Australia Close World League Campaign Ranked Sixth

Published On: 27 June 2018

The Australian men’s water polo team has closed its FINA World League Super Final campaign ranked sixth.

The Sharks were defeated 10-8 by Croatia in their final match to determine fifth and sixth positions in the eight team tournament held in Hungary.

Despite finishing the campaign with just two wins from its six matches, the Australian set-up will be heartened by the fact they were competitive in each match played, particularly against some of the strongest nations in the world.

WA water polo star Aaron Younger scored two goals for the team in the defeat against Croatia – a nation that has won Olympic gold, Olympic silver and two world championship titles over the past 12 years.

The Australians created 22 shots on goal to Croatia’s 23 and generally matched the European heavyweights in most respects.

Crucially though, Croatia converted all four of its extra-man attacks, whilst the Australians scored only three, despite having two further opportunities.

The tournament has allowed some of its younger members to gain further top level international experience with the WA triumvirate of Tim Putt (19), Andrew Ford (23) and Nicholas Elphick (19) all receiving regular game time in Budapest.

The World League Super Final title was won by Montenegro in a penalty shootout success over hosts Hungary. Spain defeated Japan in the bronze medal match.