Greece women’s national water polo team suffered a second straight defeat in the World Cup Division 1 qualifiers, losing 13–10 to Australia women’s national water polo team in Rotterdam, complicating its path to the finals.
Playing without captain Eleftheria Plevritou and with Antonis Vlontakis acting as head coach due to the suspension of Haris Pavlidis, Greece now sits last in Group B and will compete for places 5–8, chasing the final remaining spot for the Sydney finals.
Greece will face Hungary women’s national water polo team on Monday (May 4), before rematches against Australia and Japan women’s national water polo team.
The Greek side struggled throughout, leading only once at 5–4 in the second period through Tornarou. Australia responded with three quick goals to seize control and maintained the advantage for the rest of the match.
Despite Tornarou equalising at 8–8 midway through the third quarter, Australia again pulled away with consecutive goals and extended the lead to 12–9 early in the final period. Greece’s inefficiency with the extra player, a missed penalty by Xenaki, and the exclusion of Myriokefalitaki proved costly.
The quarter scores were 4–4, 2–3, 3–4, 1–2, as Australia secured victory and strengthened its position in the group standings.
