The Netherlands collected its second women’s water polo World Championship crown with a thrilling penalty-shootout victory over World League champion Spain 17-16 after the match was tied at 11.
Final Day Recap
Italy survived a violence foul on its captain Valeria Palmieri to beat Australia 16-14 in the bronze-medal-final. In the classification match for fifth and sixth, outgoing champion USA needed a penalty shootout to beat Hungary in a rematch of last year’s final. It was locked at 11 by full time and the USA won it 14-12 after the shootout. IN the seventh-eighth play-off, Canada emerged the winner from a penalty shootout against Greece, winning 14-12 after locking horns at 10-10 by the final buzzer.
Netherlands Gold: 32 Years in the Making
It's been 32 long years since the Netherlands took home a World Aquatics Championship crown. In between has been a lean period interrupted by the Beijing 2008 Olympic title. The happy statistic about Netherlands’ 17-16 victory over Spain at the Marine Messe B arena tonight was that the Dutch have been in the gold-medal final six times, winning now for the second time. The Dutch are sick of silvers, so now it’s time to celebrate.
Those of us who witnessed the fabulous Dutch team win that title on a hot summer night in Perth, Australia in 1991, remember a dynasty littered with World Cups at a time when the Olympics were only but a pipe dream.
The Netherlands has been threatening for years to make good and continue its glory years. The Beijing title was an aberration. Perhaps tonight’s victory, one year out from the Paris Olympic Games, will be the start of a generation of champions.
The day had three matches go to shootouts with only the bronze medal — also a high-scoring match — being separated by two goals and not needing the extra, heart-stopping lottery that is the shootout.
On a side note to the stunning day of super high-class matches, one of the referees was making a little history for himself.
Croatia’s Nenad Peris, who along with Alessia Ferrari (ITA) refereed the final, controlled this encounter four years ago in Gwangju, Korea. It was his fourth global final, having also controlled the men’s World League Super Finals of Tbilisi 2021 and Strasbourg 2022.
Final Rankings:
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Italy
- Australia
- United States of America
- Hungary
- Canada
- Greece
- France
- Israel
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- China
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Argentina
Awards:
Most Valuable Player:
Elena Ruiz (ESP)
Best Goalkeeper:
Laura Aarts (NED)
Highest Goal-scorer:
Judith Forca (ESP) 24
Media All-Star Team:
Goalkeeper:
Laura Aarts (NED)
Field Players:
Yumi Arima (JPN)
Roberta Bianconi (ITA)
Judith Forca (ESP)
Elena Ruiz (ESP)
Simone van de Kraats (NED)
Alice Williams (AUS)
Classification 1-2 (Gold Medal)
NETHERLANDS 17 SPAIN 16
This was a fitting finale to a wonderful women’s water polo competition in which there were plenty of upsets and ended up delivering a champion from the distant past. Even if Spain won the title tonight it would have been 10 years since it last achieved that glory.
There was no telling who would win the match, but it looked like Netherlands in the first quarter and then a quantum shift went to Spain; the Dutch wrestled it back in the third and was swimming away with the match until Spain called on every reserve to clinch a stunning equaliser and force a shootout.
That shootout was not unlike the previous two, being won in the rotation and not needing sudden death. It was only the reliable Bea Ortiz who brought up the 10-10 goal who had her shot stopped in the fifth shot. Everyone else scored, meaning Spain won the match 17-16.
In the opening quarter, Spain opened, went to 3-2 thanks to two Judith Forca shots, then handed the reins to Netherlands 4-3. Spain re-grasped the lead, hammering in three goals — two on penalty — for 6-4, only to allow the Dutch back into the match at 6-6 in time for the long break.
Forca scored her third to regain the lead at the start of the third period with the Dutch scoring the next three before the final break and 9-7.
Simone van de Kraats, named to the Media All Star Team, took it out to three at the top of the fourth, then Paula Crespi drew two goals with the second on lob. Ortiz made it 10-10, Brigitte Sleeking and Forca traded; Lieke Rogge scored from the left and at 15 seconds left on the clock, Forca slipped in her fifth goal on extra-man. Spain had its shot blocked and the match was primed for the third shootout of the day’s programme.
Match Heroes:
Judith Forca, carried her team on her should with a fantastic six goals, even though on the losing team and finished as the competition’s leading scorer with 24 goals and also named to the Media All Star team Simone van de Kraats scored 21 goals for Netherlands and Brigitte Sleeking scored four goals tonight and 14 for the fortnight.
Turning Point:
The Spanish team turned from 10-7 behind to level at 10-10. Forca’s last two goals also turned the match in Spain’s favour, but the shootout was another matter.
Stats Don’t Lie:
Netherlands converted seven from 12 and Spain five from 10 on extra-man attack. Spain scored twice from the penalty and shot more at 32-24, but not so accurately or shots were blocked by the defence.
Bottom Line:
Netherlands deserves to back in the limelight with two crowns, four silvers and a bronze. Spain suffered the most as losing three finals in four editions while finishing fifth last year. WE have a fresh champion after such a long run of USA domination.
What They Said:
DOUDESIS Evangelos NED Head Coach
“It was a really good game; the quality they played was a good game between two very good teams and the difference is minimal at this level. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions and a rollercoaster of everything. What helped us is the fact that we stayed in attack really concentrated and we were really effective in six against six in minimum situations.
“We need to establish a group that fights every game and always fights high goals in every game and in every tournament. Let’s not try to hide behind our fingers; our goal is to get better day by day and in every tournament trying to play for the top.”
VAN DER SLOOT Sabrina NED Three Goals
“Amazing. You don't see it, but I'm so tired. I am really proud of my team. I think what we did was just the game that we love, that we play every day. And you don't need motivation to play the final, and the World Championship, and you don't need motivation to win these games. I mean, we always want to win, but these types of games are special and we try to just focus and enjoy. I think this is like a really good start to our Olympic (campaign). And we keep building. This is not the end. We want to go for the gold medal at the Olympics, so we need to improve ourselves and need to get better to be on top of our game. “
OCA Miguel ESP Head Coach
“It was a very close game. They were always leading in the score. In the end we had a chance in the penalties, and we could have won. I wish we could have scored one more goal to prevent the match from going into penalties. Even though we were not able to get the gold today, we are satisfied with the results. Losing the finals leaves a bit of a sour taste in your mouth, but winning a medal and getting a ticket to Paris is something to celebrate. “
RUIZ Elena ESP Most Valuable Player
“We lost this match, but I think we had a good tournament. Even in the penalties we did a good job till the very end. I am very proud of this silver medal. I think in the match itself there are a lot of little details we have to control. We could have played some parts of the game better, but we did a good job of catching up and tying the game. This medal means a lot to me. It is the result of all the training we did, and all the sacrifices we made this summer in our club in Spain. I am very proud of my team.”
Classification 3-4 (Bronze Medal)
ITALY 16 AUSTRALIA 14
The Setterosa — the seven roses, when in fact Italy had 15 players — won through for its third bronze medal at this level with a thrilling final two periods against a determined and very active Aussie Stingers. Either team could have won and the fact it was a tie at every number to seven and then again from nine to 11, shows just what this match produced.
Italy won the decisive third period 3-1 at a time when Australia was hesitant on attack when it should have continued its normal aggressiveness. Claudia Marletta scored twice as her first goal brought up 11-11 and then with the go-ahead goal. The margin shunted to two when veteran Roberta Bianconi, who was born in 1989, converted the extra-man play for her third of the match.
Italy’s buffer became its weapon as Australia’s Bronte Halligan struck her penalty attempt on the left upright and Bianconi plunged in with two more, including a penalty conversion for an unassailable four-goal advantage. Australia was stung into two extra-man goals; Chiara Tabani lifted it to 16-13 at 2:41 and Australia ‘s sole response was a fantastic long pass from Halligan to the far post where Elle Armit was driving, to score for 16-14 at 1:45. There was still hope, however, Italy was too good at defending and made sure of the margin and the victory.
Italy took the lead twice in the first quarter for 5-4; lost the lead twice to Australia and then went 9-7 up. That’s when the match broke open when Italian captain Valeria Palmieri was caught out by VAR for allegedly striking Aussie defender Halligan — they are team-mates in Catania this year and won the Italian championship together —in the face. Alice Williams converted the penalty, scored soon after when Italian head coach Carlo Silipo gained a yellow card for 9-9; Italy responded on double extra and Australia’s Charlize Andrews fired in a long shot on the buzzer for 10-10.
Charlize Andrews — no relation to Abby Andrews who scored twice early in the second quarter — opened the third before the end of the four-minute violence-expulsion time and could have had a fifth goal had it not hesitated seconds before the player’s return. The fact that Italy won the match was testament to its ability considering it was a player down for that time. Aussie goalkeeper Gabi Palm gave up her second penalty foul and Claudia Marletta converted for 11-11 and after a timeout, Marletta collected her fifth. Inside the final minute, Bianconi scored on extra for her third. That final period was vibrant with Australia scoring three of the last four goals, promising much ahead of the Paris Olympic Games.
Match Heroes:
Bianconi with six goals and Marletta with five, were the undoubted stars, lifting their Fukuoka tallies to 16 and 15 respectively. Caterina Banchelli brought her excellent Fukuoka form to the final with 10 saves. For Australia, https://www.worldaquatics.com/athletes?gender=&discipline=&nationality=&name=Zoe%20AranciniWilliams scored three to finish top of the Aussie scoring list with 14 goals.
Turning Point:
So many with both teams grabbing the lead It had to be when Palmieri was sinbinned, allowing Australia back into the match and then the 3-1 third quarter for Italy.
Stats Don’t Lie:
Penalty shots were the key with Italy converting all five attempts to none. Italy went six from 10 on extra-man attack and Australia a favourable seven from 13. Australia ahd the chances and the shots with 36 to 29.
Bottom Line:
Italy has two titles, a silver and now three bronzes while Australia won the inaugural title in 1986 and taken two silvers and two bronzes. Italy was fourth last year and Australia sixth. Italy was last on the podium in 2015 with a bronze and Australia won bronze in 2019.
What They Said:
SILIPO Carlo ITA Head Coach
“We are very excited because it was a very hard game. I think we played very well during the topic moment of the match, especially in the second quarter when we took exclusion for four minutes. We played like team-mates and we were very good to stay very close to 10 minutes. At the end of the second period, I think we played very well in attack.
“They played as team-mates. We just had one target in our minds and that led to victory. We must continue this way because we stay very close to this target, but we must do something more. The competition is very tight, so we must work every day, every hour, every minute and more.”
BIANCONI Roberta ITA Player Of The Match/Six Goals
“I am really happy, but I cannot score if the team does not play like this. So, it is thanks to the team, because they did a really good job, all of us. We did a really good job. Today we were sure we could win and we proved it in the water. I am really proud of them.”
On preparation for the match:
“We just saw some videos, just to be prepared for the tactic. And the rest of the job was from us from the team to be united. And we were trying to excite each other. And we had one dream today, and it was the same for all. So, I think that was the key to success.”
OBERMAN Paul AUS Head Coach
“My game plan coming into this game was to stop Italy from scoring, and to make sure weplayed good and calm water polo. Italy was playing a very tough physical press today. Every time there was a change of possession, they were pulling around, pulling past, going over the top. And our girls got tired as a result of it. We need to play tougher and stronger. We knew that Italy was going to come out and be physical. We just had to try and match their physicality and play our style.
“I am not concerned with the high amount of scoring in the first half. The score was 10-10 but we also scored 10. You look at the defence and say what went wrong. I am not going to pick out any particular play or player. We are in this together as a team. We just need to be better next time.
“I think to make the top four is a success. To have two losses at the end and be fourth place is the worst place to be, because you lose after doing all the good work early. However, I still consider it a success; we will build on this experience for the future.”
ARANCINI Zoe AUS Captain
“It was a high-scoring game. There were just too many penalties in the game. It was a fast-paced match. It became a matter of trading goals. I think we got caught too far out in our perimeter defence. We need to be quicker in our zones. Our in-and-out movements need to be quicker. We need to do a better job of stopping them.
“The communication was better today. But there was still miscommunication that cost us in the match — especially early in the first quarter. The biggest lesson from today is that our external attack needs work. We are too slow when going on the attack.”
Classification 5-6
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15 HUNGARY 13 in penalty shootout (FT: 11-11. Pens: 4-2)
This was a rematch of last year’s final, albeit this year for fifth place. Close throughout, it went to a penalty shootout and USA kept a clean sheet to win its final match in Fukuoka.
The opening quarter was 4-2 in USA’s favour while last year the halftime score was 4-3 and 2-1 at quarter time. Maddie Musselman started proceedings on penalty with USA at 4-2 by the first break. Three Magyar goals took Hungary to the lead at 5-4 with Rachel Fattal breaking an 11-minute drought with a goal off the right-post position on extra, 29 seconds from halftime.
The third period was much busier, ending 10-9 as opposed to last year’s final score of 9-7 to USA. USA jumped out to 7-5 and 8-6 before Hungary drew level through Krisztina Garda on extra and captain Rita Keszthelyi from the top left. Ryann Neushul and Musselman made it a two-goal affair and Keszthelyi tipped in her fourth goal in the match following the one she gained her 700th international goal. It was 10-9 at the final break.
Jordan Raney scored two minutes into the final period and Rebecca Parkes dragged one in off the right-post position on extra for Hungary. At 4:37, there was only a goal in it. Kamilla Farago levelled the match at 2:12 and Hungarian bench official Laszlo Toth was red-carded. Hungary regained the ball off a blocked USA shot and called a timeout, but could not score on two attempts. USA went to a timeout in less than two seconds and the referee was a bit quick on blowing his whistle, not allowing the 15 seconds for the attacking team to get in position. It brought up the penalty shootout.
Hungary shot first and USA brought out the lanky Ashleigh Johnson who did not play in regular time. Farago and Kata Hajdu had both their shots blocked by Johnson while three USA players netted as did two Hungarians. However, the fifth round of shots was not needed as USA had won 15-13.
Match Heroes:
Keszthelyi, topped the scoring with five and Jordan Raney scored four for USA. Amanda Longan made 10 stops for USA and Alda Magyari 11 for Hungary.
Turning Point:
Parkes’ and Farago’s goals in the fourth quarter to level at 11 and go to the shootout.
Stats Don’t Lie:
USA converted six from nine on extra-man attack to Hungary’s three from eight. USA converted both penalty attempts while Hungary missed one. Hungary shot 35 to 29.
Bottom Line:
USA has seven crowns, one silver and two bronzes from this event while Hungary has won the title twice, lost two finals and taken home a bronze.
What They Said:
KRIKORIAN Adam USA Head Coach
“Ashleigh (Johnson) is a phenomenal goalkeeper. I don’t know if the game has seen anyone better than her. When you get down in that moment, Ashley is scary in the goal and I am just glad that she's on our team.
“Nothing against Amanda (Longan), she played a great game. She had a couple of saves there and allowed the other shooters to attack a little bit more aggressively.
“I am happy with the win today. As I told Atilla (Biro -—Hungary’s head coach) after the game, playing Hungary in a fifth-place game is a bit strange. It seems as though we should be playing each other in a semifinal or a final game.
“The tournament was great. Obviously, it was a disappointing quarterfinal game, but I love how we responded after that. We made a lot of young mistakes. But you need to go through that and experience it to be able to learn from that. That will be the project for us going forward.
“I would not say we are a great team, right, We have a long way to go to get where we want to go. I could not be more happy with their attitude and effort, especially after the loss. We have to change our mindset a bit, and that’s my responsibility and I need to do a better job.”
JOHNSON Ashleigh USA Shootout Goalkeeper
“It’s really cool to know that my team has so much trust in me to bring me in off the bench and be there in that moment. I love shootouts, I think they are so fun. I have a lot of confidence in my team, too. We played a hard game and I am glad that I could show up when I needed to. It was super fun.
“We had some disappointing moments, but we also had some moments of growth. We are looking forward to the next opportunity to get to the top of the podium. I think Team USA learned that we have a long way to go. Nothing is given to you. Everything has to be earned. We have to put in more work.”
Classification 7-8
CANADA 14 GREECE 12 in penalty shootout (FT: 10-10, Pens: 4-2)
It’s always tough turning up on the final day to play for seventh, especially when both teams were quite capable of making the top four. There were several shifts in leadership with Greece winning the last period 4-1 to force a shootout. Canada finished on top, winning the shootout 4-2.
Canada was quite dominant in the first quarter and Greece took over the role in the second. With Greece opening the scoring, Canada replied with four goals in just over three minutes, not giving Greece any chance to break through. The first two Canadian goals were from penalty with the Verica Bakoc scoring on extra and youngest team member Serena Browne muscling in a goal from the bottom left. The focus then switched to Greece as it began the second period with three goals, including an outside lob from Eleni Elliniadi. Eleni Xenaki’s extra-man goal was at 3:40 and the next goal did not come until 1:49, followed by the third, 30 seconds later. Goals were traded for 5-5 at halftime.
There was a power shift in the third period as goals were swapped and then Canada came good with three straight, including an excellent centre-forward turn from Canadian captain Emma Wright for her second. Axelle Crevier notched her second on extra-man attack and Browne converted a penalty foul for 9-6. Xenaki opened the fourth period with a beautiful lob, followed by a power shot from left-hander Wright, for her third, rising high on the right post to score on extra. With a little more than three minutes remaining, Greece shifted gears and scored on counter through Ioanna Chydirioti, Eleftheria Plevritou on penalty and the all-important centre-forward backhand from Xenaki with 12 seconds remaining. Canada called a timeout, but the resulting shot creased the cross bar and the match went to penalty shootout.
Canada went first and scored the first three with Greece missing its first shot. Canada missed its fourth at rotation four and the next two were scored, meaning if Greece scored the next shot, it would go to sudden death. However, Maria Myriokefalitaki had her shot blocked by Jessica Gaudreault, gifting the match to Canada.
Match Heroes:
Wright, with four goals, was named best in pool.
Turning Point:
Both teams won quarters 4-1. The most important was Greece’s equaliser 12 seconds from time.
Stats Don’t Lie:
Canada shot 30 to 29, converted three from eight and gave up two from seven on extra-man attack. On penalties, Canada converted three to one.
Bottom Line:
Canada was ninth in Budapest two years ago and Greece was seventh so, minor adjustments. Historically, Canada was third here 22 years ago and has two silvers and two bronzes. Greece has just the one medal, but the all-important gold from 2011.
What They Said:
PARADELO David CAN Head Coach
“We came out disciplined and we knew what we had to do and we did it well. We created balance on counter defence. We came back in the third (4-1). Kudos to Alexia (Kammenou, Greek head coach) who switched her defence and created one on one down the pool. (Eleni) Xenaki had an amazing match.”
On the last stages of the match:
“We stopped (shooting) and in the end were playing to the clock too much.”
On the shootout:
“Our goalkeeper studied the players well . She spends hours of work studying shooters. It’s great to finish on a win. It’s a long road to the Olympics between the Pan Ams and Doha.”
WRIGHT Emma CAN Captain/Player Of The Match
“It was important to start strongly. Greece is such a strong team. They managed to come back. We had to keep momentum. We are not happy with seventh place, but it’s nice to finish with a win. We could have played better against Italy and USA. We have more to work on and more to look forward to.”
PYRPYRIS Anastasios GRE Assistant Coach
“Generally, we made a bad game today, really bad. We were in a hurry to equalise. When we came back, we played a really good game, in the last two quarters. We lost two matches by one goal. We wanted to play for the medals, so it was disappointing. Some time we just couldn’t react.”