While Croatia, who were champions at London 2012 and silver medallists at Rio 2016 came into the game as the favourites, the Australians knew they had the players to deliver in both attack and defence. 

Captain Aaron Younger was pleased with how his team rallied after the loss to Montenegro. 

“I think everyone was a bit disappointed after the first game - we played well in the first half but let it slip in the second. So we had to refocus and regroup and the boys did great today to do that,” Younger said. 

“There were some first game jitters (against Montenegro)… but I think we were able to get over that and today I think the boys were really able to push for the full four quarters. You could feel the energy and the ability that we do have.” 

Eight of the Sharks scored with Richie Campbell leading the way with three and Blake Edwards scored twice.  

The Australians had a 3-1 lead in the first quarter before two quick goals for Croatia levelled at the break. The Sharks kept Croatia scoreless in the second quarter and led 5-3 at half-time.

The Aussies then extended to 7-3 in the third quarter before Croatia hit back to go into the final break only one goal back (7-6). There was no fading for the Sharks as they continued to create chances in attack and scored four goals to Croatia’s two in the final quarter. 

In goal 25-year-old Anthony Hrysanthos from Sydney made a memorable Olympic debut, and was praised by the captain. 

“We had Anthony (Hrysanthos) playing his debut today, and it was an incredible day for him,” Younger said. 

“It’s a great confidence boost, we’ll be playing the current Olympic champions in our next game so it’s definitely going to be a hard one. 

“This is definitely a bit of a confidence boost for the boys knowing we can play against these top powerhouses. 

“If we defend like we did today, we can do anything,” he said. 

Defence was key for the Aussie Sharks with Anthony Hrysanthos invaluable in goals on his Olympic Games debut. 

“It’s very special - for me to play in my first Olympic Games, it’s a lifelong effort. 

“I’m very happy that I was able to play well today, and get the win - it’s a special occasion for me. 

“Playing against a tough team like Croatia, they’ve been one of the teams that have medalled in almost every competition in the last four to five years. So to get that win today is very good for our confidence. 

“To be able to show, especially from two days ago, that we can come back and play a consistent four quarters and not let us slip in defence is really good. 

“This Australian team is something really special and the teamwork that we’ve put in over these last 4-5 years is amazing,” he said. 

Next up the Aussie Sharks take on reigning Olympic champions Serbia on Thursday 29 July at 7:50pm JST (8:50pm AEST). Serbia lost to Spain by one and had a big win over Kazakhstan from their games to date. 

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