Aussies Through to Quarter Finals
The Australian junior men’s water polo team have overcome the Netherlands 15-10 in their group crossover game at the FINA World Men’s Junior Water Polo Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan to progress the quarterfinal round.
Despite momentary surges in the Dutch attack, Australia were in control for the majority of the encounter, a strong start allowing the team up to dictate the pace of the game until the final whistle.
WAIS athletes Jordan Kremers-Taylor (three goals), Andrew Ford (two goals) and Will Mackay were all members of the Australian team that will now face Italy for a spot in the World Championship semi-finals.
In goals, Australian skipper Anthony Hrysanthos proved his value in both defence and offense, saving crucial goals while also stunning the crowd and his opponents with a full field shot that sailed past his Dutch counterpart and landed squarely in the back of the cage.
The win sets up an encounter with competitive European side Italy, who have enjoyed a one-day break courtesy of finishing first in their group following the preliminary rounds. The game is scheduled for 8.20pm local time tomorrow (Friday 10.20am Perth time) in Almaty.
While the Aussies had won their previous two games against Mexico and Iran, the Netherlands presented as a more seasoned opponent, and Hrysanthos praised his team for their effort ahead of the latter stages of the tournament.
“The boys started in the exact manner that we had talked about pre game,” Hrysnathos said.
“Our counter attack generated several scoring opportunities and our blocking was superb. Overall it was a great effort.
“It was nice to get a full field goal and it really deflated the Dutch, that allowed us to cruise to victory. We now look forward to our most important game of the tournament against Italy.”
Australia were strong from the outset as they raced to a 5-2 lead by the first break with five players contributing goals, highlighted by a shot from James Smith who converted, while submerged underwater and under pressure from the Dutch defence.
The goals rolled on for the Aussies in the second quarter with a further six, including Hrysanthos’ effort, taking their tally to 11 by half time, the Netherlands trailing on four. Despite a stronger third term that saw the Dutch range up on the lead, Australia held their nerve, and the lead, to be ahead 12-7 at the final change.
An even final term saw both sides score three goals, however it was an impeccable first half that set Australia up for victory, and had head coach Slobodan Macic beaming at full time.
“Our first half of water polo was the best half we have put together as a team,” Macic said.
“Our counter attack really troubled the Dutch and resulted in numerous goals. Our set defence continues to be solid, particularly our transition from press to zone.
“However we will need to work a lot harder against Italy to get a top four spot.”
Australia will now play Italy in the quarterfinals, and should they win, they will be the first Australian junior men’s team to play in the semi finals of a junior world championships competition since 2011.
-WaterPoloAus