WATER POLO: The Australian men’s water polo team have begun their 16th FINA World Championships campaign on a winning note, easing away to a 10-4 victory against Japan in Kazan, Russia.
Following a string of fluctuating performances in the lead up to the world championships a consistent display was a welcome change for the Sharks, who executed opportunities in offense to establish an early lead that would remain unchallenged throughout the encounter.
While Japan put in a competitive second quarter, it was the second half where the Sharks did the damage as they scored six goals to Japan’s two. Between the posts Victorian goalkeeper James Stanton-French underpinned a tight defensive effort, especially in the final term where all but one shot from a late wave of Japanese attack was stopped.
Australia coach Elvis Fatovic was pleased with the team’s ability to stick to their game plan, saying it was a vital game to win leading into their next game of the preliminary round against Montenegro.
“This was a very important game for us to start the tournament well, the focus of our training leading into the world championships was to put in a strong defensive game and stay with the game plan,” Fatovic said.
“Japan has a very strong counter attacking game and we needed to protect the ball and maintain our possession. We are satisfied that we controlled their counter attack and played the game how we wanted to.
“Our extra man attack was pleasing as we created good opportunities from our movements and converted well.
“Our next game against Montenegro, who were silver medallists at the last world championships and will be a big challenge. They are very physical and very powerful with some of the best players in the world. Our defence must hold well and we need to take our opportunities when they are presented to create a good result.”
Aussie captain Rhys Howden had opened the scoring for the game and was soon followed by Aaron Younger, both finding the back of net for their first of two goals as the Australians led 2-0 at the first break. An even second quarter saw Japan register two goals, an effort equalled by Australia who held a 4-2 half time lead.
Richie Campbell scored his second and third goals to put his side on the front foot in the third term as Australia opened up a four goal, 7-3 lead at the final change. Although Japan applied the blowtorch to Australia’s defence early in the fourth period they could only muster a single goal for their efforts, while the Aussies sent home a further three goals, two on counter attack to seal the victory.
Howden reiterated Fatovic’s comments, saying that the Sharks now have confidence ahead of their next game on Wednesday.
“It was a great start to the tournament for us. Our focus was on our defence and to stop their counter attack,” Howden said.
“We did a great job to stick to the plan and mitigate their strengths, their only goals came off extra man opportunities.
“Although we ran away with the game in the second half, we still need to improve on a few things leading into our game against Montenegro. They are physical, but I am confident we can have a good result against them.”
The Aussie Sharks next assignment is against world number four Montenegro with the game to be played at 8.30pm AEST in Wednesday July 30 in Kazan, Russia.
James Stanton-French (VIC), Richie Campbell (NSW), Nathan Power (NSW), George Ford (WA), Joel Swift (WA), Tyler Martin (NSW), Rhys Howden (QLD), Jarrod Gilchrist (NSW), Mitch Emery (NSW), Johnno Cotterill (NSW), Aidan Roach (NSW), Aaron Younger (WA)
Result: Australia 10 bt Japan 4
Quarters: 2-0, 2-2, 3-1, 3-1
Water Polo Australia
