Stingers Set up Quarter Final Showdown with Hungary
Water Polo: Australia v Brazil
Athlete: Gemma Beadsworth, Glencora McGhie, Zoe Arancini
Venue: Maria Lenk Aquatic Centre
Australia’s women’s water polo team have powered home for a 10-3 win over hosts Brazil in the final pool stage of the Rio Olympic Games.
Despite a very vocal home crowd, the Aussies outclassed the Brazilians and showed why they are favourites to finish on the podium.
It was another physical and aggressive game from both sides, with the Australians delivering a strong defensive game.
Captain Bron Knox led her side from the front and said despite the slow start, the team put in a solid performance.
“We got off to a rusty start, probably a bit more nerves and the noise was something we’re not familiar with, which led to a bit of miscommunication in that first quarter,” Knox said.
“But after that everyone settled down, we put away our opportunities and really made the most of it and came away with a great win.”
The win will see Australia finish second in their pool behind Italy, meaning they will face Hungary in the Quarter Final.
Australia has faced off against Hungary at the last two Olympic Games in the bronze medal decider and have come away with the win.
Come Monday when competition moves to the Olympic Aquatic Stadium, the side will look to continue their good record against the European heavy weights.
“Hungary have a strong side this year, they have shooters all over the place, they’ve got strengths in a number of different areas.
“We’ve played them quite a number of times now, played them in two Olympic medal matches – so we’ll just sit down, review the game tapes and make sure our defence is on point like today.
“It is getting quite heavy out there (in the pool), it’s an Olympic Games.
“You’ve got to be able to adapt. The USA are quite physical, Italy will swim at you and over, Hungary and Spain will play zone defence. You have to be able to adapt depending on your opposition and the referees,” Knox explained.
In the other quarter-finals Italy vs China, USA vs Brazil and Russia vs Spain.
Lauren Ryan
olympics.com.au