could have won, but we got tired.”

Stephanie Valin (CAN):
“We believed until the end we could draw, but we missed some important opportunities.”

Game #13 KAZ 9 vs   BRA 5

Quarters: 2-2, 3-0, 2-0, 2-3
Referees: Manol Taylan (TUR), Nenad Golijanin (SRB).
Extra Man: KAZ: 3/7. BRA: 3/5
Pens: KAZ: 1/1.

Teams:

KAZAKHSTAN: Alexandra Zharkova, Natalya Shepelina (1), Aizhan Akilbayeva (1), Anna Turova (1), Anastassiya Mirshina, Anna Zubkova, Natalya Alexandrova (1), Yekaterina Glushkova (1), Assel Jakayeva (2), Marina Gritsenko (2), Alexandra Rozhentseva, Assem Mussarova, Kristina Krassikova. Head Coach: Andrey Sasykin.

BRAZIL: Manuella Canetti, Diana Abla, Marina Zablith (2), Marina Canetti, Luciane Maia, Adhara Santoro, Melani Dias, Izabela Chiappini (3), Victoria Muratore, Flavia Vigna, Mirella Coutinho, Viviane Bahia, Victoria Chamorro. Head Coach: Sandy Nitta.

Match Report:

Kazakhstan broke a deadlock steeped in history and it all came down to a fantastic middle half in defeating Brazil 9-5 in a Group D encounter in day-two action. The teams had met twice in World Championships with two wins apiece and a draw. Also, both teams had scored 36 goals. Also, both teams were winless after the first day.

Today it was Kazakhstan who took charge after being 2-1 down and then 2-2 at the quarter. Tight defence, countering and snap shooting in front of goal gave Kazakhstan the match.

Brazil was kept scoreless for 21 minutes from midway through the first quarter until two minutes into the fourth. A missed penalty attempt early in the third period could have wiped that unenviable statistic.

Kazakhstan spread the goals around and was cruising at 9-2. Then Brazil struck with Izabella Chiappini scoring three goals in three minutes from three different positions. It proved too late and the scoring dried up.

Kazakhstan took a lead in the tournament statistics and has one win from two games and a chance to force a place in the top eight.

Aizhan Akilbayeva and Marina Gritsenko scored twice each for Kazakhstan in what was a keen team effort.

More importantly, perhaps, Kazakhstan carries the superior statistic for at least until Kazan 2015.

FLASH QUOTES:

Alexandra Zharkova (KAZ):
“It was not the best of our games. We didn’t play either good or bad. We will be better prepared for the upcoming games.”

Izabella Chiappini (BRA):
“The game had a good start, but we played some really poor quarters. We have to improve the counter attack. In the last eight minutes we tried to recover. For the next game we should improve our attack.“

Marina Zablith (BRA):
“We had a really poor game, with many mistakes. We tried to pick up the tempo of the match, but we had no time.”

Game #14 HUN 10 vs   ITA 4

Quarters: 3-1, 3-1, 3-1, 1-1
Referees: Sergio Borrell (ESP), Boris Margeta (SLO).
Extra Man: HUN: 3/4. ITA: 0/5
Pen: HUN: 1/1

Teams:

HUNGARY: Flora Bolonyai, Anna Illes, Dora Antal (1), Dora Kisteleki, Gabriella Szucs (1), Orsolya Takacs, Ibolya Miskolczi, Rita Keszthelyi (4), Ildiko Toth, Barbara Bujka (4), Krisztina Garda, Kata Menczinger, Orsolya Kaso. Head Coach: Andras Meresz.

ITALY: Elena Gigli, Francesca Pomeri, Arianna Garibotti (1), Federica Radicchi (1), Elisa Queirolo, Rosaria Aiello, Tania Di Mario, Roberta Bianconi, Giulia Emmolo (1), Valeria Palmieri, Aleksandra Cotti, Teresa Frassinetti (1), Loredana Sparano. Head Coach: Fabio Conti.

Match Report:

The hoodoo continues for Italy when it comes to playing Hungary at FINA World Championships.
Italy has now lost six of seven clashes with Hungary, winning only once and that was for gold in Fukuoka, Japan in 2001.

Tonight it was Hungary — or should we say Rita Keszthelyi and Barbara Bujka —  who defeated Italy 10-4.

It’s all about teamwork and Hungary had plenty, especially when it came to passing to the two superstars. While Rita was popping high around the cage to score her goals, Barbara scored all hers from close in with an arm pent up with so much fury that the Red Cross should be in attendance when she shoots.

They are among the leading scorers for the tournament with Rita on nine and Barbara on seven.

Three equal periods of 3-1 set up Hungary nicely for the run in to a maximum four points while Italy now has a 1-0-1 record.

Italy sent in three of its four goals from well outside and the fourth was from near the 5m line.
One of the better statistics of the day would be Flora Bolonyai’s saves percentage in the Hungarian goal — 71.4 percent — 10 saves from 14 shots on target. Italy’s 2004 Olympic champion Elena Gigli made 13 from 23 — 56.5 percent.

Hungary is heading to the top of the group and Italy needs victory over winless Brazil to stay in the competition.

FLASH QUOTES:

Anna Krisztina Illes (HUN):
“I am proud of our team, we are a good team. Now we should focus on our next match. I don´t want to say that the next match is going to be easy, now we have to concentrate.”

Krisztina Garda (HUN):
“It was not a perfect match, but finally we achieved the victory. Italy was a good team; it was a hard match. We should win our upcoming match (Kazakhstan).”

Loredana Sparano (ITA):
“We didn´t start the right way and we tried to improve during the game. With Brazil (Thursday) we have to work hard and be more aggressive. The match we had today was the most important and now we can only try to finish second in the group”.

Teresa Frassinetti (ITA):
“We have to be more aggressive and we’ll try to win against Brazil.”


Game #15 UBZ 3 vs NED 30

Quarters: 1-7, 0-9, 1-6, 1-8
Referees: Kazuhiko Makita (JPN), German Moller (ARG).
Extra Man: UZB: 0/2. NED: 3/5.
Pens: UZB: 1/1. NED: 1/1.

Teams:

UZBEKISTAN: Elena Dukhanova, Diana Dadabaeva, Aleksandra Sarancha (1), Angelina Djumalieva (1), Evgeniya Ivanova, Ekaterina Morozova, Natalya Plyusova (1), Anna Shcheglova, Ramilya Khalikova, Adelina Zinurova, Guzelya Khamitova, Anna Plyusova, Natalya Shlyonskaya. Head Coach:

NETHERLANDS: Ilse van der Meijden, Yasemin Smit (2), Marloes Nijhuis (1), Biurakin Hakverdian (2), Sabrina van der Sloot (3), Nomi Stomphorst (1), Iefke van Belkum (2), Vivian Sevenich (3), Carolina Slagter (4), Dagmar Genee (3), Lieke Klaassen (6), Leonie van der Molen (3), Anne Heinis. Head Coach: Mauro Maugeri.

Match Report:

The Netherlands is longing for a return to the glory years of the 1970s-80s and especially to 2008 when it became Olympic champion.

By rolling Uzbekistan by a world record 30-3 in a Group A match in day-two action, it might not have been the stepping stone back to those halcyon days, but it was a step, sadly for the younger, more inexperienced Uzbeks.

The score beat the two records held by Australia, who beat Puerto Rico 26-1 in 2007 and then Uzbekistan 27-2 in 2011.

Head Coach Mauro Maugeri, back on the bench after serving a one-match suspension on Sunday, was looking for excellence in his team and for everyone to get a feel for the ball in the back of the net.

While it wasn’t a record for scoring that the Dutch wanted, another one did come their way — the 19th different opponent for the Dutch at FINA World Championships, more than any other country.
The quarter statistics speak for themselves. It was a game that had to be played and hopefully Uzbekistan will have gone away knowing it had taken on an elite side at the elite level.

For the record, Lieka Klaassen top-scored with six goals to go with the three she netted on Sunday.

FLASH QUOTES:

Biurakn Hakhverdian (NED):
“Our next game is against Russia; they are always on the top, they fight for the medals. They have good shooters. So we have to be focused on the match, like we were today. I think it is going to be an exciting game. ”

Lieke Klaassen (NED):
“That match was interesting. We did find ourselves. We have an important match against Russia and we think that we can win. Russia is a good team. We played in the past against them and sometimes we won and others we didn´t. So it will be equal.”

Elena Dukhanova (UZB):
“I see Russia as the strongest team in the championship, and also I see Hungary to be very strong on passing. Australia also has very important players as the centre forwards played a great game against New Zealand.”

Game #16 ESP 6 vs   RUS 7

Quarters: 0-1, 2-1, 1-3, 3-2
Referees: Amber Drury (USA), Daniel Flahive (AUS).
Extra Man: ESP: 1/1. RUS: 0/2
Pens: Nil

Teams:

SPAIN: Laura Ester, Marta Bach, Anna Espar, Roser Tarrago (1), Matilda Ortiz, Jennifer Pareja, Lorena Miranda, Pilar Pena, Andrea Blas (2), Ona Meseguer, Maica Garcia, Laura Lopez (3), Patricia Herrera. Head Coach: Miguel Oca.

RUSSIA: Anna Ustyukhina, Diana Antonova, Ekaterina Prokofyeva (4), Elvina Karimova, Alexandra Antonova (2), Olga Belova, Ekaterina Tankeeva, Anna Grineva, Anna Timofeeva, Olga Beliaeva, Evgeniya Ivanova (1), Ekaterina Zelentsova, Anna Karnaukh. Head Coach: Mikhail Nakoryakov.

Match Report:

Russia stretched its recent record against Spain to seven matches at the major competitions and European Championships with a 7-6 Group A victory.

It was Russia’s second win and the first defeat for Olympic silver medallist Spain, making Thursday’s final round match-ups rather tantalising.

Spain won the final period 3-2 with two of those goals coming in the final minute, a touch too late.
The huge crowd witnessed a classy match that promised many goals after Russia’s opening score at 7:10 through captain Evgeniya Ivanova, but the defence of both teams was exceptional as no more goals came in the period.

With nearly five minutes gone in the second quarter, Spain responded through Laura Lopez from well outside, her shot deflecting off a flailing arm into goal. Lopez followed it up with another 50 seconds later when the possession time was running out and players swimming up the pool. Her missile found the target and gave the Spanish crowd plenty to cheer about.

Russia took a timeout late in the half and the shot rebounded off the cross for Ekaterina Prokofyeva to collect, turn and lob for 2-2 at 0:01.

She was at it again early in the third period to take Russia to the front, shooting from downtown Barcelona. If that was from the shopping centre, then Alexandra Antonova must have shot hers from the faraway beach half a minute later for 4-2. With the dust not settled on that goal,

Antonova scored a second on extra-man attack from deep right.

Spanish head coach Miki Oca called a timeout to settle his team, which it did. Soon after Andrea Blas turned for a goal at centre forward and narrowed the margin to two.

Prokofyeva struck for a third time on counter and later Lopez netted her third for 6-4 with a deflected shot into the top. At 1:15, Prokofyeva became the first person to 10 goals when she lobbed from the left.

Blas repeated her earlier shot at centre forward with a minute left. Roser Tarrago added to Spain’s bag with a long slider, meaning Russia had to protect the ball for the last 17 seconds for the victory.

Both goalkeepers deserve credit for their contribution with Anna Karnaukh (RUS) stopping 8 from 14 and Laura Ester (ESP) 10 from 17.

Spanish head coach Miki Oca called a timeout to settle his team, which it did. Soon after Andrea Blas turned for a goal at centre forward and narrowed the margin to two.

Prokofyeva struck for a third time on counter and later Lopez netted her third for 6-4 with a deflected shot into the top. At 1:15, Prokofyeva became the first person to 10 goals when she lobbed from the left.

Blas repeated her earlier shot at centre forward with a minute left. Roser Tarrago added to Spain’s bag with a long slider, meaning Russia had to protect the ball for the last 17 seconds for the victory.

Both goalkeepers deserve credit for their contribution with Anna Karnaukh (RUS) stopping 8 from 14 and Laura Ester (ESP) 10 from 17

FLASH QUOTES:

Olga Beliaeva (RUS):
“The game was very balanced with opportunities for both teams, but we were a bit luckier. We base our game on our defence, playing defensive all the time. We know that women’s water polo is quite unpredictable but we hope to win the next game against the Netherlands to be able to fight for the medals.”

Mikhail Nakoryakov (RUS Head Coach):
“It was a very difficult game for us, and we hope to be playing the final in the end.”

Jennifer Pareja (ESP):
“The last games against the Russians have been very difficult for us. They know us very well, how we play with the centre, and they have a very close defence. We need to correct our mistakes and carry on.”

Ona Meseguer (ESP):
“It was a hard game, we were very unlucky and we made defensive mistakes. Russia is the only team that we haven’t been able to beat lately. But I trust in our team and we’ll try to find us again in the next game.”

WATER POLO PLANET.COM: the Alternative Voice    www.waterpoloplanet.com

Day 3 - Thursday, July 25

Olympic champion United States of America, Hungary, Russia and Australia have won their groups on the third day of the FINA Women’s Water Polo World Championships at the Bernat Picornell Pool.

The match of the day was undoubtedly the clash between Russia and the Netherlands. From 7-3 ahead in the second quarter, Russia looked unbeatable but the dogged efforts of Netherlands led to a revival that levelled the match at 7-7 early in the third quarter. Russia took charge again, then the Dutch levelled at 10-10, 11-11 and finally 12-12 inside the final minute — the final score.

The setting sun might have had something to do with it. However, Russia will now play South Africa for a berth in the quarterfinals and Netherlands will have the tougher route by playing World League champion China.

Spain closed the group play, and Group A, with a 20-4 victory over Uzbekistan. The win gave Spain second place and a quarterfinal qualifier against New Zealand.

In Group B action, Australia triumphed over South Africa 14-1 and set up a clash with Uzbekistan. China downed New Zealand 13-5. In Group C, USA defeated Great Britain 16-4 and Canada drew with world champion Greece 8-8. Canada just needed the draw to take second place. In Group D, Hungary cruised to a group-winning 18-7 victory over Kazakhstan, who finished third. Italy took second place with a 13-5 margin over Brazil, the fourth-ranked team gaining valuable championship practice ahead of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

USA plays Brazil, Canada takes on Kazakhstan, Hungary faces Great Britain and Italy will front Greece in the qualifiers with the latter the most tantalising matchup.

After the swim-up for the first quarter of the first game, one minute’s silence was staged for the victims of the train crash in the province of Galicia in north-western Spain.

Final points:

Group A: RUS 5, ESP 4, NED 4, UZB 0.
Group B: AUS 6, CHN 4, NZL 2, RSA 0.
Group C: USA 6, CAN 3, GRE 3, GBR 0.
Group D: HUN 6, ITA 4, KAZ 2, BRA 0.

Stats and Match reports by Russ McKinnon, FINA Press Commission

Game #17 USA 16 vs GBR 4

Quarters: 4-0, 2-2, 3-1, 7-1
Referees: Ian Melliar (RSA), Danny Flahive (AUS).
Extra Man: USA: 1/2. GBR: 1/2
Pens: USA: 3/3. GBR: 1/1

Teams:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Elizabeth Armstrong, Lauren Silver (1), Melissa Seidemann (1), Rachel Fattal (2), Caroline Clark (3), Margaret Steffens (2), Courtney Mathewson (1), Kiley Neushal, Jillian Kraus (1), Kelly Rulon (1), Annika Dries, Kameryn Craig (2), Tumuaialii Anae. Head Coach: Adam Krikorian.

GREAT BRITAIN: Rosemary Morris, Chloe Wilcox, Fiona McCann, Ciara Gibson-Byrne (2), Ainee Hoy, Claire Nixon, Lisa Gibson, Hazel Musgrove, Peggy Etiebet, Angela Winstanley-Smith (1), Francesca Clayton, Kathryn Fowler (1), Jade Smith. Head Coach: Paul Metz.

Match Report:

Olympic champion United States of America had the better of Great Britain, winning Group C. With three wins, USA looks set for an easier run to the quarterfinals, as it should with such a talented lineup at head coach Adam Krikorian’s disposal. With the goals coming thick and fast, Krikorian used all his team to excellent effect.

Great Britain seemed to hold off the stronger USA players, allowing them too much space to shoot. Faster reflexes by the USA was also a telling point.

Both teams shot 26 times but the USA was more accurate. Ciara Gibson-Byrne scored with an excellent 5m lob and from the penalty line to lift her tournament tally to seven. Maggie Steffens, the London Olympics’ most valuable player, netted twice and leads her team in shooting at six.

Great Britain ends the group play with no win and will have to face a group winner in the quarterfinal qualification in two days’ time

Match report by Gregg Mescall, Director of Communications USA Water Polo

Barcelona, Spain - July 25 - The USA Women's National Team completed group play with a perfect 3-0 record following a 16-4 victory over Great Britain. KK Clark (Menlo Park, CA/UCLA/NYAC) scored three goals in the win and Tumua Anae (Newport Beach, CA/USC/SOCAL) posted 14 saves in the cage. Today's match will air on Universal Sports on delay at 6pm et/3pm pst. The United States now moves on the quarterfinal qualifications where they will likely meet Brazil on Saturday at 5:30pm local time/11:30am et/8:30am pt. That match will stream live on UniversalSports.com and air on delay on Universal Sports at 6:30pm et/3:30pm pt. 

Team USA started off the match strong on offense building a 4-0 lead after the first period. Clark scored first from the outside followed by another perimeter shot from Lolo Silver (Long Beach, CA/Stanford/NYAC) for a 2-0 lead. Then Kami Craig (Santa Barbara, CA/USC/SBWPF) got free on the counter attack for a tally and Jillian Kraus (Santa Ana, CA/UCLA/SOCAL) buried a shot from deep to go up 4-0.

The second period started with more of the same after the United States drew a penalty, their first of three on the day, and Kelly Rulon (San Diego, CA/UCLA/NYAC) converted for a 5-0 lead. Great Britain came to life with two straight scores to draw within 5-2 with 1:16 left in the half.Melissa Seidemann (Walnut Creek, CA/Stanford/Stanford) responded for the United States on their next possession with an outside shot for a 6-2 lead at intermission. 

Another drawn penalty started the third period for Team USA and Maggie Steffens (Danville, CA/Stanford/Diablo) converted for a 7-2 lead. She followed that with a natural goal less than a minute later for an 8-2 lead. Rachel Fattal (Seal Beach, CA/UCLA/SOCAL) scored shortly thereafter and the United States were in command 9-2. Great Britain closed out the period with a score, converting a drawn penalty for a 9-3 match headed to the fourth.

In the fourth the United States offense exploded, outscoring Great Britain 7-1 and putting the match away for good. Annika Dries (Laguna Beach, CA/Stanford/SET) drew a penalty to start things off and Courtney Mathewson (Anaheim Hills, CA/UCLA/NYAC) converted for a 10-3 lead. Rulon followed with a power play goal and then Kraus and Clark connected on perimeter shots for a 13-3 lead with 3:19 remaining in the match. Moments later Craig delivered from two meters and Craig went cross cage for a 15-3 lead with 1:50 to go. Great Britain mustered a lob shot on their next possession but the United States had the last word with Fattal scoring from in close to put Team USA ahead 16-4. 

Saves - USA - T. Anae 13

FLASH QUOTES:

Margaret Steffens (USA):
“The key of the victory was the first quarter. At the end of the match we lost concentration.”

Caroline Clark (USA):
“It was a good match because Great Britain does a lot of things than the other teams don´t do, so this is good for us. In general, I’m satisfied with the team’s job; we stayed focused all the time.”

Adam Krikorian (USA Head Coach):
“The game was easier than we expected, although it was a tough game because both teams were inspired. We played the way we wanted to play.”

Claire Nixon (GBR):
“Today we realised we have to improve our defence. We were focused on the next round. The next match will be against Hungary and it will be really hard.”

Paul Metz (GBR Head Coach):
“Of course, I am not happy with the final result, but there are some positive aspects we can work on. Against the USA, even though you manage to change the tactics, they always find a solution. For the next round, we are not in the position to decide which team we prefer to meet, we don’t do projections. We are a young team and we must keep humble.”

Game #18 CAN 8 vs GRE 8

Quarters: 2-3, 2-3, 3-0, 1-2
Referees: Manol Taylan (TUR), Nenad Peris
Extra Man: CAN: 0/3. GRE: 1/3
Pens: CAN: 0/2

Teams:

CANADA: Michele Relton, Krystina Alogbo (1), Katrina Monton (1), Emma Wright, Monika Eggens (4), Sophie Baron La Salle, Joelle Bekhazi (2), Dominique Perrault, Carmen Eggens, Christine Robinson, Stephanie Valin, Marina Radu, Nicola Colterjohn. Head Coach: Guy Baker.

GREECE: Eleni Kouvdou, Christina Tsoukala (1), Vasiliki Diamanopoulou, Ilektra Psouni, Margarita Plevritou, Alkisti Avramidou (1), Alexandra Asimaki (2), Antigoni Roumpesi (1), Christina Kotsia, Triantafyllia Manolioudaki, Eleftheria Plevritou (1), Alkistis Benekou, Chrysoula Diamantopoulou. Head Coach: Georgios Morfesis.

Match Reports:

Canada produced a mid-morning delight with an 8-8 draw against world champion Greece to secure second place in Group C after three days of competition.

Greece needed the win as a draw was never going to be enough as the second tie-break rule states that the leading team shall be the one with the better goal difference against the top team. Canada lost to group winner United States 10-8 but Greece lost 12-8.

It was always going to be the case for Greece that it needed the win and it started strongly with three goals, two to Christina Tsoukala. At 3-0, Greece looked the team to beat.

Canada saw it that way too and proceeded to wipe the deficit. Canada grabbed two back by quarter time and went on to 4-3 ahead, two minutes into the first quarter. It could have been more if Joelle Bekhazi had converted a penalty attempt at 3-1. The 4-3 goal came from the potentially dangerous Monika Eggens.

Greece regained the ascendancy with a centre-forward goal (Alexandra Asimaki), lob goal (16-year-old youth world champion Eleftheria Plevritou) and from the top (Ilektra Psouni) to close the half at 6-4.

Greece crumbled in the critical third period with Monika Eggens scoring twice more and, sadly, Bekhazi missing a second penalty shot. However, she redeemed herself quickly with a counter-attack goal. Canada had the edge at the break.

Alkisti Avramidou and Asimaki took Greece 8-7 ahead with 2:20 remaining.

Unflustered, Canada called a timeout and the ball moved around until after the extra supremacy for Monika Eggens to try her hand at a fourth goal, which she delivered for the 8-8 draw,

FLASH QUOTES:

Alexandra Asimaki (GRE):
“Although Canada scored just at the end of the match, we are satisfied. The most important match is always the following one. Probably we will face Italy and I am confident we can beat them.”

Eleni Kouvdou (GRE):
“Despite the result, we haven’t lost anything, but I have to confess that when our opponents scored right at the end of the match it hurts. Canada has a difficult cross-game.”

Monika Eggens (CAN):
“It was a team effort. We are very excited because we needed the tie. My task is to score goals, so I am happy of my last one. This first round was good because we tried new things. The next match is important, but it doesn’t matter which team we will play.”

Christine Robinson (CAN):
“We’re happy with the draw because it gives us second place in the group. In the first half, we were three goals down and we managed to come back into the game. It is because we changed our tactics in the second half, we decided to focus more on our game than on Greece’s tactics, that were to slow down the pace of the match. I don’t have any preference for the next game, we are ambitious in this tournament and our main objective is to reach a medal, like many other teams.”

Game #19 HUN 18 vs KAZ 7

Quarters: 8-1, 4-2, 3-2, 3-2
Referees: Cory Williams (NZL), Axel Bender (GER).
Extra Man: HUN: 2/4. KAZ: 1/4
Pens: HUN: 2/2

Teams:

HUNGARY: Flora Bolonyai, Anna Illes (2), Dora Antal (1), Dora Kisteleki (1), Gabriella Szucs (1), Orsolya Takacs (2), Ibolya Miskolczi (2), Rita Keszthelyi (2), Ildiko Toth(1), Barbara Bujka (3), Krisztina Garda (1), Kata Menczinger (2), Orsolya Kaso. Head Coach: Andras Meresz.

KAZAKHSTAN: Alexandra Zharkova, Natalya Shepelina, Aizhan Akilbayeva (3), Anna Turova, Anastassiya Mirshina, Anna Zubkova, Natalya Alexandrova, Yekaterina Glushkova, Assel Jakayeva (4), Marina Gritsenko, Alexandra Rozhentseva, Assem Mussarova, Kristina Krassikova. Head Coach: Andrey Sasykin.

Match Report:

Hungary secured Group D with a third straight win, fending off Kazakhstan 18-7 It was a dominant effort by a team expected to go far into the championship and the 8-1 opening quarter set the tone for the match.

To Kazakhstan’s credit it managed to score twice late in the second quarter and captain Assel Jakayeva and Aizhan Akilbayeva kept the scoring humming along, finishing with four and three goals respectively.

Hungarian head coach Andras Meresz used the match as a chance to give all his squad championship match practice.

By sitting the stars on the bench it allowed for a closer match and benefitted both teams ahead on the next stage of the championship.

At one stage the referees missed a corner throw call to the screams of the crowd. Meresz sorted that out. He ordered goalkeeper Orsolya Kaso to throw the ball back over the line so the referees had to call a corner throw for Kazakhstan. That’s sportsmanship of the highest order.

Hungary has earned a clash with Great Britain in the quarterfinal qualification on Saturday and on current form should be good enough to make the top eight

FLASH QUOTES:

Orsolya Takacs (HUN Captain):
“We have done a good job so far in the competition and I am satisfied with the level we play. I am quite confident for the rest of the tournament and I hope we’ll go very far.”

Ibolya Kitti Miskolczi (HUN):
“This result was vital to achieve the first place of our group. Today we played well. I consider the USA the strongest team and we hope to meet them in the final.”

Krisztina Garda (HUN):
“It was a good game but the next matches will be more important. We won against Great Britain in the past so in the next round I want to play against them. This first round has been a very good warm-up.”

Andras Meresz (HUN Head Coach):
“We are satisfied with the way we played in the first phase, especially given we arrived a few days before the start of the championships and we had only two training sessions. Today wasn’t a training match; we have to respect all the teams. We played well in the first half and I could initiate a rotation of players. The next game against Great Britain won’t be as easy as many people might think, they showed in the last Olympic Games they were a strong team. I hope we’ll go as far as possible in this competition.”

Natalya Alexandrova (KAZ):
“We didn´t have enough strength to beat Hungary. We only played at the same level for two quarters. We did our best, though. Anyway, the next game will be the most important one because our main aim is to reach the quarter-finals. We are now focused on Canada.”

Game #20 ITA 13 vs BRA 7

Quarters: 2-1, 6-0, 2-1, 3-3
Referees: Anastasiya Skovpina (UZB), Mark Koganov (AZE).
Extra Man: ITA: 3/4. BRA: 1/2
Pens: ITA: 3/3

Teams:

ITALY: Elena Gigli, Francesca Pomeri, Arianna Garibotti (3), Federica Radicchi, Elisa Queirolo (2), Rosaria Aiello, Tania Di Mario (1), Roberta Bianconi (3), Giulia Emmolo (3), Valeria Palmieri (1), Aleksandra Cotti, Teresa Frassinetti, Loredana Sparano. Head Coach: Fabio Conti.

BRAZIL: Manuella Canetti, Diana Abla, Marina Zablith (2), Marina Canetti, Luciane Maia, Adhara Santoro, Melani Dias (1), Izabella Chiappini (1), Victoria Muratore, Flavia Vigna (1), Mirella Coutinho, Viviane Bahia, Victoria Chamorro. Head Coach: Sandy Nitta.

Match Report:

Italy collected second spot in Group D with an accomplished 13-5 victory over Brazil. Italy just needed to finish the match as it had already claimed second spot by virtue of beating Kazakhstan.

Italy will now face off with world champion Greece in an enticing quarterfinal qualification match on Saturday that means one of the better teams in the competition will not only miss out on a medal chance but also drop out of the championship.

Italy took time to control Brazil and a fine second quarter set up the victory. Giulia Emmolo scored two of her three goals in the period while teammate Arianna Garibotti scored three.

The final quarter was squared  with Brazil working hard for every ball. One of the best goals of the match was the counter by Marina Zablith — the scorer of the match’s first goal — when goalkeeper Manuela Canetti threw the ball high to drop in front of Zablith to score for 12-5. Roberta Bianconi, who had two goals from the first quarter, closed the match on penalty at 13-5.

These two teams have met three times at World Championships with Brazil losing by at least 11 goals so this is a far better result and augurs well for the march to Rio 2016.

FLASH QUOTES:

Aleksandra Cotti (ITA):
“We face every match as an important one. We never see an official match as a training. We take all the games very seriously.”

Teresa Frassinetti (ITA):
“We haven’t developed our game yet, so this match was a good chance to train and improve our way to play, to reach a higher level. I believe we can get very far in this championship, even reach the final.”

Fabio Conti (ITA Head Coach):
“We thought a lot about the next match and not so much about this one. The Greek team has incorporated three or four young players and it is hard to know this team well. Our next opponent Greece is a great team, not like Kazakhstan or Brazil.”

Marina Canetti (BRA Captain):
“Given what we have done in the first phase, our main objective against USA will be not to receive more than 10 goals. I don’t believe we have any chance to go through.”

Izabella Chiappini (BRA):
“We have to improve our defence strongly and finish better our offensive opportunities. I feel disappointed with the result, and the next game against USA will be tough for us, I don’t think we have a chance.”

Mirella Coutinho (BRA):
“I am sad with the final result. We have to improve our defence and put more intensity to score goals, too. We made a lot of mistakes in the second quarter and we lost concentration at that moment. This competition is only a kind of training for us because we are already preparing our own Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.”

Game #22 RUS 12 vs   NED 12

Quarters: 3-3, 4-2, 1-2, 4-5
Referees: Mario Bianchi (ITA), Georgios Stavridis (GRE).
Extra Man: RUS: 2/3. NED: 4/5.
Pens: RUS: 0/1. NED: 1/1.

Teams:

RUSSIA: Anna Ustyukhina, Diana Antonova, Ekaterina Prokofyeva, Elvina Karimova (1), Alexandra Antonova (1), Olga Belova (2), Ekaterina Tankeeva (1), Anna Grineva, Anna Timofeeva (1), Olga Beliaeva (3), Evgeniya Ivanova (3), Ekaterina Zelentsova, Anna Karnaukh. Head Coach: Mikhail Nakoryakov.

NETHERLANDS: Ilse van der Meijden, Yasemin Smit (1), Marloes Nijhuis, Biurakn Hakhverdian, Sabrina van der Sloot (1), Nomi Stomphorst, Iefke van Belkum (2), Vivian Sevenich (1), Carolina Slagter, Dagmar Genee (2), Lieke Klaassen (4), Leonie van der Molen (1), Anne Heinis. Head Coach: Mauro Maugeri.

Match Report:

Russia threw away a 7-3 advantage over Netherlands only to see the Dutch draw level four times for a 12-12 draw, but it was enough to take out Group A and consign the 2008 Olympic champion to third place.

It was a game of highs and lows and the strong Dutch supporter base was thrilled with its comeback and heroic final quarter, which it won 5-4.

Olga Beliaeva opened for Russia with identical centre-forward goals. The Dutch replied for 2-2 and goals were swapped for 3-3 at the first break.

Just like the first quarter, a Russian opened with two goals, in this case captain Evgeniya Ivanova, one of the stars of the tournament to date. She whistled in a shot from eight metres into the top left and swam the length of the pool to score from the deep right.

Ekaterina Prokofyeva, who played under head coach Mikhail Nakoryakov when Russia won the world youth crown in Siberia in 2009, had a penalty shot blocked by Dutch goalkeeper Ilse van der Meijden.

Never mind, Beliaeva struck with her third centre-forward goal  and fourth of the championship — followed by a Anna Timofeeva strike for an impressive 7-3.

The Dutch would not fold and the next four goals went their way with two just before halftime and two after.

Russia hit back quickly through Olga Belova with an accurate shot into the bottom left but then the goals dried up. Five minutes later, Netherlands took a timeout with no result and Russia had an 8-7 lead at the final break.

It was the 30th match between Russia and Netherlands at all the major championship, including European. Russia had won seven of the previous eight, only losing one of the two encounters in this year's World League.

FLASH QUOTES:

Olga Beliaeva (RUS):
"We are satisfied with the leadership. Now we will take a rest and practice to prepare the next game. About today, it has been an equal and difficult match. They have experienced players. I didn't like our defence, it was better against Spain, but I'm happy.”

Carolina Slagter (NED):
“We created a lot of opportunities after the third quarter. We didn’t score more goals which cost us the victory. The next match will be important and we’ll need to focus. ”

Lieke Klaassen (NED):
“We let them score so easily at the beginning of the game. Now we need to focus on the next game and avoid the mistakes we did today. For us, playing against New Zealand would be easier than China. It will be our last chance for the medals.”

Game #23 AUS 16 vs  RSA 1

Match 23: 18:50, Group B, AUSTRALIA 14 SOUTH AFRICA 1
Quarters: 4-0, 5-1, 5-0, 2-0
Referees: Kazuhiko Makita (JPN), Alan Balfanbayev (KAZ
Extra Man: AUS: 3/5. RSA: 0/2
Pens: AUS: 1/1.

Teams:

AUSTRALIA: Lea Barta, Jayde Appel (1), Hannah Buckling, Holly Lincoln-Smith (3), Isobel Bishop (2), Bronwen Knox (1), Rowena Webster (3), Glencora McGhie, Zoe Arancini (2), Ashleigh Southern (2), Keesja Gofers (1), Nicola Zagame (1), Kelsey Wakefield. Head Coach: Greg McFadden.

SOUTH AFRICA: Anke Jacobs, Kimberley Schmidt, Kieren Paley, Christ Rawstrom, Megan Schooling, Taryn Schooling, Kimberley Kay, Lee-Anne Keet, Delaine Christian, Marcelle Keet, Lindsay Killeen, Kelsey White (1), Thembelihle Mkhize. Head Coach: Brad Rowe.

Match Report:

Australia won Group B with a third victory, defeating South Africa 14-1 in a clash of the Commonwealth nations. Australia is one of the strongest nations here so South Africa, normally just a visitor to World Championships every two years, put up a strong display, holding Australia out more than five minutes at the start of the match.

Australia began a roll that yielded four goals by the quarter and the next two periods also only yielded four goals to the Aussie Stingers. Tough pressure by South Africa restricted Australia to two goals in the final period.

The only time the two have met at World Championships was Rome in 2009 when Australia won 23-2 — Australia’s second biggest win behind a 27-2 clash with Uzbekistan.

That score will be sorely tested on Saturday when Australia plays Uzbekistan in the quarterfinal qualifiers while South Africa has the unenviable opponent of Russia.

FLASH QUOTES:

Bronwen Knox (AUS):
“We are really happy to be the leader of our group. We have had some difficult and experienced teams like China, but it has been a good preliminary round for us. Now, for our next round, I feel confident, we should play well and we feel really comfortable playing here.”

Lee-Anne Keet (RSA):
“We are happy to be here and have the opportunity to play against top teams. It’s a great opportunity as a small team to play in such a great World Championship like that. We’re proud of our work.”

Game #24 CHN 13 vs   NZL 5

Quarters: 2-0, 4-1, 5-3, 2-1
Referees: Joao Cardenuto (BRA), Brian Littlejohn (GBR).
Extra Man: CHN 6/7. NZL: 1/5
Pens: Nil.

Teams:

CHINA: Jun Yang, Fei Teng (1), Ping Liu (2), Yujun Sun (2), Jin He (1), Yating Sun, Donglun Song (3), Lu Xu, Xiaohan Mei, Huanhuan Ma (2), Cong Zhang (1), Qun Xia, Ying Wang. Head Coach: Alexander Kleymenov.

NEW ZEALAND: Brooke Millar, Emily Cox, Kelly Mason, Nicole Lewis, Alexandra Boyd (1), Lynlee Smith (1), Sarah Landry, Danielle Lewis, Lauren Sieprath, Casie Bowry (1), Kirsten Hudson, Alexandra Myles (2), Ianetta Hutchinson. Head Coach: Attila Biro.

Match Report:

China collected second spot in Group B with a 13-5 victory over New Zealand.

This means the World League champion will now have to meet 2008 Olympic champion

Netherlands in the sudden-death quarterfinal qualifiers on Saturday.

China had the goods to win easily and put together a solid game. For New Zealand’s part it struggled ferociously and resisted stoutly for China only to breach the defence twice in the first quarter.

Lynlee Smith responded at the top of the second but China took the game to 6-1 at halftime through some impressive attacks.

New Zealand scored three goals in the third period, stunning China with its endurance at that stage. Remember these teams are frequent opponents in the Asia-Oceania round of the FINA

World League so know each other well.

New Zealand scored first in the fourth period and held China to just two more goals.
China spread the goals around and structured its attacks with precision at times. China looks a little rusty here and will need to lift for its clash with Netherlands, if it wishes to add more medals to those won in the World League Super Final in Beijing in June.

All the regular Chinese scorers were in evidence and they proved they cannot be written off before the weekend.

China might have lost its first three encounters with New Zealand but has now won 11 straight at World Championship or World League competition.

FLASH QUOTES:

Alexander Kleymenov (CHN Head Coach):
“It hasn´t been an easy game although we were supposed to be stronger.
The next game against the Netherlands will be much more balanced. We can´t predict what´s going to happen since lot of things have changed from London 2012. The Netherlands weren´t there and we are missing two very important players due to injuries.
I´m doing changes every game, trying different players, including the youngsters, and our principal objective now is going into the quarterfinals qualification.”

Sarah Landry (NZL):
“I think we did well. It was a really physical game, so we had to adapt our play to the circumstances of the game. We had nothing to lose and we tried our best.”

Alexandra Boyd (NZL):
“Our next game is against Spain so that would be tough, playing in front of the home team would be a challenge and also very exciting.”

Game #21 ESP vs UZB

Quarters: 8-1, 3-0, 6-0, 3-3
Referees: Gabor Vogel (HUN), Amber Drury (USA).
Extra Man: ESP: 6/9. UZB: 1/4
Pens: ESP: 1/1

Teams:

SPAIN: Laura Ester, Marta Bach (1), Anna Espar (2), Roser Tarrago (1), Matilda Ortiz (1), Jennifer Pareja (2), Lorena Miranda (1), Pilar Pena (2), Andrea Blas (6), Ona Meseguer (2), Maica Garcia (2), Laura Lopez, Patricia Herrera. Head Coach: Miguel Oca.

UZBEKISTAN: Elena Dukhanova, Diana Dadabaeva, Aleksandra Sarancha, Angelina Djumalieva, Evgeniya Ivanova, Ekaterina Morozova, Natalya Plyusova (2), Anna Shcheglova, Ramilya Halikova (2), Adelina Zinurova, Guzelya Khamitova, Anna Plyusova, Natalya Shlyonskaya. Head Coach: Akbar Sadikov.

Match Report:

Spain grabbed second place in Group A with a 20-4 margin over Uzbekistan in the final group match of the women’s championship.

As in the day’s opening game, a minute’s silence was observed for the victims of the train crash in the north-western province of Galicia.

As if in support of those families left behind, Spanish captain Jennifer Pareja scored the championship’s fastest goal at just 12 seconds when she converted a penalty attempt.
This was the first clash between the two teams at this level. Before the match, Uzbekistan had conceded 16.9 goals on average in its 17 World Championship matches. Spain had scored an average of 8.2 goals in its 42 matches.

Andrea Blas scored a record for these championships with five goals in the first half, mainly from centre forward.

Uzbekistan settled well into the second quarter and held Spain to three goals but let the match slip in the third period with six against.

The parochial Spanish crowd in the first quarter seemed to turn allegiance to Uzbekistan, especially when Ramilja Halikova scored on extra-man attack. The crowd did applaud good Uzbek play but really only had eyes for the Spanish women.

In the final quarter, Blas collected her sixth goal and the score moved to 19-1. Then Uzbekistan gained some luck with its shooting when Natalya Plyusova scored on extra and then Halikova fired in a moon shot from near halfway, sailing in on a high arc over international debutante Patricia Herrera’s head. Marta Bach became the last Spanish field player to gain a goal with 21 seconds.

The theatre was not complete until Natalya Plyusova fired from well past halfway as the final buzzer sounded, only for the ball to drop into goal for 20-4.

FLASH QUOTES:

Patricia Herrera (ESP):
“It has not been a very tough game, but it has helped us to keep up the competition rhythm to be ready for the upcoming games. I´m very proud and happy for my first appearance with the national team, I felt a little bit nervous at the beginning but after everything was just fine, feeling more and more comfortable in the pool.”

Matilde Ortiz (ESP):
“It´s good for us to have games less physically demanding to be in a better condition for the next game. New Zealand is a strong team and we need to be focus all the time.”

Jennifer Pareja (ESP):
“From now on we need to concentrate all the time and play our best to be able to fight for the medals, and we hope people keep supporting us like this.”

Natalya Plyusova (UZB):
“Spain is a very strong team but we tried to play our best.  We know Australia, our next game, from the World League and they are also a very strong team, we will try to do a good performance. I like Barcelona very much, it is a very beautiful city, and we are enjoying the championship and learning for the future.”

 

WATER POLO PLANET.COM: the Alternative Voice    www.waterpoloplanet.com

Day 4 - Saturday, July 27

There can only be one winner and even champions have to fall by the wayside some time.

This was the case during quarterfinal qualification matches on the fourth day of the FINA Women’s Water Polo World Championships at the Bernat Picornell Pool.

In the final match of the night, European champion Italy bowed out in controversial fashion, losing a penalty shootout 13-12 to world champion Greece.

China, fresh from a heroic World League Super Final victory in Beijing, was toppled by Netherlands, 2008 Olympic champion.

In a must-win match for the Dutch women’s water polo programme, the women in orange emerged triumphant 11-10, a three-goal burst by Lieke Klaassen late in the match proving the difference.

The hat-trick took her total to 16 for the championship, proving her worth to the team and the programme. A loss today could have had brutal ramifications back home.

In 2009, World League champion Montenegro arrived in Rome as the recently crowned king and also missed the top eight.

The Dutch were in raptures, as if they had already won the title, while China struggled with the moment and will now head home to rethink their future.

The last match of the day also saw drama and excitement missing from some other encounters, as was the nature of this year’s championship where the bottom eight fly home halfway through.
European champion Italy came from behind to lead in the final stages against Greece but the world champion levelled and forced the match to extra time.

Both teams scored in the first period but not in the second.

Italy missed three shots and Greece scored three for the victory.

The controversial part was where Roberta Bianconi failed to shot when the whistle sounded for the final shot, gifting the match to Greece.

Other matches went to form with Russia dispatching South Africa 22-3, Australia downing Uzbekistan 25-2, Spain bundling out New Zealand 18-6, Olympic champion United States of America beat Brazil 14-3, Canada defeated Kazakhstan 14-8 and Hungary had the better of Great Britain 14-5.

Most interest on Monday in quarterfinals, probably focuses on the clash between Olympic finalists USA and Spain.

Monday programme:

15:30  RUS     v          CAN               
17:00  AUS     v          GRE
20:15  ESP     v          USA
21:45  NED    v          HUN

Stats and Match reports by Russ McKinnon, FINA Press Commission

Elimination Round

Game #25 RUS 22 vs RSA 3

Quarters: 5-0, 7-2, 6-1, 4-0
Referees: Shi Wei Ni (CHN), Gabor Vogel (HUN)
Extra Man: RUS:5/8. RSA: 2/5
Pens: RUS: 1/2.

Teams:

RUSSIA: Anna Ustyukhina, Diana Antonova (2), Ekaterina Prokofyeva (4), Elvina Karimova (3), Alexandra Antonova (1), Olga Belova (1), Ekaterina Tankeeva (2), Anna Grineva (1), Anna Timofeeva (1), Olga Beliaeva (5), Evgeniya Ivanova (1), Ekaterina Zelentsova (1), Anna Karnaukh. Head Coach: Mikhail Nakoryakov.

SOUTH AFRICA: Anke Jacobs, Kimberley Schmidt, Kieren Paley (1), Christ Rawstrom, Megan Schooling, Taryn Schooling, Kimberley Kay, Lee-Anne Keet (1), Delaine Christian, Marcelle Keet (1), Lindsay Killeen, Kelsey White, Thembelihle Mkhize. Head Coach: Brad Rowe.

Match Report:

Russia was the first team to win through to the quarterfinals of the women’s competition, beating South Africa 22-3. Playing in the quarterfinal qualification round, Russia’s all-round firepower and lightning-fast counter attacks proved hard to contain for South Africa who must have enjoyed certain aspects of the match.

While Russia was polishing its counter, cross passing and outside shooting skills, South Africa worked hard on defensive play, shutting down many potential threats.

One, in particular, was when Russian captain Evgeniya Ivanova, who is one the standout players in Barcelona, swam the length of the pool only to have South African goalkeeper Anke Jacobs rise high and with two arms smack it back down her throat.

Olga Beliaeva is fast rising as one of the better scorers in the championship, netting five goals for a total of 12. Her hard work in the hole position is reaping many rewards, especially scoring from the post position on extra.

Ekaterina Prokofyeva netted four times for 14 this week. It could have been 15 if she had converted a penalty shot in the final quarter, instead hitting the upright.

Despite the ease of the win, the Russians were ecstatic to make it through to the round of eight, especially with such efficient movements on extra-man plays.

The final play of the match saw South Africa take a timeout and the move the ball through four hands with the goal being shot, sadly, just after the final buzzer.
South Africa will now fly home on Sunday with four losses, the closest being a 13-7 margin with New Zealand.

FLASH QUOTES:

Evgeniya Ivanova (RUS Captain):
“It was a good game for us; we did the result we expected. This match was a kind of preparation for the quarter-finals. Everything was perfect, tactically, technically and physically. However, we have to reduce the number of expulsions for the next match.”

Ekaterina Prokofyeva (RUS):
“This game was quite easy for us because the level of South Africa is still too low. We will fight until the end of this Championship hoping to reach the final.”

Kelsey White (RUS):
“Despite the bad result, we have done a lot of positive things in this Championship. We are a very young team, and we are satisfied with the competition we have done because we have improved a lot since Shanghai.”

Christy Rawstron (RUS):
“We did the best we could, but still we can do better. We used this Championship to develop our technique.”

Game #26 AUS 25 vs UZB 2

Quarters: 6-0, 5-1, 5-1, 9-0
Referees: German Moller (ARG), Brian Littlejohn (GBR)
Extra Man: AUS: 2/3. UZB: 0/0.
Pens: AUS: 2/2. UZB: 1/1

Teams:

AUSTRALIA: Lea Barta, Jayde Appel (1), Hannah Buckling (6), Holly Lincoln-Smith (3), Isobel Bishop (3), Bronwen Knox (3), Rowena Webster (2), Glencora Ralph, Zoe Arancini (3), Ashleigh Southern (3), Keesja Gofers (1), Nicola Zagame, Kelsey Wakefield. Head Coach: Greg McFadden.

UZBEKISTAN: Elena Dukhanova, Diana Dadabaeva, Aleksandra Sarancha (2), Angelina Djumalieva, Evgeniya Ivanova, Ekaterina Morozova, Natalya Plyusova, Anna Shcheglova, Ramilya Khalikova, Adelina Zinurova, Guzelya Khamitova, Anna Plyusova, Natalya Shlyonskaya. Head Coach: Akbar Sadikov.

Match Report:

Australia advanced to the quarterfinals with a comfortable 25-2 clash with Uzbekistan. Australia has been one of the form teams at the championship and head coach Greg McFadden used his bench for vital match practice ahead of the harder matches.

This led to Hannah Buckling, a relative newcomer on the international stage playing her 28th match, scoring a championship-high six goals from six attempts.
Uzbekistan was limited to just 11 shots as Australia took 39.

Uzbekistan coach Akbar Sadikov fell foul of the delegate when he appeared wearing jeans and not in team uniform. He was confined to the bench for the remainder of the match.

Uzbekistan’s two goals came firstly off a penalty (7-1) and then by a cross-cage lob (12-2).

The victory was two shy of Australia’s biggest win against Uzbekistan (27-2) in 2011. The 25 goals extends Australia's record at these championships to 742. The Netherlands is expected to top 700 today

FLASH QUOTES:

Lea Barta (AUS):
“It was a good match. However, we missed some opportunities. It could be good for us to improve our shot accuracy.”

Greg McFadden (AUS Head Coach):
“I am obviously very glad with this big victory and the way we played, even though we can still learn to be more patient to finish our actions. Reaching the quarterfinals was only a first step in this competition. We are very ambitious and we came here to gain at least a medal and why not the gold medal? Now the serious things start.”

Natalya Plyusova (UZB):
“We couldn’t do better considering that our group was the strongest one. It was impossible for us to get higher, but we fought as much as we could.”

Elena Dukhanova (UZB:
“We are very angry because it hasn´t been a good day for the team. In this tournament we had a lot of problems.  We are very sad because Barcelona is a great city and we should enjoy it more.”

Game #27 CHN 10 vs NED 11

Quarters: 2-2, 2-4, 3-2, 3-3
Referees: Axel Bender (GER), Danny Flahive (AUS).
Extra Man: CHN: 2/6. NED: 1/5.
Pens: CHN: 2/2.

Teams:

CHINA: Jun Yang, Fei Teng (1), Ping Liu (1), Yujun Sun (1), Jin He, Yating Sun, Donglun Song (1), Lu Xu, Xiaohan Mei, Huanhuan Ma (4), Cong Zhang (2), Qun Xia, Ying Wang. Head Coach: Alexander Kleymenov.

NETHERLANDS: Ilse van der Meijden, Yasemin Smit (3), Marloes Nijhuis, Biurakn Hakhverdian, Sabrina van der Sloot, Nomi Stomphorst (1), Iefke van Belkum (2), Vivian Sevenich (2), Carolina Slagter, Dagmar Genee, Lieke Klaassen (3), Leonie van der Molen, Anne Heinis. Head Coach: Mauro Maugeri.

Match Report:

The return of 2008 Olympic champion Netherlands to the world stage took one step closer with a heart-stopping 11-10 victory over World League champion China.

The victory came in the quarterfinal qualification round and means that China, crowned World League champion just a month before in Beijing, has failed to make it through to the top eight and can go home.

At the start of the championship it was known that there were 10 teams capable of winning gold but that only one would. China is the first of the major nations to fall and will now have to find out its placing according to goal differences.

Netherlands was the better-prepared team for the match. It had the aggression in each quarter and backed itself on attack, continuing to shoot despite hitting the wood or slamming the ball into the dependable hands of Chinese goalkeeper Jun Yang.

China, so quick and determined on attack and not lacking in speed passing, only showed glimpses of that today. There was hesitation on the big shot and the passing started to disintegrate, no more so than in the final stages.

Netherlands opened the scoring but China led 2-1 after two Huanhuan Ma — Shanghai World Championships MVP — penalty goals. When Nomi Stomphorst scored at the start of the second quarter, China was never to see the lead again.

Netherlands went 6-4 ahead at halftime and 8-6 ahead before China narrowed the margin to 8-7 by the final break.

Zhang Cong, who scored before the break, levelled the match at 8-8 after the restart with a long shot from the top.

Then history came to play when Lieke Klaassen, already one of the top scorers in the championship, broke her match drought with a sparkling triple, the first of which became Netherlands’ 700th goal at this event. She now has 16 goals.

By taking the Dutch to an 11-8 lead, the huge Dutch contingent in the grandstands was ecstatic. The Chinese players on the bench had their heads in their hands.

At 1:50, Ma struck her third and at 1:11 she converted a timeout ploy for 11-10. The match was now red hot.

Netherlands went to a timeout and missed the shot. China blasted down the pool and Ma lacked support. When the ball finally arrived back at her for the magic solution, it was poorly received and she was called for a turnover just as the buzzer sounded.

China was down and out. Netherlands was back in the game.

FLASH QUOTES:

Leonie van der Molen (NED):
“We are very happy because China is a strong team. In the overall game we have been superior to China. Now it’s time to relax and to focus on the next game, because we did a good job so far.”

Dagmar Genee (NED):
“The Chinese team could have tied in the last possession. We knew it was going to be hard, but we were confident. We are a good group and we work for each other.”

Carolina Slagter (NED):
“Despite the tight game, I felt we were better than China. It was meant for us to win this match.”

Jun Yang (CHN):
“Today we felt a lot of pressure because many fans came to support us. Technically we did some mistakes in the second half. We have to improve our defence.”

Alexander Kleymenov (Head Coach):
“I am very angry with the way we lost today. We didn’t play the last action well. The team did not apply the tactics I decided on the last possession. Moreover, I’m not happy with my player number 10 (Huanhuan Ma) and I have many things to discuss with her. We don’t have sufficient number of good players because we lost many important ones. Our preparation was not sufficient either and we were not prepared to play in this heat. The World League was different because we played at home. Anyway, now I feel frustrated but I need more time to analyse everything. Losing against Netherlands is not such a shame because it’s a very good team.”

Game #28 ESP 18 vs NZL 6

Quarters: 5-1, 4-2, 3-2, 6-1
Referees: Ian Melliar (RSA), Nenad Golijanin (SRB).
Extra Man: ESP: 2/6. NZL: 1/5
Pens: ESP: 6/6. NZL: 1/1.

Teams:

SPAIN: Laura Ester, Marta Bach, Anna Espar, Roser Tarrago (4), Matilda Ortiz, Jennifer Pareja (5), Lorena Miranda, Pilar Pena (2), Andrea Blas (2), Ona Meseguer, Maica Garcia (2), Laura Lopez (3), Patricia Herrera. Head Coach: Miguel Oca.

NEW ZEALAND: Brooke Millar, Emily Cox, Kelly Mason, Nicole Lewis, Alexandra Boyd, Lynlee Smith, Sarah Landry, Danielle Lewis (1), Lauren Sieprath (1), Casie Bowry, Kirsten Hudson (2), Alexandra Myles (2), Ianetta Hutchinson. Head Coach: Attila Biro.

Match Report:

Spain scored its fourth consecutive victory over New Zealand at World Championship level, winning their quarterfinal qualification match 18-6.

Spain was never in doubt as the Olympic silver medallist showed why standing on that podium in London last year was so special and a world title is what it really wants.

Spain was aided by six converted penalty goals as centre forwards gained the better of their opponents. New Zealand gained one so it became the match with the highest number of penalty attempts in Barcelona, men or women.

New Zealand was stubborn enough to keep at the attack until it worked, finding success with extra-man attack on three occasions. Two goals in the second quarter was a highlight but losing second goal-scorer Danielle Lewis late in the period on three major fouls was a low light.
It was probably the highest fouling match of the championship with 16 major fouls each with three Spanish players and two Kiwis sidelined.

Spanish captain Jennifer Pareja led by example with two of the three opening goals and three more later in the match. Roser Tarrago scored two penalty goals in her four strikes and Maica Garcia enjoyed two goals on extra, centimetres from the goal.
New Zealand now departs the championship and Spain is looking to win its next three matches to do the host city proud.

FLASH QUOTES:

Jennifer Pareja (ESP):
“We played our game to win this game today and stay in the championship. The next game against the USA will be different than at the last Olympic Games. We have to play the perfect game against the USA and our defence will be the key to success. We are attacking very well. We have been attacking very well in the tournament. We are in a great moment and ready to beat the USA. We’ll need all the support of our fans.”

Laura Ester (ESP):
“We are looking forward to the match on Monday and we are ready for the challenge against the USA. I hope that our fans will push us to the victory here in Barcelona.”

Miki Oca (ESP Head coach):
“The Olympics are one year ago and both teams have developed since then. We are ready for the quarterfinals, any opponent would have been tough at this stage, not only the USA. They are strong in every aspect. We need to play a great defence and must keep cool in the attack.”

Brooke Millar (NZL):
“We recognise Spain is a very good team but we are sad because the championship has concluded for us. It was a great experience.”

Game #29 USA 14 vs BRA 3

Quarters: 3-0, 7-0, 5-2, 2-0
Referees: Kazuhiko Makita (JPN), Anastassiya Skovpina (UZB).
Extra Man: USA: 1/1. BRA: 0/0.
Pens: USA: 0/1

Teams:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Elizabeth Armstrong, Lauren Silver (2), Melissa Seidemann (2), Rachel Fattal (2), Caroline Clark, Margaret Steffens (1), Courtney Mathewson, Kiley Neushul (2), Jillian Kraus (1), Kelly Rulon (2), Annika Dries (1), Kameryn Craig (1), Tumuaialii Anae. Head Coach: Adam Krikorian.

BRAZIL: Manuella Canetti, Diana Abla, Marina Zablith (1), Marina Canetti, Luciane Maia, Adhara Santoro, Melani Dias, Izabela Chiappini (1), Victoria Muratore, Flavia Vigna, Mirella Coutinho, Viviane Bahia (1), Victoria Chamorro. Head Coach: Sandy Nitta.

Match Report:

Olympic gold medallist United States of America made it 17 matches in a row at World

Championships, World League and Pan American Games. USA has to go back to 1999 to find the last time it lost to Brazil — at the Pan American Games.

The oppressive humidity and heat made it hard for the teams and USA struggled in the second half once it had enough of a buffer.

Kiley Neushul scored the second goal for USA and had a chance to make it 3-0 with a penalty shot. However, her hand slipped as she was about to shoot and it was a turnover. No matter, Melissa Seidemann came to the rescue for 3-0 at the break.

Five goals in the next four minutes gave USA to advantage it wanted to cruise through the game and escape the heat. Marina Zablith responded for Brazil’s first goal from the top on extra—man attack. Twice more USA struck and 10-1 seemed the right score.

Brazil was far from flustered and after the long break shot back into the game through Izabella Chiappini, for her seventh of the championship, and Viviane Bahia.

Neushul and Rachel Fattal replied for 12-3 at the final break. Maggie Steffens and Lolo Silver scored on a drive and 8m respectively to close out the match.

Brazil departs for home and the long road to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games while USA now moves into the top eight content its game is intact.

Match report by Gregg Mescall, Director of Communications USA Water Polo.

Barcelona, Spain - July 27 - The USA Women's National Team advanced to the final eight at the 2013 FINA World Championships with a 14-3 victory over Brazil earlier today. 10 players found the cage for Team USA, with five scoring twice. Betsey Armstrong (Ann Arbor, MI/Michigan/NYAC) and Tumua Anae (Newport Beach, CA/USC/SOCAL) split time in the cage to pick up the victory. The United States now moves on to the quarterfinal round where they will meet the host Spain, in a rematch of the 2012 Olympic Games final. That match is set for Monday evening at 9:45pm local time/3:45pm et/12:45am pt. The match will stream live on UniversalSports.com and air on delay on Universal Sports at 5pm et/2pm pt. Today's match will air on delay on Universal Sports at 6:30pm et/3:30pm pt.

The win over Brazil was never in doubt as the United States led wire to wire, starting with a 3-0 advantage after the first period. Kelly Rulon (San Diego, CA/UCLA/NYAC) and Kiley Neushul(Goleta, CA/Stanford/SBWPF) opened the scoring with two straight goals for a 2-0 lead with 3:53 left. Neushul faltered moments later, losing the handle on a penalty shot attempt, but Melissa Seidemann (Walnut Creek, CA/Stanford/Stanford) made up for the miscue with a power play goal shortly after. 

Less than a minute into the second period Rulon was the benefactor of a broken play and beat the keeper on a lob shot for a 4-0 lead. Kami Craig (Santa Barbara, CA/USC/SBWPF) worked free inside for a 5-0 lead. Seidemann kept up the attack with a goal from the perimeter and Lolo Silver (Long Beach, CA/Stanford/NYAC) connected on the weakside for a 7-0 lead with 4:35 remaining. Annika Dries (Laguna Beach, CA/Stanford/SET) powered her way inside for a score that capped an eight goal run to start the match. Brazil finally broke through on their next possession to close within 8-1. The United States quickly answered with consecutive power play goals from Jillian Kraus (Santa Ana, CA/UCLA/SOCAL) and Rachel Fattal(Seal Beach, CA/UCLA/SOCAL) for a 10-1 at halftime. 

Brazil looked to mount a rally midway through the third period as they found the cage twice from the outside to draw within 10-3. Neushul and Fattal would halt any thoughts of a comeback with back to back scores to close out the period with Team USA ahead 12-3. The United States put the game away with two scores early in fourth period. Maggie Steffens(Danville, CA/Stanford/Diablo) beat the keeper in close and Silver connected from the outside for a 14-3 advantage. Brazil would not be able to muster a goal in the period and the United States came away victorious. 

Team USA went on 3/5 power plays and 0/1 on penalties while Brazil was 1/6 on power plays and did not attempt a penalty shot. Team USA and Spain last met in the gold medal match of the 2012 Olympic Games, an 8-5 victory for the United States.

Saves - USA - B. Armstrong 3 

FLASH QUOTES:

Kameryn Craig (USA):
“We gave in in the third quarter because it’s always challenging to stay in the moment and we have to concentrate. We will be really motivated against Spain, especially because we need to win to stay in the competition. ”

Rachel Fattal (USA):
“After halftime we did not communicate well and that was reflected in the game, but then we tried to be more focused and that was it. This is my first time in a big competition and I will try to enjoy myself and do my best against Spain.”

Adam Krikorian (Head Coach):
“Our next game is against Spain and a lot of people say that is a re-match, but I don’t like that word, what happened one year ago is not important now. There have been a lot of changes, different players, and also, now we are playing in Spain. The most important thing is to pass to the next round, no matter against whom we play. ”

Mirella Coutinho (BRA):
"We had a bad beginning of the match, but we got better as the game continued. We know that we need to work a lot. During the championship we almost beat Kazakhstan but it didn’t work out. We want to be a strong competitive team for the next Olympic Games in Rio."

Victoria Chamorro (BRA):
"Barcelona 2013 has been a learning process for Rio 2016. It was a big step forward for us because we have a really new team. I am one of them. I am very happy with my participation in this Championship, but at the same time we are sad to be out of the tournament. I dream of playing in Rio 2016."

Game #30 CAN vs KAZ

Quarters: 4-2, 6-1, 3-3, 2-2
Referees: Cory Williams (NZL), Manol Taylan (TUR).
Extra Man: CAN: 3/3. KAZ: 2/5.
Pens: Nil

Teams:

CANADA: Michele Relton, Krystina Alogbo (1), Katrina Monton, Emma Wright (2), Monika Eggens (4), Sophie Baron La Salle (1), Joelle Bekhazi, Dominique Perreault (2), Carmen Eggens (2), Christine Robinson (1), Stephanie Valin, Marina Radu (1), Nicola Colterjohn. Head Coach: Guy Baker.

KAZAKHSTAN: Alexandra Zharkova, Natalya Shepelina (2), Aizhan Akilbayeva (1), Anna Turova (1), Anastassiya Mirshina, Anna Zubkova (1), Natalya Alexandrova, Yekaterina Glushkova, Assel Jakayeva (1), Marina Gritsenko (2), Alexandra Rozhentseva, Assem Mussarova, Kristina Krassikova. Head Coach: Andrey Sasykin.

Match Report:

Canada earned a berth in the quarterfinals with a 14-8 victory over Kazakhstan.

Carmen Eggens scored the 600th World Championship goal for Canada when she sent a shot into the bottom right from the top.

Anna Turova, in making the score 2-1, landed Kazakhstan’s 300th goal at this level.

Canada had the game to go away with the match and at 7-2 looked likely to do so. Kazakhstan Captain Assel Jakayeva plundered a goal at centre forward for 7-3 to arrest the slide. Two Monika Eggens goals just before halftime had Canada 9-3 at the long break. That gave her four from the half to double her championship tally.

The third period was a triumph for Kazakhstan, surging back into the match with three goals, two to Natalya Shepelina.

Dominique Perreault scored twice for Canada and Marina closed the period’s scoring at 12-6. Canada pushed the score out to 14-6 and Kazakhstan finished with a flourish through Aizhan Akilbayeva with a bouncer and Anna Zubkova five seconds from time.

Canadian coach Guy Baker, the former USA women’s supremo, would be pleased with the efforts of Monika Eggens in particular, a real strike force who will be needed badly in the later rounds.

FLASH QUOTES:

Joelle Bekhazi (CAN):
“This was a good preparation for the game against Russia, our next rival, because they have a very similar way of playing. We tried to be aggressive at the beginning of the game and kept pushing during all the game. Russia is going to watch carefully our mistakes so we will have to work hard and play very well to beat them.”

Alexandra Zharkova (KAZ):
“We are very sad. Canada is a really strong team, with strong players, and they have good shooters. In our preliminary round we’ve had very strong teams like Hungary. It was a tough tournament and a great experience.”

Game #31 HUN 14 vs GBR 5

Quarters: 4-2, 4-2,
Referees: Doriel Terpenka (CAN), Amber Drury (USA).
Extra Man: HUN: 4/8. GBR: 0/3
Pens: HUN: 1/1.

Teams:

HUNGARY: Flora Bolonyai, Anna Illes, Dora Antal (1), Dora Kisteleki (4), Gabriella Szucs (1), Orsolya Takacs, Ibolya Miskolczi (1), Rita Keszthelyi (1), Ildiko Toth (1), Barbara Bujka (5), Krisztina Garda, Kata Menczinger, Orsolya Kaso. Head Coach: Andras Meresz.

GREAT BRITAIN: Rosemary Morris, Chloe Wilcox, Fiona McCann (1), Ciara Gibson-Byrne (1), Ainee Hoy, Claire Nixon (2), Lisa Gibson, Hazel Musgrove, Peggy Etiebet, Angela Winstanley-Smith (1), Francesca Clayton, Kathryn Fowler, Jade Smith. Head Coach: Paul Metz.

Match Report:

Hungary is one win from a half-century of victories at World Championships following its quarterfinal-qualifying 14-5 win over Great Britain. Great Britain, which bows out of the championship, is yet to win a match at this level, sitting alongside Puerto Rico as the only nations yet to win a match.

Great Britain is improving with every match and went 4-2 behind in both the first quarters and then held Hungary to 2-0 in the third. It could have been 2-1 if Fiona Winstanley–Smith had not been so selfless in trying to pass to a teammate when she had the goal at her mercy.

Claire Nixon scored her second to have the British at 11-5 but Hungary’s Barbara Bujka was in exceptional form. She scored two goals in the first quarter, one in the third and two in the fourth, lifting her championship total to 15.  Dora Kisteleki gained her fourth for 13-5 and Dora Antal completed the qualifier for 14-5.

A sore point for Britain would be Hungary’s four conversions of extra-man attack and none from three when on attack.

FLASH QUOTES:

Gabriella Szucs (HUN):
“It was a hard game, we made mistakes. We must keep our focus. We didn’t play as good as we can, but the result was 14-5 so we are happy. Our next game is against the Netherlands and we know them well because we played against them a month ago. We know several things that we have to work on for this game.”

Dora Kisteleki (HUN):
“We started a little bit crazy and for the next game we will need to concentrate more.”

Andras Meresz (HUN Head Coach):
“Before the game people said it was going to be an easy game. However, Great Britain was one of our toughest so far. We are happy with the result but we didn’t play our best. Now we face the Netherlands which is also a strong team although it is a new team who didn’t play in the Olympics last year.”

Chloe Wilcox (GBR):
“Hungary is always a tough team. We know them very well and we know they are strong. Although before the match we were concentrating, we’ve finished this championship exhausted.”

Ciara Gibson-Byrne (GBR):
“We are a new group with a new head coach and lot of new players, so we are in a learning process. Of course, we've dreamed of quarters or semifinals, but actually we didn’t expect more. We have a lot of work to do.”

Game #32 ITA 12 vs GRE 13

Quarters: 2-2, 2-3, 1-2, 4-2, 1-1, 0-0.
Referees: Boris Margeta (SLO), Sergio Borrell (ESP).
Extra Man: ITA: ½. GRE 2/4
Pens: ITA:

Teams:

ITALY: Elena Gigli, Francesca Pomeri, Arianna Garibotti (1), Federica Radicchi (2), Elisa Queirolo, Rosaria Aiello, Tania Di Mario (3), Roberta Bianconi (3), Giulia Emmolo (2), Valeria Palmieri, Aleksandra Cotti (1), Teresa Frassinetti, Loredana Sparano. Head Coach: Fabio Conti.

GREECE: Eleni Kouvdou, Christina Tsoukala (3), Vasiliki Diamanopoulou, Ilektra Psouni, Margarita Plevritou, Alkisti Avramidou (1), Alexandra Asimaki (2), Antigoni Roumpesi (3), Christina Kotsia, Triantafyllia Manolioudaki (4), Eleftheria Plevritou, Alkistis Benekou, Chrysoula Diamantopoulou. Head Coach: Georgios Morfesis.

Match Report:

Italy became the second champion to exit the women’s championship when it was beaten 13-12 in a penalty shootout by world champion Greece.

That means, European champion Italy became the second champion of the day set to depart Barcelona after World League champion China lost out to Netherlands earlier in the day.

The match was drawn 9-9 at fulltime and 10-10 after extra time.

The match started badly for Italy when captain Tania Di Mario had her penalty shot blocked by Eleni Kouvdou who, it must be said, was a metre out of her cage when the whistle went.

Goals were traded and Di Mario made amends for 2-1 with Greek captain Antigoni Roumpesi levelling.

Bianconi scored a second to open the second quarter for 3-2 only for Greece to smash in three unanswered goals, including Roumpesi with a lob and Alexandra Asimaki collecting a second with probably the fastest rebound shot of the championship.

At 5-3, Greece was on the rampage until Arianna Garibotti made it 5-4 inside the final minute of the half.

Christina Tsoukala scored her second for the 6-4 gap but Di Mario skipped a shot into the bottom right. Both teams took a timeout for no result within the exclusion period. However, a defensive error by goalkeeper Elena Gigli, trying to swat away a loose ball to the left of her goal was pounced on by Triantafyllia Manolioudaki who pushed it into the bottom right for what was a decisive 7-5 — the last goal of the period.

Psychologically, this was monumental to take a two-goal lead into the last period.

The psychology was lost on Italy, who fired in four goals to one — two from Federica Radicchi to spark the revival — for 9-8 by 2:06. Greece made some critical errors while Italy held its nerve.

It calls for someone to stand up when needed and it was Manolioudaki who delivered the equalising shot at 0:31. Italy did not get a shot away, Greece went to a timeout at four seconds left and Roumpesi’s spinning lob shot failed to find the goal, forcing the match to extra time.

In the first period of extra time (three minutes), Giulia Emmolo scored off her left arm at 0:44 on extra (Asimaki ejected). Greece earned the extra-man attack, thanks to Asimaki, and Manolioudaki converted from the near-post position with 10 seconds remaining and 10-10.

In the second period of extra, both teams attacked for no success and Italy called a timeout at 1:34. Italy failed to get the shot away and Greece lost the ball. Italy gained a corner at 0:18. The ball was worked around and Garibotti shot high. Greece called a timeout at 0:02 but the pass and shot did not work, sending the match into a penalty shootout.

Elisa Queirolo hit the left upright in the first shot for Italy and then Roumpesi (GRE), Emmolo (ITA), Tsoukala (GRE), Di Mario (ITA) and Alkisti Avramidou (GRE) progressed the score to 13-12 in Greece’s favour.

Garibotti (ITA) had her shot blocked and Margarita Plevritou (GRE) had her attempt spin left.

Bianconi needed to score to stay in with a chance as Greece still had a shot in hand. The whistle went and she didn’t. The game was over. Italy protested but the shot must be immediate and it never left her hand. Italy was out.

It meant Greece had overturned the 2012 European Championship final, which Italy won, and extended the winning run over the Setterosa to eight wins in nine matches.

FLASH QUOTES:

Triantafyllia Manolioudaki (GRE):
“The beginning of the match was difficult, Italy is a good team, but that’s the way life goes sometimes. We believed in ourselves and the team worked very well. I am so glad, it´s my team, I am happy.”

Eleni Kouvdou (GRE):
“We’re very happy to be one of the eight best teams in the world. It was a difficult game, but I think that we’re a better team than Italy. I’m also very happy that I was helpful saving a penalty.”

Alexandra Asimaki (GRE):
“I think that we could have won easier. We lacked concentration and the Italian defence was very strong. We knew that we could win.”

Giulia Emmolo (ITA):
“We have worked so hard… for this. I don’t know what to say… Finally, we have been a team, and this is the most important thing now.”

Fabiana Sparano (ITA):
“Losing in this fashion is cruel. We played a high intensity game. Now we’ll fight for the ninth position.”

Fabio Conti (ITA Head Coach):
“We played with a strong team and we lined up the best players. We played well tactically. We made errors, it’s normal, but now we have to focus on 2016. We have to make the most and learn from the negative experience and keep improving.”

:

WATER POLO PLANET.COM: the Alternative Voice    www.waterpoloplanet.com

Day 5 - Monday, July 29

For the second day in a row, Spanish water polo teams have bundled United States of America out of medal contention at the Bernat Picornell Pool. On Sunday, the men defeated USA 10-6 in a quarterfinal qualifier and tonight in a rematch of the 2012 London Olympic Games final, it was Spain’s turn to turn the tables on the USA, winning 9-6, vastly different from the USA’s 8-5 victory a year ago.

With half of Barcelona seemingly in the stands, they cheered on Jennifer Pareja and her team to what was an historic victory as Spain has never beaten USA in a major championship — drawing two and losing five.

Pareja scored her four goals in the first half as she helped her team to a 4-2 opening quarter, 5-4 at halftime and 6-5 at the final break. For more than a minute near the end the score was 8-5 ironically but that became a match-winning 9-5 and a late USA goal went in silence.

Spain will now meet Hungary in one semifinal while the other semifinal will be between Olympic bronze medallist Australia and the swift Russia.

Russia started the day’s proceedings with a 17-9 margin over Canada in which Ekaterina Prokofyeva captain Evgeniya Ivanova scored four each. Russia led 8-3 at halftime.

Australia won the second quarterfinal 9-5 over outgoing world champion Greece with goals being spread around by both teams. The Aussie Stingers led 4-2 at halftime and drew the third period 2-2.

The Hungary-Netherlands match was a statistical nightmare for the Dutch as Hungary won its 50th World Championship encounter — a record — by 11-7. Hungary led 7-1 at halftime in what was an obviously dominating display. Rita Keszthelyi scored four goals by halftime.

Wednesday semifinal round:

Round of 5-8:

15.30 Game 37                   CAN v GRE
17.00 Game 38                   NED v USA

Round of 1-4:

20.15 Game 39                   RUS v AUS
21.45 Game 40                   HUN v ESP

Stats and Match reports by Russ McKinnon, FINA Press Commission

Quarter Final Round

Game #33 RUS 17 vs. CAN 9

Quarters: 5-2, 3-1, 4-3, 5-3
Referees: Axel Bender (GER), Nenad Peris (CRO).
Extra Man: RUS: 6/8. CAN: 1/3.
Pens: CAN: 1/1.

Teams:

RUSSIA: Anna Ustyukhina, Diana Antonova, Ekaterina Prokofyeva (4), Elvina Karimova (2), Alexandra Antonova (2), Olga Belova (2), Ekaterina Tankeeva (1), Anna Grineva, Anna Timofeeva, Olga Beliaeva (2), Evgeniya Ivanova (4), Ekaterina Zelentsova, Anna Karnaukh. Head Coach: Mikhail Nakoryakov.

CANADA: Michele Relton, Krystina Alogbo (1), Katrina Monton (2), Emma Wright (1), Monika Eggens (1), Sophie Baron La Salle, Joelle Bekhazi (4), Dominique Perrault, Carmen Eggens, Christine Robinson, Stephanie Valin, Marina Radu, Nicola Colterjohn. Head Coach: Guy Baker.

Match Report:

Russian pair Evgeniya Ivanova and Ekaterina Prokofyeva steered their team to a 17-9 quarterfinal over Canada at the Bernat Picornell Pool today. The pair scored the first four Russian goals and went on to score twice more as Russia took the 5-2 quarter-time score to 8-3 at halftime and 12-6 at the final break.

It was Russia’s natural progression in the championship and try as it might, Canada could not overcome the early 3-0 deficit. Joelle Bekhazi kept her team on the scoresheet with two of her four goals in the third quarter, including a penalty strike.

It was Russia’s natural progression in the championship and try as it might, Canada could not overcome the early 3-0 deficit. Joelle Bekhazi kept her team on the scoresheet with two of her four goals in the third quarter, including a penalty strike.

Captain Ivanova now has 13 for the championship but the real star is outside shooter Prokofyeva who is comfortable with missiles, lobs and counter-attack goals. Her total stands at 18 with four coming via the penalty line.

Canada converted just one from three but also had another chance while Russia was clinical in the man-up situation, converting six from eighth attempts. That’s the sort of conversion rate any religion would be happy with.

The religion here is water polo and extra-man attack is queen and could well see Russia through to the final and possible the crown.

Canada worked tirelessly at centre forward and was rewarded with three goals — two to Katrina Monton.

When it came to winning, Russia knows how to do it well, having just the one blemish all championship with a 12-12 draw with Netherlands. Russia forced Canada into turnovers — 15 — as opposed to giving up six.

It was a second loss for Canada to go with the 10-8 loss to United States of America on day two. Canada will now play the round 5-8 semifinal on Wednesday.

Russia has now won the last six matches against Canada at major tournaments, but Canada had won five out of the six previous encounters at World Championships.

FLASH QUOTES:

Evgeniya Ivanova (RUS):
“We are very confident after our victory. We are stronger and playing a better tournament than I thought”

Olga Beliaeva (RUS):
“We had a good defence and speed. Today we reached the balance in our team and I trust that we are going to improve in the future, step by step. I know that we are able to win the gold medal.”

Krystina Alogbo (CAN):
“We are very disappointed because we have won the other matches very easily but in this game, we have made a lot of mistakes. The team can play better.”

Joelle Bekhazi (CAN):
“We played badly so we are very unsatisfied with the result. We made a lot of mistakes. This will serve a lesson for us. We expected to go home with a medal so this is a disappointment for us.”

Guy Baker (CAN Head Coach):
“We had too many turnovers in the first half, so it was very difficult to come back even though we played better. I am disappointed with the result, I have to speak to the girls in private. We have more matches ahead of us, so we still have a motivation to finish the tournament well.  Our objective is to continue to improve for the next competitions.”

Game #34 AUS 9 vs. GRE 5

Quarters: 3-1, 1-1, 2-2, 3-1
Referees: Boris Margeta (SLO), Adrian Alexandrescu (ROU).
Extra Man: AUS: 1/3. GRE: 2/5.
Pens: AUS: 1/1.

Teams:

AUSTRALIA: Lea Barta, Jayde Appel (1), Hannah Buckling, Holly Lincoln-Smith, Isobel Bishop, Bronwen Knox (2), Rowena Webster (2), Glencora McGhie (2), Zoe Arancini, Ashleigh Southern (2), Keesja Gofers, Nicola Zagame, Kelsey Wakefield. Head Coach: Greg McFadden.

GREECE: Eleni Kouvdou, Christina Tsoukala, Vasiliki Diamanopoulou, Ilektra Psouni, Margarita Plevritou, Alkisti Avramidou (2), Alexandra Asimaki (1), Antigoni Roumpesi (2), Christina Kotsia, Triantafyllia Manolioudaki, Eleftheria Plevritou, Alkistis Benekou, Chrysoula Diamantopoulou. Head Coach: Georgios Morfesis.

Match Report:

Greece relinquished its World Championship crown in losing 9-5 to world No 3 Australia in a match where the Aussie Stingers dominated throughout. Greece is the team Australia has trouble with the most so today it went to a 3-1 lead within two minutes and kept Greece at bay for the rest of the night.

In the setting sun, Greece’s ambitions for retention of the crown won in Shanghai two years ago, also set. Its ambitions must now be for fifth place. Australia needed to win strongly to show its semifinal opponent — Russia — that it has the overall game to thrust itself into the gold-medal final. Both teams had excellent defence and when the match hit 3-1, it looked like it would be a high-scoring match.

Not to be as it was eight minutes later that the ball went into the net again, but that was disallowed and Australia had to go to a timeout and set up a play capable of a goal, which it eventually did, Glencora McGhie scoring as the excluded player was returning to play.

Alkisti Avramidou scored her second in similar fashion to McGhie for 4-2 heading into the long break.

Greek captain Antigoni Roumpesi narrowed the margin to one early in the third but unfortunately for Greece, it was the second-last goal.

Aussie skipper Bronwen Knox and big-shooting Ashleigh Southern took it to 6-3. Greece was swift to reply through the exceptional centre forward Alexandra Asimaki for 6-4. Asimaki was marked heavily throughout, as was Christina Tsoukala, nullifying their tremendous influence on the game.

When Rowena Webster screamed in a bounce shot into the right upright and rebounding to the left, it was the start of the end for Greece.

A minute later Jayde Appel scored from centre forward and Knox nailed a second in counter-attack, receiving a cross pass for 9-4 at 3:42. In the final minute Roumpesi converted extra-man attack for 9-5.

The Australian win brought its record against Greece at World Championships to 2-3 and reverses the 2009 quarterfinal result.

Greece will now have to face Canada in the Round of 5-8 semifinals. Australia is already better off than Shanghai, where it beat USA for fifth place.

FLASH QUOTES:

Isabel Bishop (AUS):
“We are very happy and very excited to be in the semifinals. We played better than ever. We didn´t expect to win with such a big difference, we expected a closer game. We aim to win a medal.”

Kelsey Wakefield (AUS):
“We want to win a medal. This is our dream because we have trained very hard. We have always controlled the game. The key of the match has been the defence. ”

Greg McFadden (AUS Head Coach):
“It was a closer game than in our previous matches, but it’s obviously a good victory because Greece is a strong team, hard to play. Our tactics were to block the key players of Greece (number 2, 7 and 8). In the attack, we still have to be more patient. Now we are in the heart of the competition, semifinals will be tough and we’ll touch the real high level. We are one of the favourites, but not the favourite. We want the gold medal, like three other teams.”

Eleni Kouvdou (GRE):
“We are always optimistic facing every match, especially after the previous one, when we beat Italy in the penalties. Against Australia we did make some big mistakes and gave up some unnecessary goals. Besides, we had a hard time scoring. It´s a pity, considering we wanted to make it to the semifinals.”

Triantafyllia Manolioudaki (GRE):
“We believed we would achieve a better result at the championship after our victory against Italy, but we didn’t play well today. In any case we have to continue and look ahead.”

Georgios Morfesis (GRE Head Coach):
“We always fight. We have to improve in controlling the game. Australia is physically very strong. During this match we didn´t concentrate enough. We committed far too many mistakes and technical errors, basically in the first and fourth quarters. Anyway, our main goal was to reach the quarter-finals, especially considering our team is quite new.”

Game #35 NED 7 vs. HUN 11

Quarters: 1-5, 0-2, 3-2, 3-1
Referees: German Moller (ARG), Manol Taylan (TUR).
Extra Man: NED: 2/9. HUN: 4/8.
Pens: Nil

Teams:

NETHERLANDS: Ilse van der Meijden, Yasemin Smit (1), Marloes Nijhuis, Biurakn Hakhverdian (1), Sabrina van der Sloot (1), Nomi Stomphorst (1), Iefke van Belkum (1), Vivian Sevenich, Carolina Slagter, Dagmar Genee, Lieke Klaassen (2), Leonie van der Molen, Anne Heinis. Head Coach: Mauro Maugeri.

HUNGARY: Flora Bolonyai, Anna Illes, Dora Antal (2), Dora Kisteleki (1), Gabriella Szucs (1), Orsolya Takacs, Ibolya Miskolczi (1), Rita Keszthelyi (4), Ildiko Toth, Barbara Bujka (1), Krisztina Garda, Kata Menczinger (1), Orsolya Kaso. Head Coach: Andras Meresz.

Match Report:

Shooting efficiency proved the killer punch as Hungary produced a stunning 7-1 opening half and finished 11-7 over Netherlands in the third quarterfinal at Bernat Picornell Pool this evening.

Hungary became the second top-four team to make the semifinals after Australia earlier beat Greece.

The statistics say it all with Hungary shooting at 44 per cent with its 25 attempts. Netherlands, looking so nervous as the whistling of accurately fired yellow balls whipped past their heads on a regular basis, could manage just 21.9 percent from 32 shots. The Dutch could not say they didn’t have their chances.

Throw in another vital factor and the result spelt doom for the Dutch — Hungarian goalkeeper Flora Bolonyai made 15 saves compared with Ilse van der Meijden’s six.

The statistics keep coming. On the crucial extra-man-attack situations, Hungary converted five from eight and Netherlands two from nine.

While Hungary was hell bent on settling the result early, the Dutch were tentative and lacked punch. Why? When it came to the crunch at 9-4 down with just a quarter remaining, head coach Mauro Maugeri from Italy, must have found the light switch that shed light on the horrific situation.
Netherlands fired in three consecutive goals for 10-7, conceivably a chance of forcing the match to a draw… possibly.

The Dutch looked like the team of old with positive direction and two goals on extra. However, the dream died when Kata Menczinger scored on the deep left at 1:41. Both teams went to a timeout and that something unusual happened when van der Meijden decided she did not like being in goal and went to halfway to foul an opponent. Dora Antal said “thank you”, loaded the cannon and shot the ball down the pool into goal for 11-7 at 0:11.

In that 7-1 dash to the halftime drinks, Hungarian Rita Keszthelyi did her team proud, as she has all championship, with four goals to lift her tally to 16.

The one down point for Hungary, plus a plus for the Dutch, was the defence and almost shut-out, smothering defence of centre forward Barbara Bujka. She had hoped for some majors against her but Netherlands was determined that her threat would be nullified. Now, if only they did that to Keszthelyi!

More statistics? Sure! Hungary became the first nation to win 50 World Championship matches. Who’s second? Netherlands with 46. The previous six meetings between the pair were decided by a one-goal margin or ended in a draw.

FLASH QUOTES:

Gabriella Szucs (HUN):
“We started very strong, we played a great defence and a faster attack, trying different movements and tactics. Although the Netherlands got closer in the second half, we always had the game under control. For the next game both USA and Spain are very difficult teams, Spain is playing at home and the USA is the current Olympic champion.”

Barbara Bujka (HUN):
“We did everything perfect at the beginning, and at the end maybe we were a bit tired, but it was never in discussion that we were going to win the game. We have to win the next game no matter who is the rival.”

Andras Meresz (HUN Head Coach):
“We had an excellent start, we did everything perfect with a very strong defence and fast attack.
In the second half they used many counter-attacks that let them get closer, but we controlled the game all the time. We are a very young team and we have played five important championships in the last few years, always qualifying among the top five. Being among the final four is very important for us.”

Vivian Sevenich (NED):
“Things went down too fast in the first quarter, we made many mistakes, but we kept fighting and fighting. The gap of the first quarter was too big, and we reacted too late.”

Sabrina van der Sloot (NED):
“Had we played from the beginning as in the last quarter, the final result would have been different. We know them very well, we’ve played several times against each other, and we could have achieved a better result.”

Mauro Maugeri (NED Head Coach):
“We reacted too late, we scored first but then we didn’t score more in the first quarter. We knew Hungary was strong, they shot well and played better. We should improve our performance. We expected a more balanced game, but we reacted too late.”

Game #36 ESP 9 vs. USA 6

Quarters: 4-2, 1-2, 1-1, 3-1
Referees: Radoslaw Koryzna (POL), Mario Bianchi (ITA).
Extra Man: ESP: 1/2 USA: 0/0.
Pens: ESP: 1/1. USA: 1/1

Teams:

SPAIN: Laura Ester, Marta Bach, Anna Espar, Roser Tarrago (1), Matilda Ortiz, Jennifer Pareja (4), Lorena Miranda, Pilar Pena, Andrea Blas, Ona Meseguer, Maica Garcia (2), Laura Lopez (2), Patricia Herrera. Head Coach: Miguel Oca.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Elizabeth Armstrong, Lauren Silver, Melissa Seidemann (1), Rachel Fattal (1), Caroline Clark, Margaret Steffens (1), Courtney Mathewson, Kiley Neushal, Jillian Kraus, Kelly Rulon, Annika Dries, Kameryn Craig (3), Tumuaialii Anae. Head Coach: Adam Krikorian.

Match Report:

It was the Olympic final all over again. This time the script had changed and Spain won instead of United States of America.

Four times USA came within one goal of Spain, but that was it. Spain won 9-6 — a six-goal turnaround from the London Olympics just a year ago.

There was no Maggie Steffens five-goal haul but there was a Jennifer Pareja four-goal procession in the first half as Spain turned at 4-2, levelled the third quarter 1-1 and won the last 3-1.

This was all about Spain, five times the bridesmaid and twice finishing level with USA in major competition, but never winning before tonight.

The landscape has changed and USA is no longer the dominant force of last year (many retirements), and slipping further from the bronze medal gained at the World League in Beijing a month ago.

The match was electric, mainly because of the Spanish surge, two Pareja goals making it 3-1. She scored either side of the first break, had four goals and saw her team 5-2 ahead.

Kameryn Craig, who scored three goals in a match where the USA centre forwards were stifled, scored USA’s third and Steffens pierced the goal on penalty to close the half at 5-4.

Maica Garcia, at the top of the third, and Melissa Seidemann four minutes later were the only scores of the period. The latter goal came off a rebound.

Pareja had a fifth goal rejected but no fear, Garcia and Laura Lopez for a second goal each and Roser Tarrago on extra had the game sewn up by 0:39.
Craig scored vented her frustration with a great centre-forward goal inside the final half-minute for 9-6.

Spain was medal bound and USA will play in the round 5-8 for the second time in two years, finishing sixth to Australia in Shanghai.

The extra-man statistics belie the fact Spain actually converted one from seven and USA none from eight. That was some of the tightest defensive play of the championship and both sides have the scars to prove it.

Match report by Gregg Mescall, Director of Communications USA Water Polo.

Barcelona, Spain - July 29 - The USA Women's National Team lost their first match of the FINA World Championships, falling to Spain 9-6 earlier tonight in front of 3300 fans at the Piscines Bernat Picornell. Kami Craig (Santa Barbara, CA/USC/SBWPF) scored three goals in the loss and Betsey Armstrong (Ann Arbor, MI/Michigan/NYAC) posted nine saves in net. The defeat sends Team USA to the 5th-8th place semifinals where they will meet the Netherlands on Wednesday at 5pm local time/11am et/8am pt. 

Billed as a rematch of the 2012 Olympic Games, some faces changed for both sides but the intensity remained high. Spain scored on their opening possession, the first of four goals for Jennifer Pareja, to grab a 1-0 lead. Craig responded for the United States some two minutes later working inside for a score and a 1-1 game. Spain retaliated with a power play strike and a natural goal for a 3-1 lead with 3:24 remaining. Team USA answered on their next possession with a cross cage shot from Rachel Fattal (Seal Beach, CA/UCLA/SOCAL) for a goal and a 3-2 match. Spain drew a penalty moments later and converted the opportunity for a 4-2 lead going to the second. 

The home team kept building to start the second period. Pareja connected on a power play for a 5-2 lead a little over a minute into the quarter. Craig delivered a backhand to halt the Spanish run and draw to 5-3 with 6:28 left in the first half. Team USA continued to chip away when Maggie Steffens (Danville, CA/Stanford/Diablo) cashed in on a penalty drawn by Kelly Rulon (San Diego, CA/UCLA/NYAC) for a 5-4 game and that was the score at halftime. 

After the United States had failed on a couple of player advantage opportunites, Spain took advantage early in the third with a power play goal of their own for a 6-4 lead. Three minutes later Armstrong came up with a big save to halt a Spain player advantage try. Then Melissa Seidemann (Walnut Creek, CA/Stanford/Stanford) cleaned up a rebound with a backhand on a power play for a 6-5 game with 1:51 remaining in the third.

That was the score headed to the fourth, and the final period belonged to Spain. A power play goal with 5:11 to go put Spain ahead 7-5. Four minutes later with the United States looking to rally, Spain delivered a crucial blow as an outside shot was deflected in for a goal and an 8-5 lead with 1:37 left. Spain added another goal to take a 9-5 lead but Craig responded late with a score to leave the final margin at 9-6 in favor of Spain.

Team USA went 1/8 on power plays and 1/1 on penalties while Spain was 4/7 on power plays and 1/1 on penalties. 

Saves - USA - B. Armstrong 9

FLASH QUOTES:

Maica Garcia (ESP):
“We’ve got our revenge. Our head coach told us to enjoy the game and get out there and fight. Now we need to prepare for the next match against Hungary. They are just as strong as the USA. The public was amazing, we are so excited.”

Matilde Ortiz (ESP):
“It was a very intensive match today, they didn’t give us time to breathe. We started defending 100 percent from the very beginning so we could stop their attacks. We learned from the game against Russia. We know that the next match will be really difficult against Hungary. They have good centre hole set and shooters.”

Jennifer Pareja (ESP):
“We knew that we had to do a perfect game; it was a very important match. We gave 100 percent from the start of the game, which was the key to success. We have all done a great job, there is always a player who scores more goals but all in all it’s a team effort. We played spectacular defence. I think we have a great team who deserves being where we are. We have to thank our supporters the way they have been encouraging us during all the game, it was amazing.

Miki Oca (ESP Head Coach):
"We played strong defence, stopping the attack. With 5-4, it was key that they didn´t score. They were so close. They are a great team with a marvelous offensive potential. This winter, I´ve seen the video of the Olympic Games final several times to prepare for today’s match. Now Hungary, which is a strong team, and they are in a great moment. All the teams that arrive at quarters are strong and if they make it to the semifinals even more. The public was spectacular; they made us fly."

Courtney Mathewson (USA):
“It´s been a brutal game, very physical and Spain was playing on home turf and I believe they were looking for revenge after London´s final. We have new players who are very young while the Spaniards have been playing together for over a year. We need to keep building the team back home.”

Kelly Rulon (USA):
“We have been together for only two months, progressing every game. It was different than in London as we had been playing together for almost three years. It´s tough to feel what it means to lose after the gold-medal joy in London.”

Adam Krikorian (USA Head Coach):
“I´m not disappointed about the game, we played good enough to win, but we couldn´t finish; the ball did not get into the net. They made very nice blocks. It was a very hard game, and for the future we need to improve the fitness. We can´t forget that Spain is one of the best teams of the world. I am very proud of the team. We have to continue fighting all the time, not thinking about losing. At some stages of the game we were very good. It has been an awesome environment and despite losing this game it´s been great for the sport. Hopefully this shows the greatness of our sport and there will be 12 teams allowed in the next Olympic tournament, as it is not fair that important teams as China and Italy are not here.”

WATER POLO PLANET.COM: the Alternative Voice    www.waterpoloplanet.com

Day 6 - Wednesday, July 31

Semi-Final Round

Game 37 CAN 8 vs. GRE 12

Quarters: 1-5, 3-1, 1-5, 3-1
Referees: German Moller (ARG), Manol Taylan (TUR).
Extra Man: CAN: 5/9 (5/11). GRE: 4/8 (4/12).
Pens: GRE: 1/1.

Teams:

CANADA: Michele Relton, Krystina Alogbo, Katrina Monton, Emma Wright (2), Monika Eggens (2), Sophie Baron La Salle, Joelle Bekhazi (1), Dominique Perrault, Carmen Eggens, Christine Robinson (1), Stephanie Valin (1), Marina Radu (1), Nicola Colterjohn. Head Coach: Guy Baker.

GREECE: Eleni Kouvdou, Christina Tsoukala (4), Vasiliki Diamantopoulou (1), Ilektra Psouni, Margarita Plevritou, Alkisti Avramidou (2), Alexandra Asimaki (2), Antigoni Roumpesi (2), Christina Kotsia, Triantafyllia Manolioudaki (1), Eleftheria Plevritou, Alkistis Benekou, Chrysoula Diamantopoulou. Head Coach: Georgios Morfesis.

Match Report:

Shanghai world champion Greece defeated Canada 12-8 in the round of 5-8 semifinals, bettering the 8-8 draw in the rounds on day three and a draw in a pre-worlds tournament.

Greece made its intentions known in the opening quarter when Canadian goalkeeper Michele Relton saw too many balls pass her head as her team’s defence was poorly set.

Five different players gave Greece a 5-1 lead at the break.

Canada had the better of the second quarter with Monika Eggens scoring twice — the second disputed by Greece after a deflected shot from well out the top.

When Emma Wright scored on extra early in the third period for 6-5 behind, Greece took stock and decided to show some of the form that brought it gold in 2011.

Five consecutive goals — including three by Christina Tsoukala in less than three minutes — had the women in blue an 11-5 advantage at the final break.

Canada fought hard for goals by Joelle Bekhazi  — her 10th of the championship —  and Stephanie Valin on counter

FLASH QUOTES:

Antigoni Roumpesi (GRE):
“We are satisfied. We wanted to win and we played better than Canada. Now we are already thinking about our next match because we want to end up in the fifth place, and if we play like today we will get it.”

Georgios Morfesis (GRE Head Coach):
“It’s always good to win a game like this, even though it’s not a (medal) semifinal. We always try to play our best. We still have some weak points but Canada too. Recently, Greece has won four medals but this is a completely new team and I’m confident that with patience we’ll be able to win medals again. Tsoukala won’t play the next game because she’s injured her right shoulder.”

Christine Robinson (CAN):
“I am pretty disappointed because we wanted to end the tournament with a couple of wins but we couldn’t do it. Now we have to finish with one strong victory.”

Guy Baker (CAN Head Coach):
“Greece is a very good team and they controlled the match. We did in some parts, but not throughout the whole game. Now we have to play for seventh place; this is our motivation.”

Game 38 NED 11 vs. USA 12

Quarters: 2-2, 3-4, 2-3, 4-3
Referees: Nenad Peris (CRO), Daniel Flahive (AUS).
Extra Man: USA: 3/4 (3/8). NED: 2/3 (2/7).
Pens: USA: 1/1.

Teams:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Elizabeth Armstrong, Lauren Silver, Melissa Seidemann (1), Rachel Fattal, Caroline Clark, Margaret Steffens (2), Courtney Mathewson (2), Kiley Neushal (2), Jillian Kraus (1), Kelly Rulon, Annika Dries (2), Kameryn Craig (2), Tumuaialii Anae. Head Coach: Adam Krikorian.

NETHERLANDS: Ilse van der Meijden, Yasemin Smit (2), Marloes Nijhuis, Biurakn Hakhverdian (1), Sabrina van der Sloot (1), Nomi Stomphorst (1), Iefke van Belkum (1), Vivian Sevenich, Carolina Slagter, Dagmar Genee, Lieke Klaassen (4), Leonie van der Molen (1), Anne Heinis. Head Coach: Mauro Maugeri.

Match Report:

In what could loosely be termed a rematch of the 2008 Beijing Olympic gold-medal final, United States of America had the better of Netherlands in the second round of 5-8 semifinal, winning 12-11. In Beijing it was the Dutch who won by a goal  — 9-8 — and Danielle De Bruijn was the queen of the pool with seven goals.

Today it was one of her countrywomen who stood up and tried to get the women in orange across the line. Lieke Klaassen netted four goals as the Dutch came back from 9-7 down at three-quarter time then from 11-8 and 12-9 down to nearly clinch a draw and possible extra time. This lifted her well clear of the pack with 22 for the championship.

From Beijing, Netherlands had four gold medallists — goalkeeper Ilse van der Meijden, captain Yasmin Smit, Biurakn Hakhverdian and Iefke van Belkum — and USA two silver medallists — goalkeeper Elizabeth Armstrong, and Kameryn Craig.

Centre forward Craig had the match and the goal at her mercy with 48 seconds left on the clock, turning at two metres and bouncing the ball into the cross bar, only for the Dutch to go to a timeout and try to net at the other end. It was not to be and USA gained some sort of retribution for the hot summer’s day in Beijing.

The lead changed three times in the first half but once USA went 5-4 ahead through Jillian Kraus, it kept at least one goal between the two recent Olympic gold-medallist teams.

FLASH QUOTES:

Maggie Steffens (USA):
“2012 was a great year for us, but now it’s 2013 and it’s completely different. Unfortunately we are not able to fight for medals, but the fifth place now is our goal and we are going to fight hard for it.”

Jillian Kraus (USA):
“It was a tight game and we are satisfied with the victory because the Netherlands are a very good team. We are still very motivated in this tournament even if we don’t play the semifinals. We’ll try to finish the competition well.”

Marloes Nijhuis (NED):
“I’m very unhappy, the team is disappointed because we made many mistakes. Now we expect to play a good match against Canada. And we won’t make the same mistakes.”

Lieke Klaassen (NED):
“I don´t care if I´m the top scorer at this championship (22 goals). I just want my team to win. It´s a shame we play for seventh place, because we are really a good team. We just didn’t play well.”

Game 39 RUS 6 vs. AUS 9

Quarters: 2-1, 1-3, 1-2, 2-3
Referees: Boris Margeta (SLO), Mario Bianchi (ITA).
Extra Man: RUS: 1/3 (1/7). AUS: 1/1 (1/4).
Pens: Nil

Teams:

RUSSIA: Anna Ustyukhina, Diana Antonova, Ekaterina Prokofyeva (1), Elvina Karimova, Alexandra Antonova, Olga Belova (1), Ekaterina Tankeeva, Anna Grineva, Anna Timofeeva, Olga Beliaeva (1), Evgeniya Ivanova (2), Ekaterina Zelentsova (1), Anna Karnaukh. Head Coach: Mikhail Nakoryakov.

AUSTRALIA: Lea Barta, Jayde Appel, Hannah Buckling (1), Holly Lincoln-Smith (1), Isobel Bishop, Bronwen Knox, Rowena Webster (2), Glencora McGhie, Zoe Arancini (1), Ashleigh Southern (1), Keesja Gofers, Nicola Zagame (3), Kelsey Wakefield. Head Coach: Greg McFadden.
Match Report:

Match Report:

Aussie Stingers head coach Greg McFadden must have had Melbourne 2007 in his mind in playing and beating Russia 9-6 in the first women’s semifinal at Bernat Picornell Pool.

He coached the team to victory over Russia on that semifinal occasion — also a three-goal margin at 12-9 — and went on to lose the final by a goal to the United States of America (6-5). Tonight he won again but will face a different opponent in Friday’s gold-medal match.

It was the last occasion that Australia met Russia at a World Championship and is now the fifth time Australia has won while drawing two for a clean sheet.

The match was not one of the greatest as both teams appeared nervous and feeling for chinks in the other’s armour. Russia pressured hard in the closing stages but the Stingers struck through three backhand shots outside the normal two-metre zone.

Firstly, Rowena Webster sent one in from four metres for 5-4, then Nicola Zagame, with her third, impossibly squeezing it in from one metre out on the deep left and Holly Lincoln-Smith from four metres at 8-4 (5:13) in the last quarter.

Russia controlled the opening quarter through Evgeniya Ivanova and Ekaterina Prokofyeva goals, split by a Zagame centre-forward shot. Prokofyeva’s contribution came off a 5m free-throw shot from about 7m, lobbing Kelsey Wakefield on the buzzer.

Australia controlled the second quarter with a goal on counter (Zoe Arancini), on extra (Zagame) and on counter attack (Hannah Buckling).

Olga Beliaeva countered and was found free on the cross pass from four metres for 4-4 early in the third period. Two Aussie backhands had the game at 6-4 by the final break.
Russian skipper Evgeniya Ivanova converted extra for 6-5 and the match was still tightly in the balance.

Webster went on counter and lobbed Anna Kanaukh for 7-5; Lincoln-Smith chimed in with her backhand and Olga Belova finished off what should have been an extra-man goal for 8-6 at 2:58.

The killer punch came when heavily pressed, Australia sent Webster down the middle. She received the pass and only she seemed to see Ashleigh Southern slip across the two-metre line from the right. She popped her the ball and Southern took it on her left hand, drew the goalkeeper and fired in the winner at 1:58 for 9-6.

It was interesting to note that the first major foul was not until three minutes into the second quarter, a rare feat indeed.

Both teams took timeouts but Australia was through and looking to add to its 1986 world crown, the silver from Melbourne and the bronze from Perth in 1998.

Russia is left to regroup for the bronze-medal match and the hope that it can secure a fifth to go with those from Rome 1994, Barcelona 2003, Melbourne 2007 and Shanghai 2011.

Game 40 HUN 12 vs. ESP 13

Quarters: 5-5, 4-4, 2-3, 2-0
Referees:  Amber Drury (USA), Adrian Alexandrescu (ROU).
Extra Man: ESP: 6/13 (6/19). HUN: 3/8 (3/13)
Pens: ESP: 0/1. HUN: 1/1.

Teams:

SPAIN: Laura Ester, Marta Bach, Anna Espar (4), Roser Tarrago (1), Matilda Ortiz (1), Jennifer Pareja (2), Lorena Miranda, Pilar Pena (1), Andrea Blas, Ona Meseguer, Maica Garcia (1), Laura Lopez (3), Patricia Herrera. Head Coach: Miguel Oca.

HUNGARY: Flora Bolonyai, Anna Illes, Dora Antal (4), Dora Kisteleki (2), Gabriella Szucs (2), Orsolya Takacs, Ibolya Miskolczi, Rita Keszthelyi (2), Ildiko Toth, Barbara Bujka (2), Krisztina Garda, Kata Menczinger, Orsolya Kaso. Head Coach: Andras Meresz.

Match Report:

Spain did it again tonight, with Laura Lopez delivering the two needed to come from behind to win in the final quarter. Earlier Anna Espar had done her part with four strikes. In fact, all the team, even the two goalkeepers, did their part in an historic match in front of an adoring home crowd.

Hungary was world champion in Rome 1994 and Montreal 2005 and silver medallist in Fukuoka 2001, but will hope to add a bronze to its collection when it faces Russia.

Spain opened the scoring and Hungary levelled at 1-1, 2-2 and 4-4 before making Spain play catch-up at 5-5 and 6-6. Spain went 7-6 ahead and Hungary had to level a t7-7 and 8-7 before shooting to 9-8. Laura Lopez levelled at 9-9 from the deep left short of halftime.

What a contrast this match was from the previous semifinal. The 4000-plus crowd had plenty to cheer about and was in joyous mood at halftime.

Immediately after the restart, the festivities were dampened when Barbara Bujka, with a scoop shot at centre forward; Dora Antal from a penalty strike and Rita Keszthelyi, from the top, lifted the score to 12-9.

Mixed emotions came next when Maica Garcia scored from centre forward and then Roser Tarrago had her penalty attempt blocked by Flora Bolonyai, who had been given a three-minute break in the middle of the first quarter by head coach Andras Meresz.

Hungary took a timeout for no tactical success and then Anna Espar scored her fourth goal — to goal with the three she netted in the first quarter — to narrow the margin to one just before the final break.

Lopez might get the call from the Vatican and possible sainthood for her efforts, netting twice midway through the final quarter, the first with a huge bouncer from the deep left on extra and then soon after with another extra-man score from point-blank range for a 13-12 lead.

Hungary had no joy from a timeout at 2:56 and Spain called one at 0:45 for a similar non-result.

Hungary had the last play and Dora Antal was charged with the final shot as the last second arrived. It smashed into the crossbar with much venom but no cigar, as they say.

FLASH QUOTES:

Laura Ester (ESP):
“Our defence was really aggressive and that helped me on my position as goalkeeper. This final will be different from the London Olympics because playing at home is really different. It is amazing how all the supporters have been encouraging us all the way, they pushed us a lot. We want to win for them also.”

Roser Tarrago (ESP):
“It hasn’t been our best game, but we had to go on and defend in order to win. Now, the final against Australia will be even more incredible than the game today. This victory would have been impossible to achieve without our fans.”

Dora Kisteleki (AUS):
“Spain is a very good team. Last period has been really hard for us with many minutes with one player less. We have to forget this game and concentrate on getting the bronze medal.”

Andras Meresz (AUS Head Coach):
“First of all, congratulations to Spain and especially to my friend Miki. They played a fantastic game today. My team wasn´t bad anyway, after the 9-12 we stopped attacking properly and we couldn´t make it.”

WATER POLO PLANET.COM: the Alternative Voice    www.waterpoloplanet.com

Day 7 - Friday, August 2

BARCELONA, August 2.— Spain completed the business it did not quite finish last year at the London Olympic Games by defeating Australia 8-6 in the gold-medal final of the FINA Women’s Water Polo World Championships at the Bernat Picornell Pool.

It was silver behind United States of America in London while Australia claimed bronze. Tonight it was a well-deserved gold as the best team at these championships and now the top nation on the planet for women’s water polo.

It was victory for head coach Miki Oca and his resolve and faith in his players, led by the indefatigable Jennifer Pareja, voted the championship’s Most Valuable Player.

Throw is a startling 11-save effort by goalkeeper Laura Ester and she was undoubtedly the best in her class in Barcelona.

Spain was confident from the start and managed to out-defend the Aussie Stingers who looked nervous and times and never got into high-scoring mode.

Australia lost star Rowena Webster on three majors before the third break and others followed in a match where both teams received 15 major fouls apiece.

Australia had a penalty blocked by Ester and an unexpected unforced error by Stingers goalkeeper Kelsey Wakefield — who was pushing Ester for the best in Barcelona — proved critical when just one behind. Roser Tarrago shot from near halfway and Wakefield tried unsuccessfully to collect with one hand.

Never mind, the Spanish defence proved the winner, disrupting Australia at every stage of the match.

In the bronze-medal clash, played as the second match of the first session, Hungary won the first medal for its country (the men will play Montenegro in the men’s final on Saturday) with a 10-8 margin over Russia, who led 3-1 during the first quarter.

Hungary started shooting go-ahead goals late in the second period, meaning Russia had to play catch-up water polo. Hungary kept 19-goal Ekaterina Prokofyeva scoreless and Russia kept 18-goal Barbara Bujka off the scoresheet. Her back-up centre forward, though, Ildiko Toth, struck three times.

In the play-off for fifth and sixth, scheduled as the curtain-raiser for the gold-medal final, Olympic and World Cup champion United States of America beat outgoing world champion Greece 15-12 in a penalty shootout after the match was tied at 10-10 by fulltime and 11-11 after two extra periods.

USA sent in all four shots in the shootout while Greece missed two.

The pair played in the same group and USA won that encounter 12-8. USA stretched its lead over Greece in World Championship play to seven and the win was one place better that Shanghai 2011 when it lost by five goals to Australia.

In the play-off for seventh and eighth, Netherlands turned a 5-1 opening quarter into a 12-9 victory with Lieke Klaassen scoring three penalty goals to become the championship’s highest goal-scorer with 25. It was a rematch of the 7-8 classification match at Shanghai 2011, which the Dutch also won.

Immediately after the match, Dutch gold medallists from the Beijing Olympics — Iefke van Belkum and Biurakn Hakhverdian — announced their retirements. This leaves just goalkeeper Ilse van de Meijden and Smit as the remaining gold medallists.

The Media All Star team was named with the championship’s Most Valuable Player, Jennifer Pareja (ESP), leading the group. She was joined by the best goalkeeper, Spain’s Laura Ester, centre forward Barbara Bujka (HUN) and field players Rita Keszthelyi (HUN), Lieke Klaassen (NED), Jennifer Pareja (ESP), Ekaterina Prokofyeva (RUS) and Rowena Webster (AUS).

Final classifications:
1.         Spain
2.         Australia
3.         Hungary
4.         Russia
5.         United States of America
6.         Greece
7.         Netherlands
8.         Canada
9.         China
10.       Italy    
11.       Kazakhstan
12.       New Zealand
13.       Great Britain
14.       Brazil
15.       South Africa
16.       Uzbekistan

Awards (as selected by media representatives):

Most Valuable Player: Jennifer Pareja (ESP).

Best Goalkeeper:       Laura Ester (ESP).

Highest goal-scorer:             Lieke Klaassen (NED) 25

Media All Star Team:

Goalkeeper:               Laura Ester (ESP)
Centre Forward:       Barbara Bujka (HUN)
Field Players:             Rita Keszthelyi (HUN)
Lieke Klaassen (NED)
Jennifer Pareja (ESP)
Ekaterina Prokofyeva (RUS)
Rowena Webster (AUS)

Final Round

Game 41 CAN 9 vs. NED 12 (7th & 8th place)

Quarters: 1-5, 2-3, 4-3, 2-1
Referees: Gabor Vogel (HUN), Sergy Naumov (RUS).
Extra Man: CAN: 5/8 (5/9). NED: 1/3 (1/5).
Pens: NED: 3/3.

Teams:

CANADA: Michele Relton, Krystina Alogbo, Katrina Monton, Emma Wright, Monika Eggens, Sophie Baron La Salle, Joelle Bekhazi (2), Dominique Perrault (2), Carmen Eggens, Christine Robinson (1), Stephanie Valin (4), Marina Radu, Nicola Colterjohn. Head Coach: Guy Baker.

NETHERLANDS: Ilse van der Meijden, Yasemin Smit (3), Marloes Nijhuis, Biurakn Hakhverdian (2), Sabrina van der Sloot (2), Nomi Stomphorst (1), Iefke van Belkum, Vivian Sevenich (1), Carolina Slagter, Dagmar Genee, Lieke Klaassen (3), Leonie van der Molen, Anne Heinis. Head Coach: Mauro Maugeri.

Match Report

Netherlands captain Yasemin Smit led her team to seventh classification with a 12-9 victory over Canada. Smit scored three times in the opening quarter as the Dutch went from 5-1at the first break to 6-1 early in the second quarter. Canada woke up at this stage and started competing and then outplaying Netherlands 8-7 in the last three periods.

The Dutch meant business from the start and only veteran Joelle Bekhazi broke the Dutch charge at 2-1.

Canada pulled the margin back to 6-3 midway through the second quarter but the margin went back to five at halftime when Nomi Stomphorst and Lieke Klaassen netting a minute apart.

The match heated up in the third period with three consecutive goals by Canada, followed by three consecutive Dutch goals, including two from Sabrina van der Sloot for 11-6. Bekhazi scored on extra to being it back to four two seconds from buzzer.

Valin sent in her third and fourth goals — doubling her championship tally — for 11-9 with 2:10 remaining, a tantalising margin. It did not happen and Klaassen notched her third penalty goal —and 25 for the championship — to close the match at 12-9.

It was Netherlands’ sixth victory over Canada in World Championships. Canada has to go back to Fukuoka 2001 when it beat the Dutch for the only time, going on to collect the bronze medal.

FLASH QUOTES:

Lieke Klaassen (NED):
“We came here to win a medal and we only finished seventh. We have to see if we will continue with the same team in the future.”

Nomi Stomphorst (NED):
“We played our game against Russia and Spain, but in some moments their level was higher than ours. Before the start of this championship we were going to fight for a medal.”

Joelle Bekhazi (CAN):
“I feel bad and very disappointed with the team because it has been a very hard game. We came back very strong at the end and scored some goals and showed some character.”

Game 42 RUS 8 vs. HUN 10 (Bronze Medal Game)

Quarters: 3-3, 2-2, 2-3, 1-2
Referees: Amber Drury (USA), Mario Bianchi (ITA).
Extra Man: RUS: 5/9 (5/12). HUN: 3/7 (3/9).
Pens: HUN: 1/1.

Teams:

RUSSIA: Anna Ustyukhina, Diana Antonova, Ekaterina Prokofyeva, Elvina Karimova, Alexandra Antonova (3), Olga Belova (2), Ekaterina Tankeeva (1), Anna Grineva, Anna Timofeeva, Olga Beliaeva (2), Evgeniya Ivanova, Ekaterina Zelentsova, Anna Karnaukh. Head Coach: Mikhail Nakoryakov.

HUNGARY: Flora Bolonyai, Anna Illes, Dora Antal, Dora Kisteleki, Gabriella Szucs (1), Orsolya Takacs (1), Ibolya Miskolczi, Rita Keszthelyi (3), Ildiko Toth (3), Barbara Bujka, Krisztina Garda, Kata Menczinger (1), Orsolya Kaso. Head Coach: Andras Meresz.

Match Report:

Hungary overcame a 3-1 deficit in the first quarter and took until halfway through the final quarter to grab a two-goal lead, which it maintained to deny Russia a record fifth bronze medal 10-8.

The match was levelled at 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, 6-6 and 7-7 before Hungary took the elad at the final break and triumphantly pulled away.

Russia started strongly, racing to 2-0 before Hungary responded. When Olga Belova scored on extra for 3-1, Russia looked set for a lucrative match, however, Hungary fired up and Gabriella Toth and Gabriella Szucs scored at centre forward and with a lob respectively for 3-3 at quarter time.

Hungary took the lead for the first time through the high-performing Rita Keszthelyi on counter attack, fending off a defender, then lobbing Russian goalkeeper Anna Karnaukh. Ekaterina Tankeeva (RUS) on extra at two metres; Szucs (HUN) on extra and Olga Beliaeva with her second with a centre-forward, backhand lob for 5-5 nine second from halftime.

Goals were traded in the third quarter with Russia winning 3-2. Ildiko Toth (HUN) and Alexandra Antonova (RUS) gained two each and Keszthelyi netted a second to bring up her 20th in Barcelona. Hungary had an 8-7 lead.

Hungary started to shut the gate when Keszthelyi netted a third. The match became more interesting with Belova’s second goal on counter. Less than 20 seconds later Orsolya Takacs assured her teammates of a podium presence with a nine-metre shot into the top right. Both teams went to a timeout with out any more scoring.

Hungary women delivered for their nation, with their men set to collect another tomorrow as they play the final with Montenegro.

It was Hungary’s fourth World Championship medal to go with two gold and one silver. In international competition this year, Russia beat Hungary 12-9 in the semifinals of this year’s World League in Beijing, previously losing 11-10 in the group phase. Now Hungary has the one that matters.

FLASH QUOTES:

 

Game 43 GRE 12 vs. USA 15 (Shootout) (5th & 6th place)

Quarters: 4-4, 1-2, 1-3, 3-1, 1-0, 0-1
Referees: Doriel Terpenka (CAN), Manol Taylan (TUR).
Extra Man: GRE: 4/7 (4/11). USA: 1/5 (1/7).
Pens: GRE: 0/1.

Teams:

GREECE: Eleni Kouvdou, Christina Tsoukala (1), Vasiliki Diamantopoulou, Ilektra Psouni (1), Margarita Plevritou, Alkisti Avramidou (5), Alexandra Asimaki (1), Antigoni Roumpesi (2), Christina Kotsia (1), Triantafyllia Manolioudaki (1), Eleftheria Plevritou, Alkistis Benekou, Chrysoula Diamantopoulou. Head Coach: Georgios Morfesis.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Elizabeth Armstrong, Lauren Silver (1), Melissa Seidemann (2), Rachel Fattal (1), Caroline Clark (1), Margaret Steffens (2), Courtney Mathewson (4), Kiley Neushal, Jillian Kraus, Kelly Rulon (2), Annika Dries (1), Kameryn Craig (1), Tumuaialii Anae. Head Coach: Adam Krikorian.

Match Report:

Olympic and World Cup champion United States of America beat outgoing world champion Greece 15-12 in a penalty shootout after the match was tied at 10-10 by fulltime and 11-11 after two extra periods.

USA sent in all four shots in the shootout while Greece missed two.

The pair played in the same group and USA won that encounter 12-8. USA stretched its lead over Greece in World Championship play to seven.

Greece opened and goals were swapped until 3-3. Annika Dries gave USA the edge at 4-4 while Ilektra Psouni lobbed one in from the top for 4-4 by quarter time.

Goals were traded again in the second period with Kelly Rulon (USA) from the deep left; Christina Kotsia (GRE) with her first goal of the championship and Melissa Seidemann with a missile from the top for a 6-5 advantage at the long break.

Alkisti Avramidou had the chance to do great things in the third period, scoring from the wide left and then lining up for a penalty attempt. Sadly for her she sent the shot into the left upright. This seemed to lift USA with captain Courtney Mathewson scoring off a quick pass and on extra for 8-6. Kameryn Craig followed suit with a fighting centre-forward effort at 1:29 to give USA a three-goal margin at the last break.

There was trading of goals again in the final quarter with Greece taking the lead through Christina Tsoukala, with her 16th of the championship. Seidemann from the top and Avramidou with her third brought the match to 10-8. Greece called a timeout and earned an exclusion, which Avramidou converted off the first pass at 2:00.

USA earned an exclusion at 0:53 and went to a timeout as the stadium was filling fast ahead of the gold-medal final. The shot was blocked and Greece went on attack, earning an exclusion with three seconds left. The ball swung left to Avramidou and… she shot and scored at 0:00, sending the match to extra time.

Alexandra Asimaki scooped in the first shot of extra time to give Greece the first lead since halfway through the first quarter. Seidemann was dragged from the water with blood streaming from around her left eye and was taken away for urgent medical treatment and no other goals came in the period.

With the clock running down fast, USA went to a timeout at 1:17 to design a goal-scoring movement. The 20 seconds came and went but the team shuffled right and brought up

Mathewson at right-hand catch, scoring at 0:54 for 11-11. Greece lost the ball and USA took a third timeout. The ball was turned over at centre forward and Greece had a last shot at a goal after timeout but the first pass was too slow and extra time was over, sending the match to penalty shootout — the third shootout of the championship, men or women.

USA won the toss and shot first with Mathewson converting and Greek captain Antigoni Roumpesi hitting the left upright. Kelly Rulon scored and Tsoukala had her shot blocked by Elizabeth Armstrong. Maggie Steffens ascored and Avramidou converted. It just needed Lauren Silver to convert and the match was won. She did and Greece, the quiet crowd and pool announcer did not realise the result until 20 seconds later.

FLASH QUOTES:

Elizabeth Armstrong (USA):
"We are really happy with the victory, it has been a disappointing game due to the last-minute goal, but we recovered in extra time. In the penalties, Greece has very good shooters and I just concentrated on where the ball was going, and I blocked them, I am very happy for it. We need to improve for the future."

Courtney Mathewson (USA):
"After the game against Spain, we won the next two games so we are very happy for getting here. In the extra time, they scored first and we were very tired out, but we did it in the end.Elizabeth, the keeper, has been awesome tonight."

Adam Krikorian (USA Head Coach):
"The match is not over until the last minute. I congratulate Greece for not giving up. I´m very proud on how my team has recovered after the first goal in extra time. The penalties are always like flipping a coin, but the goalie made amazing blocks."

Christina Tsoukala (GRE):
“It´s great to be here again. Sixth place is OK; next time it will be better. Today has been a hard match, arriving to the penalties it had been 50-50. ”

Alexandra Asimaki (GRE):
“I have a bitter-sweet feeling, because in the last World Championship we were on top. Our team is new, so we are satisfied of how we have played. Today we have played against USA, the winner of the last Olympic Games. We fought until the penalties; we were unlucky. We have to work very hard for the next Olympic Games in Rio, because as I said, we are a new team.”

Game 44  AUS 6 vs. ESP 8 (1st & 2nd place)

Quarters: 1-2, 2-3, 1-1, 2-2
Referees: Radoslaw Koryzna (POL), Axel Bender (GER).
Extra Man: AUS: 4/10 (4/14)
Pens: AUS: 0/1. ESP: 1/1

Teams:

AUSTRALIA: Lea Barta, Jayde Appel, Hannah Buckling, Holly Lincoln-Smith, Isobel Bishop, Bronwen Knox, Rowena Webster (1), Glencora McGhie (1), Zoe Arancini (1), Ashleigh Southern (1), Keesja Gofers, Nicola Zagame, Kelsey Wakefield. Head Coach: Greg McFadden.

SPAIN: Laura Ester, Marta Bach, Anna Espar, Roser Tarrago (1), Matilda Ortiz, Jennifer Pareja (1), Lorena Miranda, Pilar Pena, Andrea Blas (1), Ona Meseguer, Maica Garcia (1), Laura Lopez (2), Patricia Herrera. Head Coach: Miguel Oca.

Match Report:

Spain completed the business it did not quite finish last year at the London Olympic Games by defeating Australia 8-6 in the gold-medal final.

It was silver behind United States of America in London while Australia claimed bronze. Tonight it was a well-deserved gold as the best team at these championships and now the top nation on the planet for women’s water polo.

It was victory for head coach Miki Oca and his resolve and faith in his players, led by the indefatigable Jennifer Pareja, voted the championship’s Most Valuable Player.
Throw is a startling 11-save effort by goalkeeper Laura Ester and she was undoubtedly the best in her class in Barcelona.

Spain was confident from the start and managed to out-defend the Aussie Stingers who looked nervous and times and never got into high-scoring mode.

Spain led 2-1 at the quarter and 4-2 before 5-3 at halftime.

It was a tight third quarter as Spain kept shutting up shop.

Maica Garcia pushed the margin out to an impossible three goals on extra and then Holly Lincoln-Smith fired in a 5m shot by backhand. Spain drew a penalty and Aussie Stingers head coach Greg McFadden saw red — the referee’s red card. A Spanish assistant coach was red-carded and head coach Miki Oca yellow carded. Pareja converted for 8-5.

Lincoln-Smith had a penalty attempt blocked by Ester, both teams took a timeout and the only consolation came Australia’s way at 0:01 through Isabel Bishop on extra for 8-6.

Australia lost star Rowena Webster on three majors before the third break and others followed in a match where both teams received 15 major fouls apiece.

The Spanish defence proved the winner, disrupting Australia at every stage of the match.
It was Spain’s best performance by far — seventh at Melbourne 2007. Australia won in 1986 and finished with the silver at Melbourne.

FLASH QUOTES:

Roser Tarrago (ESP):
“Winning in front of 4000 people is indescribable. It is incredible, that support made us push hard to win. We could not lose again in the finals like the Olympics so we just had to win today, there was no other option.”

Maica Garcia (ESP):
"I have no words to describe the feeling, a perfect championship, I have the best team. We have had the game under control all the time, without getting nervous and we controlled the defence all the way. After that, scoring goals as needed, we´ve done a good job. When there were three minutes left I realised we were champions already. After the whistle you feel that your heart is about to stop, you look at your teammates, and feel that there is a connection between us, laughing, crying, a very nice mix of feelings."

Marta Bach (ESP):
“I can´t believe that we won at a home game. We are world champions and that is amazing. A year ago we wouldn’t have thought that we would get this far; everybody has this dream but it does not always come true. In the game we played really tough and Laura (Ester) has been amazing, she deserves to be the best goal keeper of the competition.”

Lea Barta and Nicola Zagame (AUS):
“We got our chances on the game, but we simply didn´t put the ball in the net. We are happy with our defence. We practised it and it worked pretty well. We are a young team. It would´ve been good to get the gold medal, but we are very happy with the silver medal.”

Rowena Webster (AUS):
“It was tough game and we had the crowd against us. We had our opportunities but we missed out on them. We won bronze at the Olympics and silver here so we are now ready to fight for gold at the next competition.”

WATER POLO PLANET.COM: the Alternative Voice    www.waterpoloplanet.com