Russia claimed the 5th place at the women’s tournament at the World Championships in Gwangju.

The Russians defeated Italy in the game for the 5th position (10:9), thanks to a 6:0 run in the middle of the game.

The Netherlands, the European champion, beat Greece in the encounter for the 7th place (11:9).

18th FINA World Championships, women’s water polo tournament, Day 7

For 5th place

Russia – Italy 10:9 (3:3, 1:2, 5:2, 1:2)

Russia: Golovina, Bersneva 1 , Prokofyeva 2, Karimova, Tolkunova , Gorbunova 1, Serzhantova 1, Simanovich 2, Timofeeva 2, Soboleva 1, Ivanova, Ryzhakova, Karnaukh (11 saves). Head coach:Gaidukov.
Italy: Gorlero (10 saves), Tabani 1, Garibotti 1 , Avegno, Queirolo, R. Aiello, Picozzi, Bianconi 3, Emmolo 1, Palmieri, Chiappini 3, Viacava , Lavi. Head coach: Conti.

Extra player: Russia 4 (1), Italy 6 (3). Penalties: Russia 1 (0),Italy 2 (1).

In the seventh minute of the game, the score was 1:1, but in the last minute of the first quarter, both teams netted two goals apiece for 3:3 before the 2nd period.

Both teams worked hard for the next goal, but it took 6:37 minutes before Italy’s Garibotti scored for 4:3. Italy doubled an advantage a minute later, but Russia’s Timofeeeva converted an extra for 4:5 seven seconds from the middle break.

Early in the third period, Prokofyeva and Timofeeva put Russia ahead (6:5). Gorbunova added a goal from a counter-attack, while Simanovich and Prokofyeva gave Russia a big 9:5 advantage. Italy was able to come back. It scored two goals in the last 36 seconds of the quarter. Gariboti converted a penalty shot early in the fourth, while Bianconi equalized in the 29th minute (9:9). Just 31 seconds before the final buzzer, Serzhantova scored from the distance for a 10:9 win.

Two years ago, Russia won the bronze medal, while Italy was 6th as well as in Gwangju. Last year, Russia defeated Italy 14:8 in the match for the 5th place at the European Championships in Barcelona.

For 7th place

Greece – Netherlands 9:11 (2:1, 1:5, 6:4, 0:1)

Greece: Stamatopoulou (7 saves), Tsoukala, Benekou, Eleftheridou, Patra, Avramidou 1, Asimaki 1, Chydirioti 1, Kotsia 3, Ninou, Plevritou 1, Xenaki 2, Kotsioni. Head coach: Morfesis.
Netherlands: Koenders (8 saves), Megens 3, Genee 2, Van der Sloot 2, Wolves, Stomphorst, Rogge, Sevenich, Keuning 2, Koolhaas, Van de Kraats 1, Voorvelt, Buis. Head coach: Havenga.

Extra player: Greece 5 (2), Netherlands 12 (5).

Greece had a slim 2:1 advantage after the first period. The Dutch scored two goals in the 1st minute of the 2nd period to went in front (3:2). The Greeks equalized soon, but by the end of the first half, the Netherlands built a nice 6:3 lead. Greece managed to equalize just once (8:8).

The tournament in Gwangju was a disappointment for both sides. The Netherlands made two steps further comparing to Budapest 2017 when the team was 9th. However, as the European champion and Europa cup winner, the Netherlands team wanted to enter a battle for medals. But, they weren’t close to wins in the most important games (against the USA, Spain, Italy).

Greece, which was 7th in Budapest, also didn’t play as it was expected. The Greeks suffered a few losses with a big difference, as well as the Netherlands.

Final standings
5 Russia
6 Italy
7 Netherlands
8 Greece
9 Canada
10 Kazakhstan
11 China
12 New Zealand
13 Japan
14 South Africa
15 Cuba
16 South Korea

For more information about the Water Polo World Championship in Gwangju 2019 visit our tournament page or follow our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.