{"id":157218,"date":"2025-07-16T17:14:27","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T17:14:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/quixnet.net\/wpinstance\/italy-spain-usa-and-croatia-secure-mens-quarterfinal-berths-world-aquatics\/"},"modified":"2025-07-16T17:14:27","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T17:14:27","slug":"italy-spain-usa-and-croatia-secure-mens-quarterfinal-berths-world-aquatics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/quixnet.net\/wpinstance\/italy-spain-usa-and-croatia-secure-mens-quarterfinal-berths-world-aquatics\/","title":{"rendered":"Italy, Spain, USA and Croatia secure men\u2019s quarterfinal berths – World Aquatics"},"content":{"rendered":"

We use cookies to provide our services and for analytics and marketing. To find out more about our use of cookies and how you can disable them, please see our Privacy Policy. By continuing to browse our website, you agree to our use of cookies. Click here to read our privacy policy.<\/a>
Italy, Spain, United States of America and Croatia have qualified directly to the quarterfinals of the men\u2019s water polo competition at the OCBC Aquatic Centre on Wednesday. Second and third place-getter go to the second round and the bottom teams will contest the round of 13-16.
In Group A<\/strong>, Italy confirmed its top place in Group A and automatic entry to the quarterfinals with a 28-4 romp over South Africa. Serbia collected second spot with an 19-9 crushing of Romania.
In Group B<\/strong>, Spain came back with a 5-1 final quarter to defeat Hungary 10-9 for the the quarterfinal berth. Japan repeated its performance from Paris 2024 with a 12-11 win over Australia and took out third place.
In Group C<\/strong>, USA outplayed Singapore 26-6 to win the group and advance to the quarters. Brazil overcame Canada in sudden-death penalty shootout 19-18 after the match was locked at 11-11, in the process, taking out second place in the group.
In Group D<\/strong>, Croatia finished top of the group after a nail-biting, come-from-behind 10-9 win over Greece and Montenegro secured second place with a 13-8 victory over China.
Group A: Italy 8, Serbia 7, Romania 3, South Africa 0.
Group B: Spain 9, Hungary 6, Japan 3, Australia 0.
Group C: United States of America 9, Brazil 5, Canada 4, Singapore 0.
Group D: Croatia 9, Montenegro 6, Greece 3, China 0.
Classification 13-16 semifinals:
<\/em>Match 25. 09:00. South Africa v Australia
Match 26. 10:30. Singapore v China
Crossovers
<\/em>Match 27. 16:00. Serbia v Japan
Match 28. 17:30. Romania v Hungary
Match 29. 19:00. Brazil v Greece
Match 30. 20:30. Canada v Montenegro
This was a battle between the World Cup champion Spain and the bronze medallist Hungary from April. It was a grudge match and with something at stake. Spain was fancied. Hungary had other ideas. But then the wily Spaniards and the oldest player, Felipe Perrone, produced some magic to set his team up for victory and a quarterfinal berth. \u00a0
Spain went 2-1 up and thought the match was heading in the right direction. However, Hungary had the match level at the quarter break. Zsombor Vismeg<\/strong><\/a> made sure with the 2-2 at 4:08 and then there were no goals before the first buzzer, such was the defence at each end. Come the second quarter, Spain was troubled immensely. Vince Vigvari<\/strong><\/a> scored a second with a missile into the bottom left; Gergely Burian<\/strong><\/a> dropped his in from the top and Gergo Fekete<\/strong><\/a> made it 5-2 at 1:10 from the top left. Biel Gomila<\/strong>, who scored Spain\u2019s second goal, pulled one back from the left-post position for 5-3 at the turn.
Daniel Angyal<\/strong><\/a> scored on extra from centre forward and Albert Munarriz<\/strong><\/a> converted a penalty within a minute early in the third period. Marton Vamos<\/strong><\/a> increased the margin to three. Gomila<\/strong> and Angyal<\/strong> traded goals well before the final break. Sergi Cabanas<\/strong><\/a> barred in from the top for 8-6 down at the start of the fourth quarter. Krisztian Manhercz<\/strong><\/a> replied and soon after Granados<\/strong> bounced in from the top for 9-7. A Hungarian timeout led to two lost balls, only one regained. Granados<\/strong> converted a penalty and it was 9-8. Hungary then went on attack and had three shots rejected. A minute later, Granados<\/strong> sent in a quick shot on extra that caught the defence unawares and it was 10-9 at 3:09 \u2014 in Spain\u2019s favour.
Hungary had a timeout, but nothing would work. Spain had rolled up the shutters. Even in the last half minute, the whole team rushed the Spanish goal but nothing would work and the last shot shaved the left upright on full time. Spain had miraculously escaped with a thundering avalanche of goals in the final quarter of this amazing victory.
Match Heroes
<\/strong>The two goalkeepers \u2014 Spain\u2019s Unai Aguirre<\/strong><\/a> and Hungary\u2019s Kristof Csoma<\/strong><\/a> with 11 saves each. They made this match what it was. Granados<\/strong> was inspirational for Spain with four goals while Gomila<\/strong> grabbed three. Angyal<\/strong> and Vince Vigvari<\/strong> netted twice for Hungary.
Turning Point
<\/strong>The last quarter. The flashy Spaniards, saving the best till last!
Stats Don\u2019t Lie
<\/strong>Spain scored four from 10 on extra and Hungary three from six. Spain scored both penalty attempts and led steals six to five. Hungary shot 34 to 32.
Bottom Line
<\/strong>Always back the team that\u2019s behind. Spain was courageous.
What He Said<\/strong>
Unai AGUIRRE (ESP) \u2014 Goalkeeper<\/strong>
On the result:\u00a0<\/em>
\u201cI don\u2019t know how we won the game. We didn\u2019t play our best the whole match, just the last four minutes, and that\u2019s it. We have to improve, but now we have two, three days of rest. That will be good to see where we are, to analyse our videos because we were struggling all the match in attack and in defence, we had a few disconnections.\u00a0
\u201cThat\u2019s it, analyse our game, especially in attack, because actually they were winning all match and they were playing amazing, especially in defence. We won because we put in a lot of energy.\u201d\u00a0
On making so many saves in the last quarter:
<\/em>\u201cHonestly, with this water polo, I\u2019m trying to not think, you know. For the goalkeepers, it\u2019s more like a tennis game where you have to be focused all the time and no matter if you (conceded) a goal or not, or you\u2019re losing by four, by three, it\u2019s not important. It\u2019s important to keep going and to try to not think too much and have a short memory.\u00a0
\u201cWe have to analyse what happened in attack because we were really struggling in the beginning. The goalkeeper wasn\u2019t touching a lot of balls because they were defending a lot and that\u2019s not normal. We have a lot of potential in attack with our two centre forwards (Miguel DE TORO and Roger TAHULL). They were struggling a bit in the beginning, but after they were really good and that helped us to get into the game in the end.\u201d
On the quarterfinals:\u00a0<\/em>
\u201cHonestly, our experience tells us that (the quarterfinal) is the most important game. We saw that in Paris. We were amazing in the group stage and later in the quarterfinal, we felt that pressure and the crowds were amazing.\u00a0
\u201cSo now, it\u2019s good that we won. Maybe we have two, three days of rest, but I think Greece is coming and they are an amazing team. They have maybe the two best centre forwards in the world with an amazing defence. We have to keep focused and try to improve what we did wrong today.\u201d
Singapore turned it on for the huge home crowd but it was USA who had the better of the scoring with strong quarters as it should have been for the Olympic bronze medallist. There was a smattering of juniors from the silver-medal-winning team from last month\u2019s U20 world champs, as well. USA, spearheaded by Marko Vavic<\/strong><\/a>, scored two of the four goals in the first quarter. Captain Max Irving<\/strong><\/a> scored the second goal and Dan Liechty<\/strong><\/a>, one of those junior silver medallists, fired in a left-handed goal from centre forward. Jayden See<\/strong><\/a> helped blow the roof off the stadium when he scored Singapore\u2019s first goal with a short drive to start the second quarter. Irving<\/strong>, Chase Dodd<\/strong><\/a> and Vavic<\/strong>, needing VAR, took the score out to 7-1. See<\/strong> drilled from the top and Singapore had a second goal. Ryan Ohl<\/strong><\/a>, another Olympian\/world junior, scored from deep left for 8-2 by halftime.
Matthias Goh<\/strong> began the second half with Singapore\u2019s third goal, scoring from top left. Irving<\/strong> scored from the other side and Liechty<\/strong> converted a penalty for 10-3 at 7-7 \u2014 three goals in the first minute! USA head coach Dejan Udovicic<\/strong> threw the green flag for a challenge two minutes later and he won, giving his team a corner from which it scored through Chase Dodd<\/strong>. Ryan Ohl<\/strong> on penalty and Dom Brown<\/strong><\/a> off a cross pass took it to 13-2. Sanjiv Rajandra<\/strong><\/a> converted a penalty for Singapore. USA went on the counter four times and then Nicolas Saveljevic<\/strong>, who scored the fourth counter, fired from the top left for 18-4 not long before the final break.
Ryder Dodd<\/strong><\/a> cross-caged from the right to open the fourth period to the beat of the Singaporean drums. Ryder Dodd<\/strong> smashed in another from the bottom left. Connor Ohl<\/strong><\/a>, younger brother of Ryan<\/strong> Ohl<\/strong>, won the swim, stole the ball and shot a goal in the opening minutes of the fourth, to go with a counter-attack goal in the previous period. Hannes Daube<\/a> <\/strong>made the scoresheet and Cayden Loh<\/strong><\/a> pleased the crowd again with a strike from right-hand-catch for 23-5. Saveljic<\/strong> drove left for his third goal as Singapore head coach Kan Aoyagi<\/strong>, a former Japanese international, threw a challenge into the pool but it was denied. Chase Dodd<\/strong> scored from a rebound that had smashed into the goalkeeper\u2019s face on a backhander, for 24-5. Zhi Zhi Loh<\/strong><\/a> accepted a cross pass to the left post to score Singapore\u2019s sixth goal at 0:52. Dom Brown<\/strong> scored from in front of goal and Daube<\/strong> closed all scoring firing the length of the field into an empty net on the buzzer, as the goalkeeper had come forward.
Match Heroes
<\/strong>Ryan Dodd<\/strong> and Irving<\/strong> were the shooting stars with four goals each. Vavic<\/strong>, Saveljevic<\/strong> and Ryan Ohl<\/strong> scored three apiece. For Singapore, Ken Chou<\/strong><\/a> made 11 saves in goal and Jayden See<\/strong> was the double scorer.
Turning Point
<\/strong>USA\u2019s first quarter.
Stats Don\u2019t Lie
<\/strong>USA\u2019s biggest stat was shooting 44 to 24, stealing 17 to seven, scoring both penalty chances to one and converting its sole extra chance while denying Singapore four of six.
Bottom Line
<\/strong>Singapore enjoyed the occasion but it was never going to get close to USA as it took out the group and goes directly to the quarterfinals. Singapore will now play the group of 13-16.
What They Said<\/strong>
Max IRVING (USA) \u2014 Captain and Four Goals<\/strong>
On the match:
<\/em>\u201cI think it was a decent match for us. You have to give a lot of credit to Singapore. They came out, they played well in front of a home crowd. They played all four quarters, played with energy, played with intensity. So, we really appreciate them for that. We’re looking forward to now moving on to the quarterfinal. We know we’re gonna have a difficult match ahead of us, whether we play Japan or Serbia. We’re just gonna take these days, prepare for the next game that’s coming. Just take things one step at a time.\u201d
On their approach in the championships:
<\/em>\u201cWe have a young group. We have a lot of guys (in their) first World Championships. So, we’re not taking anything for granted. Whether it’s a game against Brazil, Canada, Singapore or a quarterfinal. Games are awesome opportunities for us to gain experience that will eventually help us and equip us down the line to be the best team.\u201d
Jayden SEE (SGP) \u2014 Two Goals<\/strong>
On the difference between facing the USA versus Canada in its previous match:
<\/em>\u201cIt’s definitely a big difference. The teams here are definitely Olympic level. It’s where we hope to be eventually, but definitely are not at yet. I think it’s a big opportunity for us to be given a chance to play against these teams to see where we more or less stand in terms of our skills and size and everything.\u201d
On their takeaways from the past three matches:<\/em>
\u201cI think a big takeaway for many of us is the pressure that we face playing at home, since a lot of us don’t really have that opportunity, since most of our competitions are overseas. I think a lot of us, definitely the younger players, this is our first time playing at home, so I think it’s very good for us to be given the chance to play against opponents in our home country.\u201d
On the match:
<\/em>\u201cI think before the match, we already knew that Team USA is definitely a better opponent, and I think it was a huge opportunity for us to be given the chance to play against them. We definitely learned a lot from this game, and we also recognise a lot of the things that we can improve on in the future. We’ll definitely go back and train harder for any future competitions.\u201d
World champion Croatia slowly came back and surpassed Greece, the runaway starter. Greece seemed to lose composure in the third period, not managing to get connections and becoming frustrated in the pool while Croatia had a single-minded mentality. Adding to the frustration of both teams was the superb goalkeeping at both ends of the pool. There could only be one winner and Croatia triumphed thanks to a spectacular middle half.
Greece slipped in the first three goals, gave up one and then led 4-1 at the quarter break. Loren Fatovic<\/strong><\/a> responded early in the second quarter and Ioannis Alafragkis<\/strong><\/a> scored off the right post on a near-post pass for 5-2. Tin Brubnjak<\/strong><\/a> and Luka Loncar<\/strong><\/a> converted extra-man plays and Konstantin Kharkov<\/strong><\/a> scored from the right side of the pool for 5-5. Efstathios Kalogeropoulos<\/strong><\/a> converted a penalty and Greece had the 6-5 advantage at halftime.
Marko Zuvela<\/strong><\/a> added to Greece\u2019s woes with consecutive goals from the right side with the second, just making it across the line. Konstantinos Genidounias<\/strong><\/a> replied on extra. Zvonimir Butic<\/strong><\/a> converted extra at 4:57 forcing Greece to a timeout. Nothing came and frustration boiled over with Greek head coach Theo Vlachos <\/strong>who gained a yellow card after Loren Fatovic<\/strong><\/a> scored from the top on a quick extra-man play. It was 9-7 at the final break.
Alafragkis<\/strong> collected a cross pass on counter for 9-8 and straight away Luka Bukic<\/strong><\/a> drove left and smashed in a fast goal for 10-8. By this stage each team had six players on two major fouls. There was a VAR review, which was considering a penalty but it did not happen. It was 4:09 and Greece trailed by two. Dimitrios Skoumpakis<\/strong><\/a> jumped on a rebound from his left-post position and backhanded for 10-9. Croatia challenged and Croatian head coach Ivica Tucak<\/strong> was red-carded and then yellow-carded. He stayed on pool deck. Go figure! On a Greek exclusion, Croatia called a timeout at 2:14. It became six on four and the Croatian shot went high above the bar. The Greek shot was blocked and so was the Croatian shot at the end of possession.
A Greek player was called offside and Croatia played for time shooting at about four seconds, leaving
Greece on a timeout and just less than four seconds to come up with the equaliser. The ball was played, shot and blocked, giving Croatia the victory, apparently not the way Vlachos<\/strong> wanted going by his protestations to his team after the buzzer.
Match Heroes
Marko Bijac<\/a><\/strong> was the undoubted star with 14 big saves in the Croatian goal while Fatovic<\/strong> scored three goals with two to Zuvela<\/strong> and Butic<\/strong>. For Greece, Kalogeropoulos<\/strong> and Alafragkis<\/strong> scored twice and Panagiotis Tzortzatos<\/strong><\/a> pulled in 11 saves. <\/strong>
Turning Point
<\/strong>Croatia coming from three down to 5-5. It was where the impetus came for victory.
Stats Don\u2019t Lie
<\/strong>They were fairly even with Croatia converting five from 12 and Greece five from 13. Both landed a penalty goal and made three steals. Greece shot 32 to 28.
Bottom Line
<\/strong>Croatia is world champion. Greece is World Cup silver medallist. It could have gone either way. Greece remains unbeaten and now Greece has two losses and the harder road to the finals.
What They Said<\/strong>
Loren FATOVIC (CRO) \u2014 Three Goals<\/strong>
On the match:
<\/em>\u201cIt was a tough game, like we expect. Greece is a very good team with such good players and the coach and we were prepared for that. We didn’t go into the match so good. But in the second half, we kept to our plan and took the victory, and that’s the most important for sure.\u00a0
\u201cIt was some mistakes that we can see in the next three days and prepare for the quarterfinals. For sure, it will be a tight match, no matter if it’s Hungary or Spain. They\u2019re perfect teams. And for sure, we have to be on our best to beat them.\u201d
On what to improve on:<\/em>
\u201cWe didn’t have good energy. For sure it was something that we missed in the first half and Greece is such a good team. So, the most important thing is that we keep that up in the next three days.\u201d
On Croatia\u2019s preparation for the quarterfinals:<\/em>
\u201cJust rest. It\u2019s too hot outside to walk around. We will prepare and train, and see who will be our opponent.\u201d
Konstantinos GENIDOUNIAS (GRE) \u2014 Goal Scorer<\/strong>
On the match:\u00a0<\/em>
\u201cTo be honest, I am feeling a little bit of frustration because looking at the beginning of the game, we were very good. We had a lot of energy, a lot of passion and we were very effective both in defence and offence.\u00a0
\u201cHowever, some personal mistakes, some childish mistakes, allowed the opponents to come back into the game. And unfortunately, towards the end of the game, our offence wasn\u2019t as we would have liked. Moving forward, we need to improve that part of the game because it cost us also against Montenegro in the first game of the tournament. We need to have the same energy for four quarters and especially in the upcoming games, where it is do-or-die, so we have to be concentrated and energised for four quarters.\u00a0
On what went well:\u00a0<\/em>
\u201cIn our first game against Montenegro, what we were missing was our energy in the first half. So, today\u2019s game we showed up with a lot of energy and passion because we really wanted this game. That\u2019s why my first feeling is frustration because we really wanted it and I think we deserved it. At least for one half, we were better. We need to keep our energy, our passion for four quarters because no game is over at halftime.\u201d\u00a0
On playing Brazil next:\u00a0<\/em>
\u201cThese games are always dangerous when you\u2019re the favourite. It\u2019s a do-or-die game. Brazil will show up to play; they have nothing to lose. If our team comes focused from the first minute of the game, we will have no problems. However, if we decide to show up here just to float in the water and if we expect to win just by being there, it\u2019s not going to happen. We need to show up prepared and, as I said, with energy and passion for four quarters.\u201d\u00a0
Serbia served it up against Romania, as expected, with both teams using this as a warm-up for the second sound. Serbia finished second in the group and now meets Japan to see who heads off to the quarterfinals. Serbia held the cards and dealt them deliberately, showing 5-1 at quarter time and 9-2 at halftime. Just showing enough, without too much. It was a 5-3 third period as Romania started enforcing its presence and the real showdown was in the final quarter where it was do or die. Serbia was the team to beat and still remains one of the best teams in Singapore. It\u2019s just starting slowly, much like at Paris 2024 when it lost three matches and then exploded into action when needed most.
Serbia shot to 3-0, gave up one goal and scored the next two heading into the break. Two more came, including one from Dusan Mandic<\/strong><\/a>. Andrei Neamtu<\/a> <\/strong>broke the line for 7-2 and Serbian captain Nikola Jaksic<\/strong>, who scored two sensational goals later in the match, scored from the top left and then had a penalty shot denied. Nikola Murisic<\/strong><\/a> finished the half\u2019s scoring.
Starting with Viktor Rasovic<\/strong>,<\/a> goals were traded to 12-5 with Sava Randelovic<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0 \u2014 his third \u2014 and Mandic<\/strong> finished the period at 14-5. Vlad-Luca Georgescu<\/strong><\/a> scored twice in the period for Romania. Jaksic<\/strong> surged forward like a ghost to score the 11-3 goal and did something similar for 16-5. Scoring from centre forward, he was all class and awarded player of the match. Levente Vancsik<\/strong><\/a> scored twice for Romania in the fourth quarter before goals were traded until the final buzzer. Serbia had quietly made a statement that the sluggishness has been shrugged off and now it\u2019s ready for the sharp end, if it can only subdue Japan.
Match Heroes
Randelovic<\/strong> was the best scorer with four goals followed by Jaksic<\/strong> and Lazic<\/strong> with three apiece. Iudean<\/strong> and Georgescu<\/strong> scored twice for Romanin and captain Marius-Florin Tic<\/strong><\/a> stopped nine shots. <\/strong>
Turning Point
<\/strong>The 7-1 opening says it all.
Stats Don\u2019t Lie
<\/strong>Serbia converted nine from 15 extra-man attempts to Romania\u2019s three from eight. On penalties, Serbia made two from three. Steals went to Serbia 9-4 and Serbia shot 36 to 29.
Bottom Line
<\/strong>Serbia only lost to Italy in a shootout. Serbia was not going to make the same mistake today.
What They Said<\/strong>
Nikola JAKSIC (SRB) \u2014 Captain and Player of the Match<\/strong>
On Serbia\u2019s overall performance in the group matches:<\/em>
\u201cThe game against Italy was really difficult, especially for me, because (I was) excluded, if I can also say without any reason. But I think everybody already saw that, so I don’t need to comment any more on that. (It’s) already forgotten. This was a good game. I think we’re improving game by game, as we usually do. And if we want to do anything in the next game against Japan, we need to be even better.\u201d
On what Serbia will work on ahead of its match against Japan:
<\/em>\u201cSwimming, probably. A lot of a lot of swimming, because you play a specific type of water polo that involves a lot of swimming, up and down, less contact. So, one good swimming session is going to happen in two days.\u201d
Marius-Florin TIC (ROU) \u2014 Captain<\/strong>
On the match:<\/em>\u201cI think we lost this game very badly on the vertical aspect, especially whenever we were a man down. They have such good legs and so much power. We (conceded) a lot of goals because of this overall. What can I say when you lose with such a big goal difference? You cannot be satisfied, but we need to improve every game that we play here and we hope to finish better than we did in the last World Championships (10th<\/sup>).\u201d
On what they\u2019ve learnt in the group stage:<\/em>
\u201cWe need to improve our man-down strategy because you cann
ot play or win any games at this level without a good man-down game. We need to have better reactions, especially when we receive exclusions or the referee makes certain decisions, because we are too slow for this level. I hope that the next game will be a much better one for us.\u201d
Italy enjoyed the lesser tension after that fantastic shootout victory over Serbia but still needed to get as much match time as possible for the players before the layover day.\u00a0 By cruising to 6-0 in just over five minutes, Italy was in the swim, so to speak. Matthew Neser<\/strong> <\/a>converted extra to get the Africans on the board at 1:27 and kept Italy at bay until the buzzer. No such luck for South Africa in the second quarter as Italy kept a clean sheet and went on counter with Francesco Cassia<\/strong><\/a> scoring three goals and almost every player\u00a0 getting on to the sheet.
The second half was a repeat of the first with Italy making it 8-1, the one for South Africa coming from Manqoba Bungane<\/strong><\/a> from the top left. Filippo Ferrero<\/strong><\/a> grabbed a pair to go with his earlier two as the match stretched out to 23-2.\u00a0 The final quarter was less taxing with Italy winning it 5-2 with South Africans Brett Sneddon<\/strong><\/a> scoring at two metres and Dylan Watt<\/strong><\/a> rifling in a shot from the top at 28-4, 43 seconds from full time. Mario<\/strong> Del Basso<\/strong><\/a> scored twice to end with three and Luca<\/strong> Damonte<\/strong><\/a> and Francesco<\/strong> Condemi<\/strong><\/a> added another to their tallies to finish with three each.
Match Heroes
Cassia<\/strong> and Ferrero<\/strong> scored four apiece while Damonte<\/strong>, Cannella, Del Basso <\/strong>and Condemi <\/strong>finished <\/strong>with three each.
Turning Point
<\/strong>Shooting out to 6-0 set the tone for the match.
Stats Don\u2019t Lie
<\/strong>Italy converted all four extra-man plays and saved four of five; scored the only penalty goal; stole the ball 19 to five and outshot South Africa 38-19.
Bottom Line
<\/strong>Italy is a class above and deserves its place in the quarterfinals. South Africa\u2019s championships starts on Friday.
What They Said<\/strong>
Tommaso BAGGI NECCHI<\/a> (ITA) \u2014 Athlete<\/strong>
On today\u2019s performance:\u00a0
<\/em>\u201cIt\u2019s my first time in the starting seven, so I felt a bit of pressure in the beginning, but I felt we played well and with intensity, and that\u2019s the important thing. No matter who the opposing team is, you always have to play your hardest to respect them. I think we did it, and now we have to be focused on the quarterfinals.
\u201cThere was a big difference (between the teams), but we played so hard, so strong, and with intensity in all parts of the game, and that\u2019s what we have to do.\u201d
On having two days off:<\/em>
\u201cThat\u2019s good, we can focus on the quarterfinals and have some rest.\u201d
Matthew BOWERS<\/a> (RSA) \u2014 Athlete<\/strong>
On the match:<\/em>
\u201cIt was a tough one. I think we knew we were going to go in there to try to defend for our life, I mean, Italy’s one of the best teams in the tournament. We took a step-by-step attempt to just stick to our processes but it was a very tough match and the boys here fought very hard to the end.\u201d
On what could be learnt:<\/em>
\u201cIt’s not every day that we get to play against European teams like Italy. So, there were a lot of little tricks, little things that they were doing to get ahead of us in the game. It’s just about (the) experience for us, going back, trying to show the kids, some new cool tricks to win games.\u00a0
\u201cItaly proved it against Serbia, by the little tricks that they can do off the ball. Ninety percent of the game is played off the ball, so that’s a lot that we can take back with us to South Africa, and get the next generation hyped and ready for this in a couple years\u2019 time.\u201d
On the next matches:<\/em>
\u201cThese next couple of games are crucial for us. We want to give it our all and make it way more competitive than what it was now, knuckle down and give it our all in the next game. We have two more games left, so we’re ready for it. Whatever it takes and then be back for the last one.\u201d\u00a0
Montenegro did what it had to do and that was beat China and make sure it finishes in the top three depending on a later result. Montenegro was unsteady at times but in control, building on the 4-0 sheet several minutes into the second quarter. China stayed in the match and proved more than equal for three quarters, dominating Montenegro and finishing with a flourish.
Montenegro scored the first three goals with one on penalty. The fourth came a minute into the second quarter through Savo Cetkovic<\/strong><\/a> on extra from in front. Chinese captain Chen<\/strong> Zhongxian<\/strong><\/a> had a penalty shot stopped but made amends within the minute. Aljosa Macic<\/strong><\/a> took it to 5-1. Liu Yu<\/strong><\/a> scored off the left-post position at 3:00, with no further goal until halftime.
Chen<\/strong> opened the third period with Dusan Banicevic<\/strong><\/a> replying twice on extra. Chen<\/strong> and Wang Beiyi<\/strong><\/a> at centre forward sandwiched a Dmitrii Kholod<\/strong><\/a> score on extra from the top \u2014 8-5 at the final break. Macic<\/strong> triggered a rocket from the top to start the fourth and Peng Jiahao<\/strong><\/a> equalled the feat. Strahinja Gojkovic<\/strong><\/a> and Dusan Matkovic<\/strong><\/a>, with a superb turn at deep left, took the score to 11-6. Wen Zijun<\/strong><\/a> had his shot from deep left deflected into goal by a defender. Jovan Vujovic<\/strong><\/a>, who scored Montenegro\u2019s third goal, delivered from the right-post position off a near pass on extra for 12-7 and Kholod<\/strong> made it 13-7. Xie Zekai<\/strong><\/a> converted extra at 1:59 for what was the final score of 13-8.
Match Heroes
Lazar Andric<\/a><\/strong> made eight saves for Montenegro while Kholod<\/strong>, Macic<\/strong>, Vujovic<\/strong> and Banicevic<\/strong> scored twice each. Chen<\/strong> slotted three for China and Wu Honghui<\/strong><\/a> also made eight saves. <\/strong>
Turning Point
<\/strong>Montenegro wen to 4-0 and from there on in only won the match 9-8 against a resurgent Chinese team.
Stats Don\u2019t Lie
<\/strong>Montenegro converted seven from 12 and defended six from 10. Montenegro gained its one penalty shot and China missed its one. Montenegro made five steals to one and on overall shots, China went 38-37.
Bottom Line
<\/strong>Montenegro slips into second position while China is winless after three matches.
What They Said<\/strong>
Lazar ANDRIC (MNE)<\/span> \u2014 Goalkeeper\/Player of the Match<\/strong>
\u00a0
On the match:<\/span><\/em>
\u201cThat was a tougher game than we thought. Coming into the match, we knew that we were the favourites. The third game of the group stage definitely came harder than we expected, especially after the hard-fought games against Croatia and Greece.<\/span>\u201d<\/span>
\u00a0
On being player of the match as the second goalkeeper:<\/span><\/em>
\u201cThis is my first game that I played in this tournament. It definitely feels good coming off the bench as a second back-up goalie. I needed to show that I’m here; I’m focused and I’m very happy that I had a good game.<\/span>\u201d<\/span>
\u00a0
On the next matches:<\/span><\/em>
\u201cWe’re expecting to go to the quarterfinals \u2013 that\u2019s a first, where we’re gonna meet one of the stronger teams in this tournament. I think those are the matches that will definitely decide the next stages. So, we hope to go through to the semifinals and hopefully in the final.<\/span>\u201d<\/span>
\u00a0
CHEN Zhongxian (CHN) \u2014 Captain and Three Goals<\/span><\/strong>
\u00a0
On the result:\u00a0<\/span><\/em>
\u201cThe team played united today, and we fought for every ball and shot. In terms of strategy, tactics, and counter-attack, we need to make some improvements. Personally, I still need to improve, too, if I want to be able to measure myself against the European teams.\u201d<\/span>
\u00a0
On playing Singapore next:\u00a0<\/span><\/em>
\u201cEvery game is an important one, so we\u2019ll strive to play each game we get as well as we can.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
Japan delivered when needed most with a 6-4 closing quarter that at one stage was 6-3. Australia struggled late in the match to keep up with the energetic Japanese and will rue\u00a0 not building on its 3-1 start. Japan advances to the second round and Australia has been sidelined to the round 13-16. Australia\u00a0 shot out of the blocks in the opening quarter with a 3-1 position in the first four minutes. The goals all came courtesy of big centre forward and captain Nathan Power<\/strong><\/a>, from two metres, the top and the right post on extra. Mitsuru Takata<\/strong><\/a> levelled at one and Kiyomu Date<\/strong><\/a> and Ikkei Nitta<\/strong><\/a> at 1:28 levelled the match heading into the second quarter. Daichi Ogihara<\/strong><\/a> drilled from the top for the 4-3 lead at 5:23 in the second quarter. Goals were traded with Matthew Byrnes<\/strong><\/a> from top right and Jacob Mercep<\/strong><\/a> from the penalty line levelling for Australia. Takata<\/strong> on left-hand-catch and Kenta Araki<\/strong><\/a> from the left post on a cross pass on extra, made it 6-5 for Japan at 0:33.
Early in the third period, Aussie Sharks head coach Tim Hamill<\/strong> challenged and gained a penalty foul, which Mercep<\/strong> failed to convert, hitting the crossbar. Marcus Berehulak<\/strong><\/a> rocketed in a shot from the bottom left and Mercep<\/strong> made amends on the next attack from the top right to have the Sharks back in front at 7-6. A Japanese timeout yielded nothing. Australia went to a timeout at 0:27 and two magnificent shots rejected by equally solid defence. By this stage, Japan was scoreless in the period and captain Yusuke Inaba<\/strong><\/a>, so prolific normally, had five shots for no score. In the fourth period, Japan ramped up with that extra gear while the Sharks had red shoulders. Inaba<\/strong> gained his time in the sun from the top left and Date<\/strong> gave Japan the advantage. Goals were traded with Australia levelling three times for 10-120 by 3:01. Inaba<\/strong> went to centre forward, spun the defender and scored with Toi Suzuki<\/strong><\/a> contributing on the next attack for 12-10 at 2:01. At 1:14, Power<\/strong>, who stayed at the Japanese end of the pool, received a long pass after a dispossession and beat Towa Nishimura<\/strong><\/a> for 12-11 down. Australia gained a timeout at 0:49, elected to send up just the normal six and leave Nic<\/strong> Porter<\/strong><\/a> behind and the shot by Byrnes <\/strong>sprayed right. Japan retained the ball for a first win, third in the group and still in contention for a medal. For Australia it is an ignominious trudge to the play-offs for 13-16 \u2014 a grouping it has not seen since the inaugural championships in 1973 when it finished 14th<\/sup>. Japan was 13th<\/sup> last year in Doha, so this is a progression.
Match Heroes
<\/strong>The best in water were\u00a0Power<\/strong> with five goals for Australia and Nic Porter<\/strong> with an extraordinary 16 saves in goal. However, Japan won the day with pairs to Inaba<\/strong>, Takata<\/strong>, Date<\/strong> and Suzuki<\/strong>. <\/strong>
Turning Point
<\/strong>So many but the killer punch was delivered when Inaba<\/strong> and Suzuki<\/strong> inside the last three minutes.
Stats Don\u2019t Lie
<\/strong>Japan wrestled in four from eight on extra to Australia\u2019s two from six. Australia missed one from two on penalty; drew the steals at six but Japan shot 39 to 28, thus Porter\u2019s<\/strong> immaculate save rate.
Bottom Line
<\/strong>Japan beat Australia 14-13 at the Paris 2024 Olympics and held the edge again today. Australia has now lost six straight at the highest level since the heroics of Paris, having missed the World Cup, which must have added to the hurt.
What They Said<\/strong>
Yoshinori SHIOTA (JPN) \u2014 Head Coach<\/strong>
On the match:
<\/em>\u201cIt was a tough game. Against Australia, last we played, only one point was called. In four years, we played Australia three or four times. We always play one-point games.\u00a0 Congratulations for Australia, they\u2019re a very good team.\u201d
On the next match (Serbia):
<\/em>\u201cVery tough. They are the Olympic champions, so it\u2019ll be a challenging game. But we\u2019ll try to win. In Paris (Summer Olympic Games 2024), we played against Serbia and we only lost by one point. We lost but we played very well in Paris.\u201d
Tim HAMILL (AUS) \u2014 Head Coach<\/strong>
On the tight match:\u00a0
<\/em>\u201cExtremely disappointing way to lose. Japan are obviously a great water polo team. They play a very unique brand of water polo, but we know how they play. By and large, we executed much of our game plan, but we weren’t able to do it for the four quarters.
\u201cLack of fight will never be a concern for our team. They’re a great group of guys. I’m always proud with how they play, but we weren’t able to execute and close out the game today.\u201d
On the positives after the group stage:
<\/em>\u201cThis was the first time in some time that we’re back playing this high-level water polo. So even though our group was a very, very difficult group to play in, we were always happy with that in terms of knowing we’re going to get three really big-quality games here at the World Championships.\u00a0
\u201cWe were confident against all opponents, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get out of the group stage. We started the tournament very poorly against Hungary. It was a very un-Australian-like performance from us. Our second half against Spain was much improved. Just a very devastating way to close.\u201d\u00a0
Nathan POWER (AUS) \u2014 Captain<\/strong>
On team performance:
<\/em>\u201cIt\u2019s not like it\u2019s a really happy day for us. We wanted to make a mark and continue some momentum we\u2019ve been building across this tournament, and unfortunately to be eliminated, yeah, it hurts today.
\u201cWe found our defensive side, which is really good for us. I think we played decent defence today, but we lost and now we\u2019re out of the tournament.\u201d
On Japan\u2019s unique style of play<\/em>:
\u201cThey have a very different style, and they are very difficult to play against. I think at times today, we hung a little bit low and they didn\u2019t have as many scoring opportunities as they\u2019ve had in previous games, but unfortunately we weren\u2019t able to then score in the other end.\u201d
On personal performance and being top scorer<\/em>
\u201cYeah, I mean, that\u2019s probably one way, It\u2019ll be nice to think about that side, but, for us it\u2019s always a team game and unfortunately we lost today.\u201d
In the battle of the Americas \u2014 north and south \u2014 it came down to sudden death. Canada was never headed until the 18th<\/sup> shootout goal, which meant the end of the match and the ultimate loss. Brazil had clinched second place in the group. The difference? Luca Andrade, who Canada seemed not to be able to handle, even allowing him to shoot the fulltime equaliser unattended. He finished with eight goals and then threw a [air in the shootout. Not a bad day at the office.
In the first quarter, it looked like a Canadian rout with a 6-1 advantage in the last half-minute becoming 6-2, seven seconds from time. Brazil was on the ropes and Canada was riding high. Reuel D\u2019Souza<\/strong><\/a>, who played the southern summer in Western Australia with USA\u2019s Hannes Daube<\/strong><\/a> at another club, scored the first penalty with Luca Andrade<\/strong><\/a> responding from the deep left. Four more Canadian goals came with D\u2019Souza<\/strong> netting the fourth with a short drive down the right post. Jeremie Cot\u00e9<\/strong><\/a> scored the first of two from the deep left and the second from the top for 6-1. Gustavo Guimaraes<\/strong><\/a> provided some relief for Brazil from the top right. The break chat must have worked for Brazil as AndreiFreitas<\/strong><\/a> scored and head coach Thiago Nacimento<\/strong> gained a yellow card. Andrade<\/strong> then caught Canada napping twice in 40 seconds for 6-5. Cot\u00e9<\/strong> plugged in his third for 7-5 before the halftime buzzer.
Controversy struck the top of the third period as Paulo Oliveira<\/strong><\/a> was red-carded after a VAR review for a violent action at centre forward. This review came after Pozaric<\/strong> had scored on extra. The goal was disallowed, Oliviera<\/strong> excluded after a long review process and Leo Hachem<\/strong><\/a> scored off the extra opportunity. Andrade<\/strong> responded quickly from the top left and it was 8-6 at 6:58. Canada did not learn the lesson and allowed Andrade<\/strong> to score again two minutes later for 8-7. Canada reaped no benefit from a timeout. Pedro Real<\/strong><\/a> scored for Brazil amid much yelling from the Canadian defence, stating that the clock was reset incorrectly. A VAR decision agreed, but Brazil regained the ball, and gained an ejection but no goal came, meaning Canada still had the one-goal advantage. Canada earned a penalty and D\u2019Souza<\/strong> converted to give his team two degrees of separation. Ali Oussadou<\/strong><\/a> made it three degrees at 0:41 from the left-hand-catch position. D\u2019Souza<\/strong> rifled in a shot from top right to beat the buzzer for 11-7 with the VAR review was actually for a Brazilian challenge for interference earlier. The clock was wound back to 17 seconds, D\u2019Souza\u2019s<\/strong> goal wiped and a penalty awarded, which Andrade converted for 10-8. Canada then stupidly gave up the ball to Brazil who fired it up to the fleeing Gustavo Coutinho<\/strong> <\/a>to score at 0:03 and reduce what should have been a four-goal lead to just the one goal \u2014 10-9.
Pozaric<\/strong> shot from the right-hand-catch position for 11-9 on extra at 7:09 in the fourth period. More breathing space for Canada. Andrade<\/strong> smashed in a goal at 1:43 and Canada challenged, but lost and the goal stood at 11-10. Canada shot twice for no goal and Brazil called a timeout at 0:48. Brazil sent up seven field players, shot and regained the ball on corner. Andrade<\/strong> was allowed to shoot, and score, at 0:12 for the all-important equaliser. Canada went to a timeout and sent in seven field players. D\u2019Souza\u2019s<\/strong> shot was blocked and the match went to a shootout despite his protestations that two hands were used by the defender.
The shootout went well for the first eight shooters with Canada leading, then the next two missed, sending it to sudden death. The first six made it across the line, then D\u2019Souza<\/strong> had his saved and Coutinho <\/strong>converted for the unlikely Brazilian victory.
Match Heroes
Andrade<\/strong> with a spectacular eight goals, let alone the two in shootout, delivered the Brazilian victory. He and goalkeeper Joao<\/strong> Fernandes<\/strong><\/a> with an amazing 16 saves. For Canada, Cot\u00e9<\/strong> and D\u2019Souza<\/strong> sent in three apiece and Milan Radenovic<\/strong><\/a> made 11 saves in goal.
Turning Point
<\/strong>Canada going 6-1 ahead; Brazil bringing it back to 6-5 behind; Canada going 10-7 and 11-9 and then Brazil levelling at 11.
Stats Don\u2019t Lie
<\/strong>Brazil nailed three from four on extra and Canada two from five. Canada put in all three penalty shots and Brazil one. Canada made three steals to two and shot 37 to 34.
Bottom Line
<\/strong>Brazil wanted it badly after having to play from behind for the entire match except for when the winning penalty landed.
What They Said<\/strong>
Thiago NASCIMENTO (BRA) \u2014 Head Coach<\/strong>
On the match:\u00a0<\/em>
\u201cIt was a very balanced game. We got neutralised by Canada at the beginning; they read our game at the start, so they got a good start. But we didn\u2019t give up, we got back in the game, we got even at the end. In the last play, we put our goalie out and we played a man up to get a chance to score and we did it.\u00a0
\u201cIn the penalty shoot-out, our goalie was really happy, and so were our shooters, and we got the win.\u201d
On making a come-back after going 2-6 down in the first period:
<\/em>\u201cI\u2019m really proud of my players for not giving up even though we had a bad start. We need to start more focused going forward, so we don\u2019t suffer in the end. And never give up.\u00a0
\u201cThis is the first time we\u2019re finishing second in the group stage in our existence as a water polo team. We\u2019re here to learn, to evolve and to close the gap between us and the European teams at the top level.\u201d
Gyula TOTH (CAN) \u2014 Assistant Coach<\/strong>
On the team\u2019s performance:<\/em>
\u201cIt was good. We are a new team, we\u2019re playing together for the first time, we did get a little bit comfortable with the lead, and I think step by step, they got the better of the craziness, a lot of craziness.\u201d
On the match\u2019s intensity:<\/em>
\u201cWater polo, it\u2019s a physical game, you have to be tough. They played tough, but it was not like cheap shots, they just played hard. It was not aggressive. It was intense, I call it an intense game.\u201d\u00a0
Copyright 2018 – 2025 World Aquatics. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n

source<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We use cookies to provide our services and for analytics and marketing. To find out more about our use of cookies and how you can disable them, please see our Privacy Policy. By continuing to browse our website, you agree to our use of cookies. Click here to read our privacy policy.Italy, Spain, United States […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":157219,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-157218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-world","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/quixnet.net\/wpinstance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/157218","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/quixnet.net\/wpinstance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/quixnet.net\/wpinstance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/quixnet.net\/wpinstance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/quixnet.net\/wpinstance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=157218"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/quixnet.net\/wpinstance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/157218\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/quixnet.net\/wpinstance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/157219"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/quixnet.net\/wpinstance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=157218"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/quixnet.net\/wpinstance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=157218"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/quixnet.net\/wpinstance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=157218"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}