Australia’s Stingers have achieved the unimaginable by toppling the three-time defending women’s water polo champions, the USA, in a thrilling penalty shootout, securing their place in the Olympic gold medal match in Paris.
Under the leadership of Captain Zoe Arancini, the Stingers overturned their fortunes against the world champions, who had dominated them in a three-match series back in April. In a historic and nerve-wracking shootout on Friday morning at La Defense Arena, they clinched a 14-13 victory.
This remarkable win marks the first time an Australian women’s team has reached the final since the 2000 squad triumphed in Sydney’s inaugural event. It also guarantees them their first medal since claiming bronze in 2012.
In the final, they’ll face Spain, who edged out the Netherlands 19-18 in another penalty shootout after 14-all tie in regulation.
Greece’s women’s water polo team defeated by Hungary
Greece’s women’s water polo team suffered yet another defeat at the Paris Olympics. Although they started well, Greece was defeated 12-9 by Hungary in a qualifying match and will now challenge for seventh place against Canada on Saturday morning.
In a match where there were constant suspensions, the national team started with average percentages (3/7), but clearly better than Hungary’s at 0/5.
The Greek team took a 4-1 lead in the middle of the second eight minutes but at some point, Hungary found solutions and equalized 4-4. The half ended in a draw.
In the third period, the match “opened” with the big star of Hungary, Rita Keszthelyi, finding two identical goals and giving her team a 7-6 lead. In the last eight minutes, the Greek team seemed to run out of strength and Hungary increased the difference and “cleaned up” the game.
