Day two of the World Aquatics World Cup drew to a close this evening with two resounding victories for the Netherlands and Hungary.
In the last game of the day, Hungary proved too strong for the Stingers, running away with a 17-11 win. Hungary controlled the game from start to finish, with Magyar wingers Dorottya Szilagyi, Greta Gurisatti and Kata Hajdu having a field day in front of goal.
In the game before, the Netherlands blew Greece out of the water with a brutal first-half display that saw them lead 7-1 at half-time. The Greeks ultimately did well to save face, and bring the game to 14-10, but they still remain without a win ahead this week, and will likely play for 5th place back home in Athens next week. Simone Van de Kraats was the Dutch hero with four scores.
Tomorrow will see the two teams with perfect records in Group A meet, with the Netherlands taking on Hungary. Greece and Australia will tussle for pride.
Earlier in the day, Italy stunned Spain 13-9, while the USA eased past China 12-5. You can read the reports from those games here.
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Day 2, Women’s World Cup 2023 Rotterdam – Group A
Netherlands 14 – 10 Greece (3-0, 4-1, 5-4, 2-5)
Netherlands: L. Aarts, I. Wolves, B. Sleeking 1, S. Van der Sloot 1, M.Keuning 2, B. Rogge 2, V. Sevenich 1, K. Joustra, L. Rogge 3, V. Sevenich, K. Joustra, L. Rogge, L. Moolhuijzen, N. Ten Broek, B. Van den Dobbelsteen
Greece: C. Diamantopoulou, S. Santa, E. Elliniadi 1, N. Eleftheriadou 2, M. Plevritou, E. Xenaki 1, E. Ninou 2, F. Tricha, F. Angelidi, V. Plevritou 2, A. Giannopoulou 1, M. Myriokefalitaki, 1 I. Stamatopoulou
The Netherlands put on a sensational first-half show to secure their second victory over Greece in Rotterdam, leaving the shell-shocked visitors reeling with a 14-10 scoreline.
From the get-go, the Dutch dominated the game, taking a commanding 7-0 lead in the opening 14 minutes, leaving Greece struggling to find their footing. Particularly in attack, the Greeks were completely lifeless.
The Dutch team showcased some breathtaking attacking play and demonstrated impressive defensive unity, putting in a flawless first-half performance that left the Greek side reeling. Although Greece pushed hard and missed a few crucial chances, they were no match for the Dutch’s unstoppable onslaught.
Simone Van de Kraats was once again a standout performer for the Netherlands, delivering an outstanding performance and netting an impressive four goals in the match. Lieke Rogge also put in a strong display, although she missed a penalty in the first half.
Coach Eva Doudesis will no doubt be pleased with the team’s performance and result, especially after defeating his home nation. On the other hand, Greece’s Alexia Kammenou will have little to celebrate after her team’s lackluster performance.
Despite some hard-fought efforts, the Greeks were unable to break the Netherlands’ lead in the opening half, trailing 3-0 going into the second period. Simone Van de Kraats set the tone with an explosive opener before slotting in a penalty, while Bente Rogge added the third goal moments later.
A lengthy VAR check ruled in favor of the Netherlands, with Van de Kraats’ shot crossing the goal-line, much to Kammenou’s frustration. Soon after, the Dutch continued their rampage with Maartje Keuning, Vivian Sevenich, and Bente Rogge all adding to the scoreboard.
Finally, Greece found their footing with a long-range effort from Eirini Ninou, but the Netherlands remained firmly in control, taking a 9-1 lead into the third period. Although Greece mounted a lukewarm comeback with two goals from Nikoleta Eleftheriadou, the Dutch were always going to be too far ahead to be caught, eventually finishing the match 12-5.
In the final quarter, Greece mounted a mini-comeback, with Vasiliki Plevritou netting two goals, alongside efforts from Eirini Ninou, Eleni Xenaki, and Maria Myriokefalitaki, but it was not enough to undo the damage done in the first half. In the end, the Netherlands emerged victorious with a well-deserved victory, while Greece will need to regroup before their next match.
Hungary 17 – 11 Australia (6-2, 2-4, 5-1, 4-4)
Hungary: A. Magyari, D. Szilagyi 4, V. Valyi 1, G. Gurisatti 3, G. Mahieu 1, R. Parkes 2, Z. Mate, R. Keszthelyi 2, D. Leimeter 1, P. Pocze, K. Farago, K. Hajdu 3, B. Neszmely
Australia: G. Palm, P. Casey 1, T. Fasala, S. Hearn, B. Leeson-Smith 2, A. Andrews 1, C. Andrews 1, A Ridge 1, Z. Arancini 2, B. McLean, S. Pontre, E. Armit 2, G. Longman
Hungary produced an impressive performance to secure a 17-11 victory over Australia in their second match of the Women’s World Cup.
At times, Attila Biro’s squad looked unstoppable in the attacking third. They were quick and physical in defence, shutting down the Stingers and limiting their scoring opportunities.
Despite a rough start, Australia fought back well. But the Hungarians came storming back early in the second half with sharp attacking play that Australia had no answer to.
Dorottya Szilagyi, a player who has spent considerable time in Australia, scored four goals against the stingers today. Greta Gurisatti of FTC and Kata Hajdu of UVSE both scored three times.
The win means that the Hungarians are two from two, and will now face the other undefeated team in the Group tomorrow, the Netherlands.
Despite an early goal from Zoe Arancini giving Australia the lead, Hungary responded with a flurry of goals from a variety of scorers. Dorottya Szilagyi and Kata Hajdu both netted well on the left wing, while Rebecca Parkes and Geraldine Mahieu also found the back of the net. The Magyars were comfortably in control of the match.
Australia gradually found their rhythm and began to threaten Hungary, with Abby Andrews causing particular problems for the Hungarian defence. Two precise finishes from Andrews reduced the deficit, and goals from Amy Ridge and Pascalle Casey cut the Hungarian lead to 8-6.
However, with the help of braces from two of their deadly snipers, Dorottya Szilagyi and Rita Keszthelyi, the Hungarians were able to put the game out of the stingers’ reach. The lightning-fast Vanda Valyi scored on a breakaway with 16 seconds remaining to give Hungary a 13-7 lead with eight minutes to play.
Early in the fourth quarter, Elle Armit of the Queensland Thunder picked out a beautiful lob that kept the Hungarians on edge. However, the Magyars quickly responded with a goal by Dora Leimeter, her first of the game, from the 5m penalty line. Greta Gurisatti’s late game conversion effectively ended it. Despite Australia’s late-game scoring, they were never a threat to Hungary.
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