Preliminary round matches played in the Aquatic Centre with none bigger than the final encounter of the day between Group C protagonists, World Cup champion Greece and Hungary. The Magyars had a 5-0 head-to-head record heading into the match and extended that with a 10-9 victory tonight.
Overview
In Group A, Italy came back to defeat New Zealand 14-9 and Australia trampled Singapore 34-2.
In Group B, Netherlands dispatched Argentina 25-6 and United States of America sent off China 15-7.
In Group C, Japan out-countered Croatia 25-12 and in the final match of the day, Hungary upset World Cup champion Greece 10-9.
In Group D, Spain romped home against South Africa 23-4 and Great Britain upset France 12-9.
Preliminary Round Group Match Reports
Match 8, Group C, GREECE 9 HUNGARY 10 (2-1, 3-3, 0-4, 4-2)
Hungary maintained its unblemished record against Greece at World Championship level and in the process upset the World Cup champion. It was built on that third period while withstanding the staunch comeback from Greece. Greece went 2-0 up and it could have been three if the first penalty attempt was not stopped by the Hungarian keeper, Boglarka Neszmely. Eszter Varro backhanded a centre-forward goal for 2-1 well before the first break. Varro repeated the lightning effort at the top of the second. Greece had another penalty attempt rejected. Foteini Tricha repeated her first-quarter shot from deep left for 3-2 and Stefania Santa lobbed on extra for 4-2. Tricha pushed it out to 5-2 despite Hungary taking a timeout beforehand. Old-stagers Rita Keszthelyi (penalty) and Krisztina Garda (extra) pulled the margin back to one, just before halftime.
The magic happened in the third period when Greece was kept scoreless, extending the run to nearly 10 minutes. It was brilliant play by the Hungarians. It really started with those two goals in the second quarter. Natasa Rybanska opened and closed the period’s scoring with Vanda Valyi and Keszthelyi — from eight metres — giving Hungary the incredible three-goal lead. Greece dropped the ball once too often, missing scoring chances and the ones that were taken were probably not a high percentage. Come the final period, Hungary challenged a penalty foul and lost, sending Maria Patra to the line, scoring for 8-6. Greece challenged an earlier turnover foul against it when it appeared the trailing person had grabbed the player by two hands. A lengthy review adjusted the clock to 6:52 and Tricha scored for 8-7 down. Garda converted the extra play for 9-7 soon after.
Three attacks later, Greece was on the charge and Tricha shunted in the ball with her unusual shooting style where she does not pull the ball back behind her. On the Hungarian attack, Tricha swam on to a loose ball, swam the length of the pool and scored for 9-9 at 3:56. Greece had the last say with the shot hitting the crossbar in the dying seconds. Hungary had extended its World Championships lead to 6-0.
Match Heroes
Tricha was the obvious star with her six goals, attempting to keep Greece in the play and possibly head to the shootout. Neszmely stood out for Hungary with her 13 saves to be best in water while Rybanska snared three goals and Varro, Garda and Keszthelyi a pair each.
Turning Point
The third period where Hungary went from one down to three ahead.
Stats Don’t Lie
These were interesting as Hungary scored only two from eight on extra and denied Greece all four. Hungary went one from one on penalty and stopped two from four. Hungary stole the ball six to two and had 32 shots to Greece’s 35.
Bottom Line
Hungary had the history, Greece had the World Cup crown. That meant little here and Hungary dug deep when needed most.
What They Said
Eleftheria PLEVRITOU (GRE) — Captain
On the match:
“It was a hard game for us because it was the first game of the World Championships and this kind of game always brings more stress. It was also against the strongest of the group, Hungary. The game from our side was not so good. It was slower, but it was the same for both teams, because it’s the first game, so that’s normal.
“We scored a lot of individual goals, which is good for us, because it means that we played good defence, but there were others that we missed. We’re ready for the next two games. It’s with less strong teams so we are hoping to do well in the next two games and see who will cross into the next round.
“I remember that we were leading almost the whole game but in the third quarter, Hungary took the lead but we were close until the end and unfortunately, we lost. We played a good game; it was just slower than usual, but it’s normal. We just have to be more careful of our individual actions and we will be OK.”
Match 7, Group A, SINGAPORE 2 AUSTRALIA 34 (0-7, 1-8, 1-10, 0-9)
Singapore had a tough nut to crack in the Olympic silver medallist and managed just the one goal in the first half and another in the second. It took several minutes for the Aussie Stingers to heat up, scoring through Alice Williams. Once the floodgates had opened, another six players made the sheet before the first break. Cheng Ong delighted the phalanx of drummers in the stands as she rocketed in a shot from the top on extra. Williams scored three more as the score shot to 15-1 by halftime, scoring on nearly every attack.
Tilly Kearns scored three of the first four goals of the second half, accepting gift passes at the two-metre line from her team-mates. Sienna Green and Daniela Jackovich featured twice each in the rest of the period as the Stingers unleashed another 10 goals. At 1:48, Heather Lee carefully guided a lopping ball in to the top right from out left for Singapore’s second strike. The Stingers used excellent cross passing and teamwork as a useful tool en route to the quarterfinals, amassing the goals without over-exerting the players.
Match Heroes
Williams finished with five goals, ahead of Teneale Fasala, Kearns and Olivia Mitchell with four apiece.
Turning Point
There was never going to be a turning point.
Stats Don’t Lie
Australia converted both extra-players att
empts and stopped one of two Singapore chances. There was just the one penalty in favour of Australia and the Stingers stole the ball 22-3 and shot 42-16, showing its superiority.
Bottom Line
Australia was too powerful for Singapore. The experience for both teams will affect each other differently for the upcoming matches.
What They Said
Bronte HALLIGAN (AUS) — Captain
On how she feels about the match:
“It was a really fun game. A good first game of the tournament, as always. There's always these nerves and it's exciting, especially for the girls playing in their first world championships. And it was so nice to play against the home team. There was such good energy here with all the fans and I really enjoy playing here against Singapore in Singapore.”
On how it motivates the team for future games:
“I think today's win gave us a lot of confidence and so, we're just looking to keep that momentum through with Italy and New Zealand. We know those opponents very well. We've played against them a lot of times, so we’re just looking to continue our momentum, continue our confidence and see what we can do in this tournament.”
KOH Xiao Li (SGP) — Athlete
On what positives Singapore can take from the match:
“I think we really want to build on the team chemistry. Coming into this championship, we want to gear up for the SEA Games at the end of the year. So, this is a very good opportunity for us to face the bigger powerhouses in the world. It’s a really good opportunity for our team to build that chemistry.”
On how the home crowd motivated her:
“The greater the cheer, the more energy we are able to contribute in the game. With their support, I think it’s very heart-warming to see the whole of Singapore coming together and cheering for us.”
On its upcoming matches with New Zealand and Italy:
“We’re hoping to close up the score line. Obviously, they are really strong in the world, so we’ll do our best and just take each attack one at a time.”
Match 6, Group A, ITALY 14 NEW ZEALAND 9 (1-2, 3-4, 5-2, 5-1)
Italy awoke from a first-half slumber to grab the lead late in the third period and rush to victory with a flurry of goals in the final quarter against a spirited Kiwi line-up. The Kiwis had the better of the first half with Millie Quinn and Morgan McDowall giving the team a 2-0 start over Italy. Sofia Giustini made sure that would not last with a pair, the first on counter with a lob before the first break and then on the first attack of the second period. Emmerson Houghton drilled from deep left but the Kiwis lead was nullified by Lucrezia Gergol and captain Agnese Cocchiere retaking the advantage at 4-3. It was just 5:45. However, New Zealand punched back with three goals — Agatha Weston from the top left; Darcy Spark on counter, thanks to a nifty cross pass from McDowall; and then Gabrielle Doyle shifting from the bottom right to the left-hand-catch position for 6-4 at 0:16.
The third period came up the way of Italy thanks to three penalty goals inside the final three minutes. Goals were traded starting with Cocchiere and Weston and followed up by Roberta Bianconi and Gabrielle Milicich. New Zealand’s defence came unstuck, giving up the penalty fouls, only for Chiara Ranalli to convert all three to level and then lead at 9-8, heading into the final period. Italy took the match by the scruff in the last eight minutes, trading goals for 10-9 and then Bianconi, Cocchiere and Giustini boosting the margin to four by 3:33. New Zealand could not stop the barrage and was too busy giving up fouls. Italy used two timeouts to exploit this situation, scoring the first easily and hitting the left upright on the second. However, Italy regained the ball and it went to Bettini eventually to score and have the board at 14-9 by 2:15, which became the final score. New Zealand tried seven field players for the last three seconds for no more joy.
Match Heroes
Giustini, Ranalli and Cocchiere scored three each for Italy. New Zealand used eight scorers with Weston the only double scorer and goalkeeper Bridget Layburn made a huge 12 saves.
Turning Point
The three penalty goals at the end of the third period was where the match was won.
Stats Don’t Lie
Italy converted three from four on extra and defended four from six. Those three penalty goals to New Zealand’s none proved the winning factor. On steals, it was tied at four and on overall shooting, Italy was best at 35-31.
Bottom Line
Italy lost to Australia last weekend, so this was retribution against the Trans-Tasman neighbours. New Zealand was too messy with the fouls, however, by leading until nearly three-quarter time was a huge result.
What They Said
Agnese COCCHIERE (ITA) — Captain
How she feels about the comeback during the third quarter:
“Not very good, because we were hunted throughout the game, so I don’t like the feeling of that. Fortunately, we did what we did and we managed to achieve the result. So, I’m happy for this, but we have to work on it a lot.”
On the team’s positive takeaways:
“I see a lot of fight in the eyes of my girls, so this is positive. We are a new team.”
On the motivation of a win:
“I see the fire in the eyes of my girls, my team-mates. We have to work a lot and we did well as a result.”
Emmerson Houghton (NZL) — Goal Scorer
On how she feels after the match:
“I think we kept fighting. It was a good game, I think (in) the first two quarters we kept pushing really hard, but I think in the third quarter we started letting easy mistakes in and then it cost us on defence.”
On if she expected a surge in the Italian offence in the second half:
“We knew they were going to fight till the end; we expected them to keep fighting. Like I said, we just need to tweak up a few mistakes we have on our attack and then our defence will be better.”
On what message she wants to send to her rivals with this performance:
“I think we’ve just shown that we’re here to play and we want to keep pushing till the end. This is the first game and it’s a long tournament, so I think we just gotta keep moving.”
Match 5, Group C, JAPAN 25 CROATIA 12 (7-3, 4-3, 11-5, 3-1)
Japan made sure of victory with a solid first quarter that was needed to withstand the Croatian onslaught in the second quarter. It was 2-2 two and a half minutes into the first quarter and looking like a brilliant contest, especially with Croatia debuting at this level. Japan missed Doha last year but was the host in Fukuoka the year before. With the score level, Japan went on counter and buried the next five goals, three on counter and one on a drive while the first of the string came from the top and the safe arm of Yumi Arima. She was to go on and make her stamp on the match. Saya Sekine scored consecutive goals for 7-2 and then Croatian captain Matea Skelin converted an extra play off the right-post position for 7-3 at the turn.
Arima opened the second half with two blasts from the top, well-weighted shots that found pinpoint targets beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. Fuka Nishiyama converted a penalty foul, watched as Nina Medic fired from the top for Croatia and then swam up and scored her third goal for 15-7. Eruna Ura netted her fourth when finishing extra. Kako Kawaguchi scored twice in the closing stages with Arima scoring her sixth as Japan moved out to 22-11. Rozic twice and Skelin kept Croatia in play but it was all about Japan and how many goals it could finish with in the final eight minutes.
Arima and Kobayashi led the charge, but it took time and Croatia called a timeout at 3:06 when 24-11 down and earned a penalty foul. Jelena Butic converted for her second goal. Japan countered with the last goal for 25-12 in a quarter that Croatia would have been happy with, considering no Croatian player has played at this level.
Match Heroes
Arima was the undoubted star with seven goals in a total team effort. Ura and Nishiyama netted four apiece as 10 Japanese players made the sheet. For Croatia, Rozic grabbed four and Skelin three. The goalkeepers had a grand start to the tournament with Manami Noda pulling down nine saves and Haruka Inaba five for Japan. Croatia’s Latica Medvesek made 10 saves.
Turning Point
Moving from 2-2 to 7-2 and when Croatia came back to 8-6 behind, Japan romped out to 14-6.
Stats Don’t Lie
Japan converted three from four on extra and stopped two from six. Japan scored both penalty attempts and stopped one of three Croatian efforts. On steals, Japan made two to none and on overall shots, Japan went 43-34.
Bottom Line
Japan has been here before and played the Olympic Games. Croatia is just starting its journey.
What They Said
Shota HAZUI (JPN) — Head Coach
On the match:
“(This) match was difficult for us, it’s the first match in the tournament. (The) first match is very important because if it’s not good then the next match also won’t be good. So, we want to (aim) for a good game.”
On which countries he is looking forward to facing:
“Of course (there is) Croatia, then France. Great Britain, as well.”
On what result he’s hoping for this year:
“Our target is ninth place this time. But if we win the next match, maybe eighth.”
Matea SKELIN (CRO) — Captain
On the match:
“We are not really happy with the match today because we conceded a lot of goals, but they are stronger than us and more experienced than us and it is how it is. We tried our best, but we couldn’t score goals. Being two goals behind in the second quarter gave us a bit of confidence, but after that, they started going faster and faster and we were a little bit lost. When you start conceding one goal, two goals and three goals, it happens so quickly and we couldn’t come back after that. We learnt that we can’t stop going. Today we just stopped for one moment and that can’t happen again.”
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
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 3, Italy 3, New Zealand 0, Singapore 0.
Group B: Netherlands 3, United States of America 3, China 0, Argentina 0.
Group C: Japan 3, Hungary 3, Greece 0, Croatia 0.
Group D: Spain 3, Great Britain 3, France 0, 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