WATER POLO: The Australian Men’s Water Polo team overnight claimed silver medal at the FINA World League Intercontinental Tournament in Japan, after going down 10-9 to the USA.
With scores locked nine a piece, it came down to the final two seconds with USA firing a long-range shot to snatch the gold medal.
The silver medal placing secured the Aussies their spot in next month’s FINA World League Super Final in China which will form a vital part of their Rio 2016 preparations.
Despite the narrow loss, Australian Head Coach Elvis Fatovic acknowledged the improvement from the squad over the course of the Tournament.
“I am more satisfied with our presentation in this game. We played really good in defence, our attack and our structure - we created lots of opportunity but in the end was a little bit unlucky.
“Definatley this is huge improvement from the first game we played against the USA in this Tournament,” said Fatovic.
The Aussies won four from six games only suffering losses to the USA who were undefeated throughout the Tournament. The Tournament saw the Australians play Brazil and Japan, two the sides they’ll be up against in the preliminary rounds of the Rio Olympic Games.
London Olympian Johnno Cotterill admitted the side were disappointed to have not walked away with the gold medal after such a close final.
“It was disappointing to come away with the loss. We improved all week and we were really in there with a shot but in the end it didn’t turn our way.
“Our focus is always defence and I think this Tournament that was apparent. There was a lot of blow outs for other teams, but we stayed strong and steadfast in that,” said Cotterill.
The Aussie Men’s side now head to USA for training camp and test match Series with team USA.
Match Statistics
AUS v USA – Gold Medal Final
Final Score: AUS 9 - USA 10
Quarter Scores (AUS-USA): 3-3; 1-2; 4-2; 1-3
AUS Players: James Stanton-French, Richie Campbell, George Ford, Johnno Cotterill, Nathan Power, Jarrod Gilchrist, Aidan Roach, Tyler Martin, Joel Swift, Mitchell Emery, Rhys Howden, Lachlan Edwards, Joel Dennerley.
AUS scorers: Cotterill (3), Roach (3), Gilchrist (1), Swift (1), Howden (1)
Lauren Ryan
Water Polo Australia
