Preliminary round matches are being played in the Aquatic Centre with eight matches scheduled.
Preliminary Round Group Match Reports
Match 4, Group D, FRANCE 9 GREAT BRITAIN 12 (4-3, 0-3, 2-5, 3-1)
Olympic team France felt the wrath of Great Britain after leading 4-3 at quarter time. Great Britain won the match 9-5 from then on for what was something quite historic. France missed the goalkeeping services of Olympian Mia Rycroft while the Brits played up to their expectations brilliantly on the opening day. This was a match where penalty fouls outshot exclusion fouls.
France started quickly with Great Britain responding twice. France regained the lead with successive shots. Harriet Dickens lobbed to equalise at three, however, Ema Vernoux, who was such a revelation at Paris 2024, rightfully put France back in the lead at 0:38. It was looking good for France, but Great Britain turned the tables in the second quarter, keeping its cross-Channel cousins at bay for the entire period. Katie Brown drilled from the deep right; Lily Turner scored from the top left and skipper Kathy Rogers drove in down the left post and slapped in a rebound for 6-4 at 1:32. France had no answer at this stage.
France was not out of it yet and worked tirelessly while denying Great Britain valuable chances. Rogers and Brown doubled the difference early and France slowed the match down, scoring through Erica Hardy. Britain took a timeout at 2:51 and put away the shot, thanks to Brown and at 9-5 the improbable was becoming a strong possibility. On extra, Cutler rifled one in down the right for 10-5 at 0:53. Vernoux powered in a French cannon, sliding the ball to goal for 10-6 and at the other end, Turner converted a penalty foul into 11-6 — three goals inside a half minute. It became the final-break scoreline, gifting Britain a magnificent five-goal buffer.
Vernoux and Hardy changed the face of the match with the first two goals of the final period, giving a shaky look to the result. Vernoux shot from penalty and Hardy from the top left. Two minutes after Hardy’s shot, Turner accepted a cross pass to the far left on two metres to score the most important goal for 12-8. France went to a timeout and fumbled the ball in front of goal. Britain called time at 2:12 and hit the crossbar. France fired up to centre forward and gained the penalty at 1:40 with Vernoux scoring her third goal and second from five metres. There was still 1:40 on the clock but neither team could find a way through the defence, allowing Britain to start the fortnight with a big “W”.
Match Heroes
Vernoux scored four goals for France and Turner and Brown three apiece for Britain. Best goalkeeper was France’s Pasiphae Martineaud Peret with nine saves.
Turning Point
From 4-3 down to 8-4 up, Britain worked hard to maintain the difference.
Stats Don’t Lie
France missed the only extra-player chance; scored two to one on penalty; made eight steals to seven, outshot Britain 29-28 and still lost the match!
Bottom Line
France may be the more experienced team but changes since Paris 2024 proved insurmountable. Britain proved it is capable of finishing in the top 10 in Singapore.
What They Said
Lara ANDRES (FRA) — Goal Scorer and Captain
On the team’s performance:
“It was a very close game. It’s a completely new team with a lot of young ones. We lost but I think the two first quarters were good enough but it was a bit difficult as Britain is a good team and not a new one, so they have a lot of experience, unlike us. It was such a difficult game and we lost, so I’m not very happy, but it’s just a game.”
On positives that can be taken away from this match:
“In terms of attacking, we were good and we made very good shots and in defence.”
Match 3, Group B, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15 CHINA 7 (3-1, 4-3, 6-1, 2-2)
China, now under the coaching spell of Spanish Olympic champion player and coach Miki Oca, kept USA honest for large periods of the first half. USA may have talked down the experience of his team but his experience and guile led these newcomers to a comfortable victory. Goals were traded at the start with USA missing a penalty chance. Two more penalty strikes gave USA the 3-1 quarter-time advantage. Wang Huan brought China back to 3-2 at the start of the second period and then at 4-3 after Ryann Neushul scored off the left-post position. Wang Xuan took a pass to the left post for 4-4 at 6:02. Then USA put the foot on the pedal and rammed home the next three goals, including a penalty to Emily Ausmus for 7-4 at the long break.
The third period was where USA proved its brilliance, lifting to 10-4 and then finishing 13-5, so three goals, a Chinese extra-player score to Yan Siya and then three more with Emma Lineback collecting her third from deep right on extra. Emily Ausmus earned her star rating with her third goal coming on extra from the left post off a near pass. Shao Yixin finished a polished extra play for 14-6 but Tara Prentice spoilt the Chinese mini-party with a powerful centre-forward turn at 2:49. With the clocking ticking to the one-minute mark and China running out of possession time, Nong Sanfeng put away a long shot from top right into the top left for 15-7. China went to a timeout at 0:27 and goalkeeper Amanda Longan was the thorn in the side. She stopped the shot and kept the ball until the final buzzer for the first victory of its title defence.
Match Heroes
Ausmus and Lineback scored three each for USA but it was goalkeeper Longan who proved best in pool with her magnificent 13 saves. Wang Huan was best for China with two goals.
Turning Point
After that 4-4 scare, USA pulled away to 7-4 at halftime kept the pressure on in the third quarter.
Stats Don’t Lie
USA struggled on extra at one from six, as did China at two from seven. USA sent in four from five on penalties. USA had the better of steals at six to one and outshot China 36-32.
Bottom Line
USA is the reigning world champion and this proved that even with a new batch of players, it is still a major threat, no matter what the stage. However, with Oca at the helm of China, more can be expected in Singapore.
What They Said
Adam KRIKORIAN (USA) — Head Coach
On his team’s performance:
“It’s a little bit of a shaky start; I think we were a bit nervous. As we settled down, we were much more organised defensively, and much more efficient offensively.”
On facing a strong opponent:
“What comes to mind is (China’s) number eight (Wang Huan). She hit a couple of nice shots against us. I think it's not so much them, but playing the first game is always difficult. There’s the anxiousness and having to kind of deal with that.”
On the team’s future goals:
“For the very near future, it’s just to go back and watch the video (playback and) learn. We have such a young group here, that it’s really important we learn as much as we can in each one of these games, and then try to fix those (mistakes). We’re gearing up for the Netherlands (for our) next match — they’re such a talented team, it’s going to be a tough task for us.”
On message for fans back home:
“I think we’ve got incredible support in America for the women’s team, and they always inspire us to give a little bit more to make them proud. Hopefully, we made them proud today, and will continue (to do so) through our effort in our attitude.”
Isabel WILLIAMS (USA) — Athlete
On USA’s mindset going into this match:
“Mindset is just to play together, play our best, work really hard.”
On how the team stayed focused after the close start:
“We relied on each other; we talked to each other and just remembered what we practised every time.”
Miguel OCA (CHN) — Head Coach
On how he feels about representing China as a coach on the world stage, being from Spain:
“Feels good, feels good. I mean I knew a few months ago but I knew before that I was going to coach this team. It was very challenging and I am very much into it.”
On how he keeps his players motivated:
“Wow, well this is the world championship. If we aren’t motivated now when will you be motivated, you know?”
Tactics that his team employed to face off against strong opponents such as the USA:
“We needed good defence and help from each other with many movements. Because the US has a good centre, good shooters. We need to protect the centre but also the shooters. So, we have to move along and help each other a lot that we have been trying.”
His feelings about his team’s performance:
“Well let’s see, let’s see. This is the first game of the tournament and we will work on growing, game after game.”
WANG Huan (CHN) — Two Goals
On how she feels after the match:
“Good and bad. I feel like we performed quite well, but our performance fell off during the second half. We were feeling a bit tired during the third quarter, so we were slower, but we managed to turn that over in the fourth quarter.
On whom she’s looking forward to face this year:
“We’re quite a new team, we changed a lot of members after the Olympics. So, we’re looking forward to facing many teams.”
Match 2, Group B, ARGENTINA 6 NETHERLANDS 25 (1-6, 2-6, 2-7, 1-6)
Netherlands came through as expected but what wasn’t expected was the opening goal to Argentina, earning a penalty in the second minute with Julieta Auliel converting. Never mind, the Dutch were in control thereafter with the next six goals, Simone van de Kraats gaining two down the right unattended. Captain Sabrina van der Sloot split the goals from the same position. The Dutch were equally impressive in the second quarter with van de Kraats and van der Sloot picking up extra goals. It became 9-1 before Argentinian captain Maria Canda scored from the top and at 10-3 Isabella Mastronadi converted from the five-metre line. Vivian Sevenich backhanded from two metres and captain van der Sloot also enjoyed a penalty shot for 12-3 before the halftime buzzer.
The second half was much like the first with the Dutch swelling the score to 18-4 with a raft of different scorers. Argentina made the sheet for the fifth time at 18-5 through Anahi Bacigalupo on penalty. Bente Rogge also scored from the line for her second goal in just over a minute. Kitty Joustra opened the fourth period with a centre-forward sweep shot and turned for her next at 21-5. Lieke Rogge scored a pair and the last two shots were traded for 25-6.
Match Heroes
Van de Kraats, Fleurien Bosveld, Joustra and Lieke Rogge all scored three each for the Dutch. Mastronardi and Canda netted twice for Argentina.
Turning Point
Netherlands overcoming the tentative start and running out to 9-1.
Stats Don’t Lie
Netherlands scored four from six on extra and defended five from six. Both teams shot three from the penalty line while Netherlands grabbed 14 steals to five and shot 38 times to 24.
Bottom Line
Netherlands won this title two years ago in Fukuoka and was the bronze medallist at the Paris Olympic Games last year and also took bronze at this year’s World Cup. Argentina was 16th in 2023.
What They Said
Sabrina Van der SLOOT (NED) — Captain
On what went well for her in this performance:
“I think for the first game early in the morning, we did OK. We can improve, but it was OK.”
On how this helps her team mentally for the next match:
“Well, I think we already knew we had a big chance of winning this game, so we just used it to practise some tactics that we want to use, so in a way, it helps us prepare against the USA.”
On helping rookies and those new to the team:
“We try, every summer when we start preparing the national team to have team meetings, and talk about our values, so that the people who are new to the team can learn and understand the values before the big tournaments.”
Ana AGNESINA (ARG) — Centre Forward
On her team’s performance:
“Actually, I think we could do better. Obviously, they are better than us in many ways. We need to prepare better, and we want to get (at least 20 to 25 points in the next match) but it’s OK.”
On reasons causing the team’s defeat:
“In Argentina, we don’t have (as many preparation opportunities as we would like. We have fewer) trainings and pools, and we don’t have people who want to play water polo (because) nobody knows (about it. So,) it’s difficult to get better.”
On learning takeaways:
“I would say (we played rather aggressively). We need to (work on faster) defence. When we (see) that (the opponent) is about to (make a pass), I (should) swim back to defend (nearby opponents, to prevent the pass from going through). That’s something we need to practise on.”
Match 1, Group D, SOUTH AFRICA 4 SPAIN 23 (1-9, 0-5, 2-4, 1-5)
Spain made its intentions known early with the first four goals from four shots. It took six minutes before Spain missed a couple as South Africa tightened its defence. However, goals were hard to come by as there were more blocks than misses. The goal that got away from Spain was Georgia Eccles’ lob from top right at 4-1. It was a dry affair for South Africa from there as Spain rattled off the goals to 9-1 at the quarter and 14-1 at halftime. The goals were spread around for Spain with Elena Ruiz the first double scorer.
South Africa came alight in the third period after a timeout, scoring consecutive goals after Spain went out to 16-1 with two Paula Crespi strikes. Jo Williams had her shot deflected into goal and Boati Motau made sure of an extra-player goal from deep right for 16-3. Paula Camus and Ariadna Ruiz with their second goals gave Spain the 18-3 margin by the final break. Irene Gonzalez enjoyed her first world championship match with a penalty goal for her third to start the fourth period and then again from deep left. With the match coming to its conclusion, Gonzalez netted her fifth from deep left after a Danielo Moreno penalty goal. South African captain Shakira January finished her team’s scoring with as penalty goal five seconds from the final buzzer.
Match Heroes
Gonzalez with five Spanish goals was the best in pool. Elena Ruiz netted three as four others scored twice. For South Africa it was four different scorers. Both goalkeepers netted nine saves between them.
Turning Point
The opening four-goal haul before South Africa stopped the charge. Spain then swam away with the match to 14-1 at halftime.
Stats Don’t Lie
Spain had the better of the stats with three from three on extra to South Africa’s one from three. Penalty goals went Spain’s way two to one while Spain made 11 steals to two. On total shots, Spain ripped in 36 to South Africa’s 25.
Bottom Line
Spain is the Olympic champion, so this was like the world’s best versus a nation that fills the bottom positions at this level.
What They Said
Anni ESPAR (ESP) — Captain
On the team’s performance:
“I think we had a very good performance. A very good start to the tournament.”
Feelings on representing her country on the world stage:
“It’s really good, I’ve been on the team for a while, representing Spain and to keep being here with my team-mates, younger team-mates. I just feel really proud.”
Opinions on the atmosphere:
“I think it’s a bit early. I think we’ll have better matches in terms of people coming to watch. 9am isn’t the best time to come and support the team, but it’s still good. We had some people in the stands cheering for us; it was good.”
Shakira JANUARY (RSA) — Captain
On how the team feels:
“It's not every day that you get to play the Olympic champions. We're happy with the result, we focused on (it) and we’re happy with the small wins and goals we set for ourselves. I mean, we just focused on hitting our small goals and we’re happy with the outcome.”
On what results the team is seeking:
“So, we’re obviously always striving for (a) top 12 (placement). I think our games (with) France and Great Britain are the two ones we’re looking for a much smaller goal margin than this one. But we are definitely excited and pushing for (a win) with Great Britain.”
On what message she wants to send to her rivals:
“Watch out for South Africa!”
Progress Points
Group A: Australia, Italy, New Zealand, Singapore.
Group B: Netherlands 3, United States of America, China, Argentina 0.
Group C: Greece Hungary, Japan, Croatia.
Group D: Spain 3, France, Great Britain, South Africa 0.
Day 3 Schedule
Match 09. 09:00. Group B, China v Argentina
Match 10. 10:35. Group C, Hungary v Japan
Match 11. 12:10. Group D, Great Britain v South Africa
Match 12, 13:45, Group C, Croatia v Greece
Match 13. 16:00. Group D, Spain v France
Match 14. 17:35. Group A, Australia v Italy
Match 15. 19:10. Group A, New Zealand v Singapore
Match 16. 20:45. Group B, United States of America v Netherlands