Australia Lose to Hungary in a Thriller

Australia suffered a heart breaking one goal loss (12-13) against the top ranked nation, Hungary in one of the most enthralling water polo matches of the tournament.

West Australian’s Tim Neesham, Jamie Beadsworth and James Stanton all played for the Sharks in a match no one thought Australia had a chance in. That sentiment seemed to be on the money when Hungary at one stage led 11-6 but a strong third term from the Australians set up a griping finale.

With less than two minutes remaining, Hungary missed a five metre penalty that would have buried the Australians, and at the other end Australia had two efforts that struck the woodwork without finding the back of the net that would have tied up the match. The second near miss occurred with ten seconds remaining with Australian spectators in the stadium celebrating as they thought the shot was good.

Despite the loss, Australia is still alive in the tournament, but faces a stern test against another world class team in Montenegro on Monday. A win is needed by the Australians if they hope to advance further in the tournament.