Despite going down to Canada 10-8, the Aussie Sharks have still finished second in their side of the draw at the conclusion of the group stage of the 13th men’s water polo FINA World League Super Finals in Dubai.
The Australians finished the group stage with a win and two losses – bouncing back from their opening game defeat at the hands of world champions Hungary to overcome the USA before falling to Canada.
This meant the group became a three-way tie for second as Canada had lost to USA earlier and Australia had beaten USA. It came down to the goal differential between the three teams and Australia’s four-goal win over USA gave it a plus-two margin while Canada and USA had minus one.
Australia finished second and it came to a second tiebreak to separate the other two teams with USA grabbing third spot.
Australia will now face the improving Brazilian side in the sudden death quarterfinals to progress through to the semi finals and a shot at a podium finish.
The Australians were entitled to slight favouritism heading into the match against the Maple Leafs but Canada got off to the better start and led 3-2 at quarter time, Australia’s goals in the term coming courtesy of London Olympians Aidan Roach and WAIS athlete Aaron Younger.
In the second stanza Younger was at it again and was joined on the scorecard by captain Richie Campbell as both sides netted two more goals for Canada to head into the main break up 5-4.
The third period saw Australia score first via Campbell before the teams traded goals several times, Canada eventually leading 8-7 at the end of the quarter. Australia’s other goals in the term came via Campbell again and Tyler Martin.
The Canadians skipped out to a two-goal advantage early in the fourth quarter but when Martin converted in extraman halfway through the period it looked like the Australians could snatch a draw at the very least but it was to no avail. Canada scored the final strike of the match and with it a victory by two – their first win over the Aussie Sharks in ten years.
After the gameCampbell lamented Australia’s poor mental application.
“Today’s game was extremely disappointing due to once again a lack of mental preparation,” the skipper said.
“Weagain found ourselves on the back foot early in the game with our lack of aggression in defence. Our consistency needs to improve for us to develop as a unit.”
But the dual Olympian promised a changed Aussie Sharks team would show up to play Brazil.
“Tomorrow we come up against Brazil and I know the team will be ready after suffering a loss to them in the preliminary finals in Shanghai,” he said.
“Tomorrow will be a different team to today and I have full confidence that the boys will produce the goods.”
The match against Brazil will hold special meaning for Australian head coach Elvis Fatovic who will come up against his coaching mentor, Ratko Rudic. The pair, with Rudic as head coach and Fatovic as his assistant, guided Croatia to the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games, a triumph that gave Rudic his fourth Olympic gold with three countries.
Younger was joined in the Australian squad by fellow WAIS athletes George Ford and Ed Slade.
Australia’s game against Brazil is scheduled for 7.50pm Perth time tonight (Thursday).
The final two days of the tournament will streamed live and free of charge on FINAtv: http://finatv.fina.org
-WaterPoloAus
