Australian Sharks Record Japan Win
Water Polo: Australia v Japan
Athlete: Aaron Younger, Joel Swift, George Ford
Venue: Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre
Australia has recorded a hard-fought 8-6 win over Japan to register their first win of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games on Day 5 of competition.
Following an opening defeat to hosts Brazil and a draw with nine-time Olympic champion Hungary, the Aussie Sharks were in desperate need of a win, but they quickly found out that Japan would be no push over.
Adopting a high press defence line, the Japanese team restricted Australia’s path to the cage in the first quarter, forcing the Sharks into a series of shot-clock violations, turn-overs and attempts from distance.
Capitalising, Japan went to the first break 2-1 up.
The arm wrestle continued into the second quarter, with Australia winning it to level scores at 3-3 at half time, setting up a tense finish.
Australia found their rhythm in the third quarter, with driver Aaron Younger imposing himself and providing a particularly accurate option on extra-man attack, as the Sharks edged out to a 6-3 lead.
Japan again fought back with Australia holding a one-goal lead at the final change.
With the Aussies finding answers to the Japanese press, they were relatively comfortable in the final quarter, despite failing to kill off the game in terms of scoreboard pressure.
Centre forward Joe Kayes provided a productive option in attack for the Sharks, scoring four goals, whilst Younger’s form with three will have pleased head coach Elvis Fatovic.
There is still work to do for the Sharks, with four teams progressing to the quarter final stage from both groups. With matches to follow against gold medal favourites Serbia and the highly polished Greece outfit, they will need another victory to keep alive their hopes of a berth in the cross over quarter finals.
Australia will face Serbia at 9:10pm Perth time on Saturday evening, with Greece following at 1:10am on Monday evening.