USA begins title defence with victory over China

Match Reports

Group A

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15 CHINA 6

Opening-day nerves struck both teams, especially in the first quarter where USA’s first attack yielded a goal to Maddie Musselman (Pictured). From then on, there was a lot of hesitancy on both sides and USA, uncharacteristically so. Unnecessary baulks instead of shots off the hand gave time for the defence to cover.

USA had a penalty opportunity rejected early in the second quarter and when captain Maggie Steffens finished off the rebound play, it was the first goal for more than eight and a half minutes. It opened the floodgates and USA closed the period at 7-2 ahead with Jordan Raney’s steal deep left and goal coming 10 seconds from the buzzer. China scored twice from the top and grabbed a triple midway through the third quarter through a Sanfeng Nong lob that USA won 3-1 with Musselman claiming her third.

Musselman opened the final quarter with her fourth goal, which needed confirmation on the VAR system, assuring her of the player-of-the-match award. Chinese captain Jing Zhang scored her second and third goals for 14-5 and Zewen Deng finished all scoring with a strike on six-on-five attack — her second — for 15-6.

Match heroes:
Musselman, unsurprisingly, with her four goals in a standout team and Ashleigh Johnson’s (Main picture) excellent goal-tending, dragging in 12 saves. It made it hard for China to score. Also, all but one USA field player scored adding to China’s defensive woes. Jing Zhang’s three goals came from experience in what a new and young Chinese team. Jiaqi Zhang was equally brilliant in the Chinese goal with 12 saves.

Turning point:
Musselman’s 4-1 score off what could be described as a juggling, centre-forward tip into goal. It went to 6-1 and the impetus was there.

Stats don’t lie:
USA shot 38 to 32, converted three from six to two from five and missed its one penalty chance while China converted one.

Bottom line:
No one would assume anything other than a solid USA victory, which it was. China did well to suppress many an attack, especially in the first 10 minutes. USA now takes on Australia and China fronts France on Tuesday.

FRANCE 8 AUSTRALIA 10

The Aussie Stingers slipped home against France in what was an enthrallingly close encounter until the dying stages. Australia is the far more experienced nation, although, with two Olympic qualification berths up for grabs in Fukuoka, Australia is keen to impress while France will be the host nation in Paris 2024.

France showed why it deserves to be at this level scoring first, coming back to level at two and three by the quarter break. Australia went two ahead at 5-3 and used that leverage to good effect, making France work for every goal. France, on the other hand was working just that little harder on defence, denying Australia so many times. The Stingers were equally busy on defence, gaining the 6-4 goal thanks to a deflect and accidental push-in by a French defender. Amy Ridge fired from the top for 7-5 in the last seconds of the first half for 7-5.

Bronte Halligan, on penalty, and Erica Hardy from deep left for France, moved the score to 8-6 and five minutes later, Camelia Bouloukbachi accepted a cross pass to the left-post position on extra for 8-7 by the final break.

It took some time for the match to break open with Abby Andrews finishing off some excellent passing for the two-goal margin at 1:25 in the fourth. Captain Zoe Arancini finished a man-up play for 10-7 at 0:32 and Bouloukbachi made it three, on extra, nine seconds from time, but too late for victory.

Coaching France is Theodoros Lorantos, a Greek Olympian whose recent successes in coaching include two junior men’s world championships with Greece.

Match heroes:
Bouloukbachi, was inspirational for France, as was goalkeeper Mia Rycraw with 11 saves. For Australia, Tenealle Fasala and Abby Andrews scored twice as eight Stingers made the sheet.

Turning point:
The two Aussie goals inside a minute late in the final quarter to stretch the margin to three.

Stats don’t lie:
Australia fired off 28 shots to 23, converted four from seven on extra to France’s two from eight. Australia converted the only penalty shot.

Bottom line:
This match was critical for who will go alongside USA at the top of the group, going by early calculations. There is still much to do with Australia facing the world champion USA on Tuesday and France clashing with also-winless China. 

Group B

NETHERLANDS 7 SPAIN 6

Billed as the match of the day, this did not disappoint as the Dutch came from two down in the third period to fire in four unanswered goals for 7-5 and then gifting a penalty goal for the final 7-6 margin.

Who was meant to win? Was it World League champion Spain or the crashing force of Netherlands, rebuilding to the status of decades past? Spain had the match by the throat and then seemed to suffer goal fatigue as the Dutch stepped up and made sure its goal would not be breached.

Spain was coached by Jordi Valls, replacing regular head coach Miki Oca, who was serving a match suspension for gaining a red card in the last six seconds of the World Cup bronze-medal final with Hungary in Long Beach, USA last month. Oca was safely away from the players, nine rows back. However, he was seen fidgeting as Netherlands went four straight and took the match away from Spain.

Spanish star Elena Ruiz book-ended a Sabrina van der Sloot goal in the first quarter and less came in the second as the teams scored one each. Anni Espar pushed Spain out to 4-2 to start the third period, Lola Moolhuijzen responded and Paul Leiton does what she does best at centre forward, turning and scoring easily for 5-3.

Van der Sloot needed VAR to confirm her goal and Simone van de Kraats let loose from the top for 5-5 with two seconds left. Brigitte Sleeking scored identical goals on extra four minutes apart by 3:26. Elena Ruiz sent in the final score — on penalty — at 2:11 and both teams had goals disallowed before the guillotine came down on Spain.

Match heroes:
Sleeking, with her two late goals, stepping up when needed, was the cement that concreted the result. Both goalkeepers — Laura Aarts (NED) and Martina Terre (ESP) —knocked down 10 shots. Elena Ruiz, with her three goals, tried to keep Spain in the match.

Turning point:
Those four goals over the final-quarter break that lifted Netherlands from two behind to two ahead.

Stats don’t lie:
Here is where the damage was done. Netherlands converted four from eight on extra to Spain’s none from four. Spain had 30 shots to 22, but the Dutch had a far better percentage. Spain had the only penalty attempt.

Bottom line:
It was the battle for top of the group and the Dutch will be happy with the win while Spain will now need to make sure of finishing second by defeating Israel and Kazakhstan.

What They Said

DOUDESIS Evangelos   NED  Head Coach (pictured)

“We are two of the best teams and Spain is very difficult. I think the difference really was minimal, the little things. We were stable in defence; Spain, too. In attack we were better in the third and fourth quarters. We established a little more our tempo and made it our game. For the future, we are choosing our route,” in reference to the top two teams gaining Olympic qualification.

VALLS Jordi  ESP  — Temporary Head Coach

“It was a very difficult game. Miki (Oca) was not on the bench. The team did a great on defence and the details. Netherlands is a very strong team. Now we have to see the details (video review) and find the different things to improve our game.”

ISRAEL 17 KAZAKHSTAN 6

Israel showed that its recent form was no fluke, coming off seventh place at the recent World Aquatics World Cup finals in Long Beach, USA. Israel came up with a historic first win at this level from its debut match and shot to 5-1. It was all downhill for Kazakhstan from there as the Israelis kept applying the pressure with rapid-fire attacks.

From that 5-1 fulcrum, the halftime score hit 11-4. However, Kazakhstan scored three straight for 6-4 with one requiring VAR and the third from the penalty line. Israel sent in five to close the half with captain Shunit Strugo and Alma Yaacobi gaining their third each.

Israel came up against the mighty goalkeeper Alexandra Zharkimbayeva, who stopped two penalty attempts. Israel earlier hit the upright on its first penalty attempt. To boot, Anastassiya Tsoy pulled one back for Kazakhstan.  Strugo and Yaacobi both scored from the centre position to lift Israel to 13-6 at the final break.

Maria Bogachenko nailed her third to start the fourth as Israel turned the screws and marched to 17-6 with Bogachenko closing the scoring in the final seconds on penalty. Israel had kept Kazakhstan to one goal in 23 minutes and Bogachenko will go down in history as her country’s first goal-scorer at a World Championship.

Match heroes:
Yaacobi was bashful in accepting the top-player award, saying the team really wanted to win its first match. She, Strugo (Pictured) and Bogachenko each scored four. Zharkimbayeva snatched 12 saves and that delicious pair of penalty stops. Captain Viktoriya Khritankova and Anastassiya Mirshina both scored twice.

Turning point:
The 5-1 start.

Stats don’t lie:
Israel peppered Kazakhstan’s goal 34 times to 22; converted four from six on extra while defending three of four. It was the penalty line that Israel struggled with two from five, Kazakhstan sent in its sole chance.

Bottom line:
Israel will feel good taking on Spain on Tuesday while Kazakhstan has a huge hurdle to match Netherlands. 

Group C

ITALY 27 ARGENTINA 1

Italy began its quest on a high-winning note, taking apart Argentina by a huge margin. It was a hesitant Settarosa in the first quarter, missing a penalty attempt, taking the lead and then watching as Argentina  levelled. This stunned Italy who quickly settled and then took the quarter 3-1, went 10-1 up at halftime and 16-1 at the final break, closing the match with an 11-0 period.

Argentina missed its chance at a penalty goal when 4-1 down, at least getting the shot away, as Claudia Marletta mishandled the ball in her attempt. It was a tough reintroduction to this  level for Argentina, who finished 12^th in Budapest last year. In fact, both coaches will be left with plenty of questions to answer as to the benefit of this exercise. In Doha next year, the system will change with two divisions where big margins should be eliminated.

Match heroes:
The goals were spread around with all Italy’s field players making the sheet. Captain Valeria Palmieri, who grabbed a hat-trick at centre forward, was named player of the match and Silvia Avegno topped all scorers with four, including three of the last five goals. Cecilia Leonard scored Argentina’s penalty shot.

Turning point:
Veteran Roberto Bianconi opening the second quarter from the top for 4-1, catapulting Italy into a scoring spree that ultimately left Argentina scoreless for 29 minutes.

Stats don’t lie:
Italy spiked the cage 44 times to 28, went two from four on extra-man attack and shut out all six of Argentina’s attempts. Both teams missed one of their two penalty shots.  

Bottom line:
Italy is a class team in the top echelon while Argentina is a novice. Italy now faces South Africa and Argentina takes on Greece on Tuesday.

What They Said:

SILIPO Carlo  ITA  Head Coach

“We broke the ice. We must always look to ourselves to achieve the deal. The most important match will be on the 20^th, against Greece.”

GREECE 24 SOUTH AFRICA 2

Greece warmed up for its ultimate clash with Italy to decide who will win the group, by giving all its players a good hit-out against South Africa. The Africans were valiant throughout and enthusiastic at all times despite the plundered goals by the much-higher-ranked Greeks.

Greece was 4-0 up before South Africa responded through 19-year-old Esihle Zondo who, playing centre forward, was pushed out and as the goalkeeper advanced, she flicked the ball toward the goal, falling short, but floating across the line as the goalie raced back. The look on her face was priceless as was the eruption from the team bench. Greece took the period 7-1 and was 13-2 ahead at halftime. Greece shut out South Africa in the third period for 19-2 and by 21-2, all its field players had scored. A South African timeout at 3:41 in the fourth found the bar at a time when the defence was working better than the attack. Greece made sure of that with huge blocks and forcing shots astray, surging to 24-2.

Match heroes:
Eleftheria Plevritou was spectacular with her four goals, whether lobbing or pushing in a loose ball over the line. Eleftheria Fountotou was another to fire in four with three in the first half.

Turning point:
Starting with four goals and continuing the onslaught as the team should have, considering its strength and experience.

Stats don’t lie:
Smashing in 43 shots to 23 is a big statement. Converting two from four on extra-man attack and defending six of seven, showed Greece’s worth. Greece scored one penalty and South Africa had its attempt blocked 11 seconds from full time.

Bottom line:
Greece is going far in this tournament while South Africa is looking to win matches at the lower end of the competition.

What They Said

KAMMENOU Alexis  GRE  Head Coach

“This is just the beginning of such an important tournament; not only the World Championships, but a big chance to qualify for the Olympic Games. It is more special. Now for the coming two matches, especially Italy. We are ready to play better with every game.”

BARRETT Nicola  RSA  Head Coach

“I’m incredibly proud of my players. It’s so exciting to learn so much every single time and learn as much as we can for the next generation. Watching them improve is such an exciting thing. The next journey is Italy, which is really, really cool. We will do what we can and then take on Argentina, which is our goal.”

ZONDO Esihle  RSA  Goal Scorer

“I scored it with my left hand (she is right-handed) and I was kind of shocked. I was pushed out (of the centre-forward position) and was just hoping to get an extra or a (minor) foul to help advance our attack and somehow, it went in.”

Group D

NEW ZEALAND 17 JAPAN 16

What an incredible match this was. It was tied at every number to 13 with the exception of nine when New Zealand bounced out to 10-8 thanks to two Bernadette Doyle scores.

For the record, New Zealand opened the scoring and eventually came from behind to level at five by the first break. New Zealand had the 9-8 halftime lead thanks to Doyle’s first strike and the Kiwis had to level with 14 seconds left for 13 at the final break.

Japan switched into gear with strong home support, going two up for the first time, however, the Kiwis rattled in four straight to turn the tables. Japan finalised the scoring through Yumi Arima at 1:29 for 17-16 behind. There were chances for both teams and really, New Zealand squandered some excellent chances, such was the Japanese pressure.

Either team would have been a worthy winner, but Japan has time to fight back and impress further in this tournament.

It was heart-stopping stuff. When Doyle scored her fourth goal at 16-15, it was the sixth time New Zealand had grabbed the lead. By going 17-15 ahead, New Zealand had silenced the home supporters.

Match heroes:
Doyle claimed best in pool with her five goals with four more coming from Emily Nicholson.  Goalkeeper Jessica Milicich made eight saves. Eruna Ura, was dominant with a hefty five-goal haul from all parts of the pool. Her only blemish was a missed penalty attempt. Akari Inaba was also hot for Japan with four goals.

Turning point:
How many were there? Too many to count, but the fact that New Zealand had to come back and go ahead six times was magnificent. Probably Doyle’s 13-13 equaliser to close the third quarter. That and the four-goal burst through the middle of the final quarter to go from two down to two ahead.

Stats don’t lie:
Japan almost had the better of the statistics with 33 shots to 28, four from eight on extra-man attack to two from five, but missed one of four penalty attempts. New Zealand netted all three of its chances.

Bottom line:
These are two teams in the second tier of world water polo who deserve to bat with the best. This tournament might be the making of them. However, they have Hungary and Canada to face in the group — both tough encounters.

What They Said

WINSTANLEY-SMITH Angie  NZL  Head Coach

“Playing against Japan is a really special game. I love what they have done, bringing their personality and style. It’s unique playing a game like that. It could have gone either way. I’m proud of my players as we won it collectively. It was a huge game for us.”

OMOTO Yoji  JPN  Head Coach

“It was quite physical. We were able to keep up the pace. After 2020 (Olympics) we had no chance to play international games or tournaments. The players were not used to the physical contacts. By not playing any serious international games, we were not able to get used to referees’ calls. We knew we would get scored off on centre and sometimes were not able to score as much on counter-attack. We need to get used to it. Our tactics are high-risk, high return. Maybe that will work against Hungary.”

HUNGARY 11 CANADA 10

Canada would just noy go away and cramped Hungary’s normally free-flowing style. Coming back time and again. Hungary survived the continual pestering of Canada, slipping out to a three-goal lead before Canada brought the match within reach and to one goal at the final break.

Two VAR decisions determined who was going to lead the match and it came up for Hungary. The third goal also needed a look at, giving Hungary a 2-0 advantage. Canada scored three of the next four goals for 3-3 before Hungary pulled away at 5-3 by quarter time with captain Rita Keszthelyi nabbing two.

There were three penalties awarded in the second quarter with Canada missing one of its two and Hungary converting one. Canada narrowed the margin to 7-5 on the halftime buzzer through Axelle Crevier.

Keszthelyi scored her second penalty goal and fourth to start the third period with Canada responding through Elyse Lemay-Lavoie on counter-attack and Serena Browne from the top for 8-7.

Ninety seconds into the final quarter, Keszthelyi was red-carded for allegedly kicking an opponent, with the VAR decision cementing her departure — a big depletion of resources, but Hungary fired in consecutive goals for a three-goal margin. Shae La Roche and Hayley McKelvey brought it to within one. Hungary went to a timeout and nearly lost the ball twice. Dorrotya Szilagyi fired a last-gasp shot and it went in from well outside for 11-9 at 1:04. Kindred Paul made it 11-10 at 0:26 — thanks to a swift look at VAR — and Hungary managed to maintain the ball despite intense pressure until the final buzzer for the victory.

Match heroes:
Canadian goalkeeper Jessica Gaudreault was named player of the match for her nine saves against a team that higher credentials. Hungary’s Alda Magyari had 13 saves, so was probably unlucky not to have won the award.

Turning point:
Moving to 6-3 early in the second quarter that set up a winning team and then making it 120-7 in the final quarter — chasms Canada could not bridge.

Stats don’t lie:
It was on extra-man where Hungary excelled, converting six from 10 and repulsing five from nine. It sent in both penalty shots and denied Canada one of its two. Canada too 33 shots to 30.

Bottom line:
Hungary needed Keszthelyi, but it still had the troops to step up and take over when she left the pool. Canada is here with a vengeance and will be hoping for second place in the group now that it has shown its real ability with an experienced team that has only two players born this century.

Progress Points

Group A: USA 3, Australia 3, France 0, China 0.
Group B: Israel 3, Netherlands 3, Spain 0, Kazakhstan 0.
Group C: Italy 3, Greece 3, South Africa 0, Argentina 0.
Group D: New Zealand 3, Hungary 3, Japan 0, Canada 0.

Tuesday Schedule

Match 09, 09:00, Kazakhstan v Netherlands
Match 10, 10:30, Spain v Israel
Match 11, 12:00, South Africa v Italy
Match 12, 13:30, Argentina v Greece
Match 13, 16:00, Canada v New Zealand
Match 14, 17:30, Australia v USA
Match 15, 19:00, Japan v Hungary
Match 16, 20:30, China v France