The Australian Sharks men’s water polo team have gone down to Montenegro 8-5 in a nail biting extra-time penalty shootout in their final round robin stage game at the FINA World League finals in Florence.

Australia trailed by a goal at half time before clawing their way back into the match in the third period with a goal and a brilliant defensive effort that kept the Montenegrins scoreless.

The teams traded strikes in the final term and were locked at four goals a piece at the end of regular time before Montenegro clinched the win with a 3-1 advantage in the penalty shootout.

Despite the loss the match was a confidence booster for the Sharks after they held chances to win against the renowned Montenegrin side that won the silver medal at this tournament last year.

Australian captain and dual Olympian Sam McGregor said his side had chances to win in normal time.

“It’s disappointing it came down to penalties after we had genuine opportunities to win the game,” McGregor said.

“But we can still take a way the fact it was a well fought out defensive effort by the team.”

Australia now faces a monumental task to qualify for the medal rounds with a quarter final against host nation Italy tomorrow. The Italians blitzed Australia 11-3 in home waters in a tournament two weeks ago.

Australian Water Polo