It was another day of entertaining water polo play in Singapore. Three women’s teams (U.S., Australia, Hungary) are advancing towards a quarterfinal berth unscathed, while the duo of Spain and Britain set themselves up for a consequential competition this Tuesday.
The marquee match of the day took place within Group B between the #3 United States and the #2 Netherlands, the respective 2024 and 2023 World Champions. The U.S. came out on top 11-9, leaving them the only undefeated team in their group. American Emily Ausmus was named player of the match, putting three goals in the net for the stars and stripes.
Like America, #6 Australia and #4 Hungary are the lone 2-0 teams in their respective groups. After a close win against #5 Greece on the first day, the Hungarian women breezed past Group C foe Japan 33-13. During this high-scoring game, nobody got more balls through the net than the Hungarian duo of Vanda Valyi and Natasa Rybanska with six points each.
In Group A, meanwhile, Australia had a much closer game than their first against #22 Singapore. The Aussies downed #7 Italy 19-14, leading them to the top spot in their group. It was a good day to be an Oceanian team, as the #15 Kiwi women handed Singapore another loss 22-7.
While Australia, America, and Hungary all lead the way to qualifying for the quarterfinal in their groups, #1 Spain and #11 Great Britain have an extra step in Group D. Both teams have won each of their two games. Today, the Spaniards toppled their French neighbors 23-6, while Britain continued an impressive campaign by beating South Africa 12-3. British goalkeeper Cassidy Ball played a role in this score difference, boasting seven saves.
Spain, the 2024 Olympic Champions, and Great Britain will face off for the top spot in their group and a quarterfinals spot on July 15th. It will be the most high-stakes game of the day.
Other Day 3 Matches
- After falling to the U.S. on day one, #9 China picked up a sizable victory against #21 Argentina 29-9
- Greece came back from a close loss against Hungary, shutting out Croatia in a dominant 31-7 match-up
Group Standings Through 7/13 (Points)
Group A
#1 Australia — 6
#2 Italy –- 3
#2 New Zealand –- 3
#4 Singapore — 0
Group B
#1 The United States — 6
#2 The Netherlands — 3
#2 China — 3
#4 Argentina — 0
Group C
#1 Hungary — 6
#2 Japan — 3
#2 Greece — 3
#4 Croatia — 0
Group D
#1 Spain — 6
#1 Great Britain — 6
#3 France — 0
#3 South Africa — 0
