WATER POLO: The Aussie water polo men are going from strength to strength in Rio getting their first win of the 2016 Olympic Games defeating Japan 8-6.
After losing to Brazil in game one and drawing against powerhouse Hungary in game two, the Aussies were eager for a win but knew they would face a tough Japan outfit.
The Aussies were slow to start, with Japan leading after the first quarter 2-1. But the Aussies fought back in the second quarter to tie up the scores at half time 3-3.
It was in the third quarter that the Australian team showed why they are considered dangerous at these Olympics, getting three quick goals on the scoreboard. Japan didn’t let them get too far way getting two more goals to make it only one goal difference with the Aussies keeping a 6-5 lead after the third quarter.
The Aussies continued their strong defence in the final quarter and managed to get their first win, with Captain Rhys Howden said it was good to get the full points after today’s game.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game, we needed to focus on our defence and negate their counter attack which their really good at,” said Howden
“We got off to a slow start, but came back in the last two quarters. But we certainly can’t do afford to do that in the next couple of games.
“Direction from Elvis (Coach) at half time was to stay controlled and not to rush our attacks and extra man.
“We came out of our blocks in that third quarter and put three goals on them and from there kept out defence on them and we were able to hold them out for the rest of the game.
“They are a lot smaller than most of the teams so they have changed the style of play, they play very up in the lanes with no fouls so it’s very hard to move the ball around the perimeter. It definitely makes it more of a swimming game when you play them,” he said.
Australia will now take on Serbia in what will be one of the toughest match ups in the pool. With plenty of upsets in the pool draw, it could all come down to the game against Greece to determine whether the side progresses through to the next stage.
Match statistics
Full time score: AUS 8 JPN 6
Quarter time scores JPN-AUS: 1-2, 2-1, 3-2, 2-1
Australian goal scorers: Kayes (4 goals), Younger (3), Swift (1)
Goal Keeper: Joel Dennerley
Lauren Ryan
olympics.com.au
