As the second day of the women’s competition comes to an end in Hungary, there were some massively entertaining games with some excellent water polo on show.
The story of the day is that the hosts, Hungary, were beaten in a world class performance by Italy in a packed-out Alfred Hajos. The massive result for Carlo Silipo and his Setterosa means that the Italians will almost certainly finish top of the group, while Hungary still need to face Canada to determine where they finish.
Elsewhere, Spain and Greece tied 10-10 in Group D, as the young shoulders of Elena Ruiz led the way for the Spaniards. In Debrecen, the United States had the quality to beat the Netherlands, while Australia bossed the Oceania derby against New Zealand. Kazakhstan surprised many by outmatching Brazil, while France defeated Thailand, and Canada bossed Colombia.
Today’s Results (22nd June)
Group A (Budapest)
Colombia 2-22 Canada (1-3, 1-5, 0-7, 0-7)
Colombia: S. Agudelo, A. Rivera, V. Restrepo 1, C. Ortega Fuentes 1, A. Caicedo, J. Atehortua, D. Marin, C. Lastre, M. Serna, S. Vanegas, S. Atehortua, A. Correa, I. Chamorro
Canada: J. Gaudreault, K. McKee, A. Crevier 3, E. Wright 2, A. Amorosa 2, G. Sohi 2, V. Bakoc 4, R. Lekness 1, H. McKelvey 5, K. Christmas 3, K. Paul, S. La Roche, C. Vulpisi
Canada will be grateful for an easy run-out this evening against a determined but ultimately weaker Colombia. While the game was close on the scoreline in the first period, the Canadians picked off the South American’s with some impressive attacking play.
Hayley McKelvey had an outstanding game, scoring five. She had a hand in practically everything that Canada did well.
At times it was like a training session for the Maples, as Verica Bakoc scored four, Kyra Christmas and Axelle Crevier scored trios. Emma Wright, Amanda Amorosa and Gurpreet Sohi all scored braces.
Italy 10-9 Hungary (3-4, 2-2, 3-1, 2-1)
Italy: L. Teani, C. Tabani, C. Marletta, S. Avegno, E. Queirolo, S. Giustini, D. Picozzi, R. Biaconi, G. Emmolo, V. Palmieri, G. Galardi, G. Viacava, C. Banchelli
Hungary: E. Gangl, D. Szilagyi, V. Valyi, G. Gurisatti, Z. Mate, R. Parkes, G. Mahieu, R. Keszthelyi-Nagy, D. Leimeter, N. Rybanska, K. Farago, K. Garda, A. Magyari
An inspired Italy have beaten Hungary by a single goal in front of a packed Alfred Hajos.
In the box office game of the day under the lights on Margaret Island, Italy showed real guts to come out and perform in front of a hugely partisan crowd. They trailed for much of the game, but found the goals when they needed them, and defended stubbornly. It was a classic Italian performance, of excellent defending pared with breath-taking, clinical finishing.
You have to say that the Hungarians did seem to take their foot off the gas after an initially strong start. They converted well on the extra-player situations and really put Italy under pressure – evident from Hungary’s third goal, when Roberta Biaconi fumbled the ball back to an unexpectant Caterina Banchelli, giving Rebecca Parkes the easiest of finishes.
In fact, Hungary were getting a lot of joy at centre-forward, something that the Italians stopped in the second half.
But when the tide turned, and Italy settled, they played some outstanding water polo that Hungary couldn’t find an answer to. Claudia Marletta had a quite outstanding game for the Setterosa, converting important goals, leading her side, and staying calm under pressure (particularly for the penalty that put the score at 8-7).
And that may have been the problem tonight for Attila Biro’s side. They were incredibly pumped to be playing in such a magnificent theatre, with a fantastic crowd urging them on. But they were guilty of choking at times, particularly on a number on extra-player situations that came their way in the last quarter.
It was a bad night in the end for the Magyars, but is by no means a disaster for the hosts. They will, however, desperately need a win on Friday against an in-form Canadian side to avoid a really awkward game in the knock-out rounds. Italy will now secure a top place finish if they can beat Colombia.
For the Italians, its the sort of game that turns heads. They have shown tonight that they can play in the toughest environment and grind out a result. The results tonight is the sort of result that may well start a conversation about them being favourites for a medal.
Group B (Debrecen)
Argentina 7-6 South Africa (1-1, 1-2, 3-1, 2-2)
Argentina: N. Stegmayer, L. Ruiz Castellani, C. Leonard 3, A. Hatcher, L Ianni 1, L. Romano Maitena, J. Auliel, C. Comba, I. Riley, A. Agnesina, A. Bacigalupo 1, D. Gerschovsky, L. Canales
South Africa: D. Passoni, T. Macdonell, P. Tancrel 1, A. Thornton-Dibb 1, I. Akomolafe, H. Muller, S. January, E. Zondo 1, N. Macleod, R. Versfeld, A. Vaughan 2, C. Meecham 1, M. Maartens.
A goal eight seconds from time by Julieta Auliel broke South African hearts, and secured a historic World Championship win for the South Americans.
Right from the off, the game was tight in every respect. The game continued in that vein throughout, which is why the South Africans will be particularly disappointed.
The difference between the two sides in the match may well be down to Cecilia Leonard – who scored three outstanding goals for the Argentinians, particularly when they trailed.
South Africa would have been hoping this was their day to secure a World Championship victory. Instead, they face the daunting prospect of the Netherlands tomorrow.
United States 11-7 Netherlands (3-2, 3-1, 3-2, 2-2)
United States: A. Johnson, M. Musselman 4, T. Prentice, R. Fattal 1, A. Johnson, M. Steffens, S. Haralabidis 1, R. Neushul 2, D. Mammolito 1, K. Gilchrist 1, B. Weber, J. Raney 1, A. Longan
Netherlands: L. Aarts, I. Wolves 1, B. Sleeking 1, S. Van der Sloot, L. Moolhuijzen 2, S. Van de Kraats 2, R. Voorvelt, V. Sevenich, K. Joustra, I. Koolhaas, M. Schaap, N. Ten Broek 1, S. Buis
Maddy Musselman showed tonight why she is considered to be the best player in the world as her four goals led the United States to a 11-7 victory over the Netherlands.
While the USA always were ahead from when Musselman scored inside the opening moments, we saw a stronger, more competitive Dutch side, who may be quietly content with the result.
Ryan Neushul had another strong game, as did Rachel Fattal – who was barely rested in the match. Like Fattal, Ashleigh Johnson in the American goal played the whole match, and recorded an impressive twelve saves.
Simone Van de Kraats scored a double, while Eva Doudesis will be happy that the youngest player in his squad, Lola Moolhuijzen, also netted twice.
The USA will now almost certainly top Group B, while something extraordinary would have to transpire if Netherlands failed to beat South Africa tomorrow.
Group C (Sopron)
Australia 11-2 New Zealand (3-1, 4-1, 3-0, 1-0)
Australia: G. Palm, P. Casey, T. Fasala, B. Halligan 3, B. Leeson-Smith, A. Andrews 1, C. Andrews 1, A. Ridge 1, Z. Arancini 2, L. Mihailovic 1, T. Kearns 1, H. Ballesty 1, G. Longman
New Zealand: J. Milicich, E. Nicholson 1, B. Doyle, E. Gault, G. Milicich, M. McDowall 1, E. Houghton, K. McKenty, S. Shorter-Robinson, G. Macdonald, M. Josephson, M. Quin, B. Layburn
Despite the best efforts of Angie Winstanley-Smith’s New Zealand side, they were convincingly beaten by their closest neighbours, Australia.
While the first period of the game was somewhat close, Australia made their chances count, and led 3-1.
In the second period though, the Aussie Stinger pulled away, and shut out the Kiwis for good.
Bronte Halligan netted three in the game. Her goals were of a really high quality, with two in particular a fantastic demonstration of how to score from a cross-face position.
Brazil 6-10 Kazakhstan (2-3, 2-2, 1-1, 1-4)
Brazil: T. Pregolini, A. Pinciroli, M. Cosmo, K. Leao 1, J. Cavalvante 1, M. Marrani, S. Ferreira, L. Quinn, L. Belorio 1, R. Moreira 1, M. Coutinho 2, A. Amaral, I. Mendes
Kazakhstan: A. Zharkimbayeva, D. Pochinok, V. Anossova, A. Turova 3, A. Yeremina 3, D. Roga, A. Novikova, D. Muravyeva, N. Shapovalova, V. Khritankova 1, A. Mirshina 2, A. Murataliyeva, M. Martynenko
Hat-tricks apiece for Anastassiya Yeremina and Anna Turova secured Kazakhstan’s first win of these world championships, as Brazil contemplate potentially losing all of their group games ahead of their next game against Australia.
While the game was tied at 4-4 just moments before the end of the second period, two goals without a response for Kazakhstan was a big enough cushion ahead of a goal-less final quarter.
Marat Naureazbekov may now ponder what is in store for his side in their final group-stage game against New Zealand – who had a tough run-out today against Australia. The 2nd spot in Group C may still yet to be determined.
Group D (Szeged)
Spain 10-10 Greece (2-3, 4-3, 2-2, 2-2)
Spain: L. Ester, C. Nogue, A. Espar 1, B. Ortiz 3, N. Perez, I. Gonzalez, E. Ruiz 4, P. Pena, J. Forca Ariza, P. Camus, M. Garcia Godoy 1, P. Leiton 1, M. Terre
Greece: I. Stamatopoulou, E. Plevritou 3, I. Chydirioti, E. Elliniadi, M. Plevritou 1, E. Xenaki 2, E. Ninou 1, M. Patra, C. Siouti, V. Plevritou 3, A. Giannopoulou, M. Myriokefalitaki, E. Sotireli
We were treated to an amazing fixture in Szeged between two of Europe’s top sides, with Spain and Greece holding each other to a 10-10 draw.
Spain owe much to their young superstar, Elena Ruiz, who scored four times in the game, including the last equalizing goal. Bea Ortiz had a great first half, netting three, but went missing in the second half.
On the balance of play, Greece probably deserved the win. They led by two goals on two occasions in the match. Sisters Eleftheria and Vasiliki Plevritou secured hat-tricks.
Greece may rue their missed chances, including a Ioanna Chydirioti penalty that was saved by Martina Terre. Stamatopoulou in the Greek goal, however, saved a penalty for her side from Anni Espar.
However, both are still unbeaten, and that number one spot in the group is still up for grabs going into the last matchday.
Thailand 8-24 France (2-6, 2-7, 0-7, 4-4)
Thailand: N. Mouksun, T. Kwantongtanaree, P. Rotchanarut, W. Nilklad 1, N. Khamma, K. Puenpongsakul 1, K. Puangtong 4, B. Khunprathum, R. Rueangsappaisan 1, I. Turon 1, Y. Turon, P. Rodwattanadisakul, P. Arsayuth
France: C. Vidal, E. Millot 4, G. Fitaire, C. Bouloukbachi, , Guillet 6, K. Benlekbir 1, J. Dhalluin, A. Battu 2, E. Vernoux 3, V. Bahia 3, C. Radosavljevic, A. Daule 3, A. Collas
As expected, France didn’t slip up against Thailand, although Emilien Bugeaud may be slightly concerned with some of the defending by his team at stages in the game.
All in all though, the result wasn’t really in question. And with the Thai goal at the mercy of the French shooters, you can understand their desire to score rather than defend.
Louise Guillet netted six in the game. Guillet’s tally was followed closely by Estelle Millot, who scored four. Bahia and Vernoux grabbed a trio of goals, while Dhalluin and Battu settled for braces.
Neither team will look forward to their next games, as the French visit the Greeks, while Thailand have to face Spain.
Day 3 Fixtures (24th June)
United States vs Argentina
Brazil vs Australia
Thailand vs Spain
Netherlands vs South Africa
Kazakhstan vs New Zealand
France vs Greece
Italy vs Colombia
Hungary vs Canada
Road to the Finals
Crossover round (June 26):
Match 1: 2A – 3B
Match 2: 3A – 2B
Match 3: 2C – 3D
Match 4: 3C – 2D
Quarterfinals (June 28):
QF1: 1A – winner Match 3
QF2: 1B – winner match 4
QF3: 1C – winner match 1
QF4: 1D – winner match 2
Semi-finals: (June 30):
SF1: winners QF1 – QF2
SF2: winners QF3 – QF4
Finals (July 2)
Final: winner SF1 vs winner SF2
