Arancini Helps Stingers to World Championship Bronze

Published On: 29 July 2019

An MVP performance from Zoe Arancini has sparked the Australian Stingers to a bronze medal win over Hungary at the 2019 FINA World Championships in Korea.

 

Arancini scored three goals for Australia as they recorded a morale boosting 10-9 win over the European heavyweights – in a result that stems renewed belief within the group that they can challenge for a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

 

Matches between the two nations have traditionally been hard fought affairs. Australia won bronze medals over the Hungarians at both the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games, with both matches requiring extra-time to determine a result.

 

There would be no extra-time on this ocassion, but there wasn’t much in it. Hungary called a time-out with four second left, but couldn’t find a miraclous finish to extend the contest.

 

With the first quarter closing level-pegging at 3-3, Australia managed to find a single goal advantage at both the half-time and three quarter time intervals.

 

A tense final quarter ensued, but the Aussies held their nerve to capture a significant reward for the group’s endeavour.

 

Arancini’s big-match temperament came to the fore, with the 28 year-old scoring important goals in the first half, which included two in the second quarter which helped establish the Stingers’ narrow winning margin. 

 


 

Having celebrated her birthday with the team during the World Championships in Korea, Arancini made sure the best present was saved for last – with a world championship medal – accompanied by the trophy for the Most Valuable Player.

 

Meanwhile, the Australian Sharks closed out their campaign with a four goal – 9-13 loss against Serbia which saw them finish competition, ranked sixth.

 

A top six finish however means the team – which now boasts a high level of senior international experience – will be looking for a medal round berth in Tokyo next year, which they only narrowly missed out on in Korea.

 

The Sharks team featured a strong core of WA representation, with Aaron Younger leading the team, which also included George Ford, Andy Ford and Tim Putt.