Womens World ChampionshipTeams

Group A	Group B	Group C	Group D
Canada	Australia	New Zealand	Brazil
Greece	Italy	Uzebekistan	USA USA   Kate Baldoni, GK, (Corona del Mar HS/Stanford)   Kaley Dodson, ATT, (Los Alamitos HS)   Annika Dries, CTR, (Laguna Beach HS/Stanford)   Emily Greenwood, DEF, (Buchanan HS/UCLA)   Ashley Grossman, CTR, (Harvard Westlake)   Sami Hill, GK, (Dos Pueblos HS)   Erin Manke, ATT, (Bishop Alemany HS/LMU)   Brooke Martin, ATT, (Chaparral HS/UCLA)   Kelly Mendoza, UT, (Monte Vista HS)   Kiley Neushul, ATT, (Dos Pueblos HS)   Colleen O'Donnell, DEF, (Palos Verdes HS)   Madeline Rosenthal, DEF, (Ransom Everglades)   Dominique Sardo, ATT, (The Bishop's/USC)   Maggie Steffens, ATT, (Monte Vista HS)   Head Coach: Kyle Utsumi   Asst. Coach: Kim Everist   Team Leader: Alan Cima
Germany	Spain	Hungary	Netherlands
	Kazakhstan	South Africa	Russia

Sunday, August 9th

Russia plays to a home crowd and stalls USA charge

By Russell McKinnon
FINA Press Commission Member

Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia (August 9).— Russia struck first blood on day one of the VIII FINA World Junior Women’s Water Polo Championships in this western Siberian city tonight.
Perennial favourite the United States of America felt the full wrath in the “Group of Death” loss to the host nation, performing in front of a capacity crowd at the Ugra University pool.

Russia came back from 2-0 down to lead 7-5 at halftime and 11-7 at the last break to beat the USA by an incredible 15-11 margin.

Group A is the little group following the late withdrawal of Mexico, meaning just one game a day. Canada romped home 15-6 over Germany and the group will probably be decided with tomorrows clash against Greece.

Group B is the other part of the super hard half of the draw. Australia held off Spain 11-9 and Italy defeated Kazakhstan 15-7. The group could be decided when Australia and Italy play tomorrow.

Group C saw Hungary pull away from New Zealand 15-9 while the lesser teams in the group, South Africa and Uzbekistan played a battle royale with the Africans winning 15-8.

#1 CAN 15 vs GER 6 Scoresheet
Quarters: 3-1, 4-2, 4-0, 4-3

Extra Man: CAN 1/8; GER 1/2

CANADA: Michele RELTON, Kelly McKEE, Elisabeth HENRY (3), Rebekka STEENKAMER, Sarah McILVEEN (2), Michelle CARON (1), Chelsea DAVISON, Breda VOSTERS (2), Allison CAMPBELL (1), Hanna YELIZAROVA (2), Kirstn MASE (c, 2), Shae FOURNIER (2), Nicola COLTERJOHN. Head Coach: Nishant DAMANI.

GERMANY: Bianca AHRENS, Alena LUEBKE, Anne REUTER (1), Luise ZIMMERMANN, Bianca SEYFERT (1), Lara MISHCHEL, Stephanie MOTTE (1), Jennifer STIEFEL, Jana SCHIMANSKI, Valeria LABSIN (c, 1), Tatjana STEINHAUER (2), Sina VAN DER BOSCH, Jannika DOULIS. Head Coach: Jens REINHARDT.

Canada made light work of Germany in the first quarter and continued the charge in the second period. Germany struggled to penetrate the press defence early but did make inroads with a drive down the left, one on extra and STEINHAUER’s excellent centre-forward goal. Canada’s lot included captain MASE’S opening goal of the tournament from two metres and Henry’s penalty shot. The second period opened with AHRENS’ fantastic penalty stop but it was the only joy as Canada scored from a three-metre muscle shot bu HENRY and two McILVEEN goals, one off counter and the other from eight metres, plus CARON’s lob. MOTTE scored a bouncer in the fourth period after a 16-minute drought, sparking a mini-revival with REUTER and STEINHAUER adding to the tally but Canada had the game squared away thanks to two late VOSTERS goals.

Coaches’ Comments:

Nishant DAMANI (CAN): “I thought we came out strong for the first game of the tournament. I’m happy with the progress of a lot of our players from last summer. We definitely need to improve on our power play (six on five). I think we’ll be OK.”

Jens REINHARDT (GER): “It was quite a good game for us as Canada was the favourite. I think, 15-6 was the correct result. The Canadians got some easy goals. Both goalies played well but tomorrow is our final against Greece

#2 AUS 11 vs ESP 9 Scoresheet

Quarters: 1-2, 4-2, 5-4, 1-1

Referees: Gyorgy JUHASZ (HUN), Alex STANKEVTCH (USA).

Extra Man: AUS 1/4; ESP 4/8

AUSTRALIA: Serena REID, Eleisha BROWNE, Kayle LEATHEM, Emily SCOTT, Isobel BISHOP (1), Genevieve VENOSTA (1), Rachel FLINT, Breanna APPEL (3), Zoe ARANCINI (с, 1), Ashleigh SOUTHERN (4), Emma Jo GRAHAME, Claire PIERCE (1), Kelsey WAKEFIELD. Head Coach: Peter SZILAGYI.

SPAIN: Cristina PEREZ, Anni ESPAR (1), Helena LLORET (3), Sara TORRES, Teresa GORRIA, Patricia GENZOR, Andrea BLAS (1), Lorena MIRANDA (c, 3), Marta BACH (1), Roser TARRAGO, Jennifer ARAUJO, Alba SANCHEZ, Patricia HERRERA. Head Coach: Claudio CAMARENA.

Spain started the stronger of the two courtesy of two MIRANDA goals and tight defence. APPEL scored either side of the first break with the second the first of two successive penalty goals. Powerful centre forward SOUTHERN scored easily and Australian captain ARANCINI blasted one in from nine metres for 5-2. Spain came back with two goals with MIRANDA gaining a third. She could have had fourth but her penalty shot was blocked by REID. Then came the flurry of goals in the third quarter. Two SOUTHERN goals scored off each hand plus VENOSTA on extra gave Australia an 8-4 advantage. It became 10-6 but like Spain’s sixth goal from LLORET, another two from the deep right caught Australia napping and Spain was just two down at the final break. It was a defensive game in the final quarter and the breakthrough came at 1:33 when BISHOP scored off a five-metre free throw for 11-8. A Spanish timeout at 0:46 proved fruitful after the game was restarted twice due to an errant horn, with LLORET scoring her third. Three of Australia’s goals came from penalties.

Coaches’ Comments:

Peter SZILAGYI (AUS): “Even though we knew we would have a hard game, we had a slow start and it took a couple of minutes to get back into the game but from the middle of the game we dominated. I was really pleased with that six players scored goals and all 11 field players defended well. We are only one step away from the quarter-finals and I hope tomorrow we beat Italy.”

Claudio CAMARENA (ESP): No comment

#3 ITA 15 vs KAZ 7 Scoresheet

Quarters: 5-1, 3-2, 5-1, 2-3

Referees: Hector VALCARCE (ARG), Svetlana DREVAL (RUS).

Extra Man: ITA 4/9; KAZ 4/5

ITALY: Laura TEANI, Laura BARZON (2), Eugenia DUFOUR (1), Giulia EMMOLO (4), Elisa QUERIOLO (c, 3), Francesca POMERI (2), Elena MAGGI, Anna SGANZERIA (1), Federica TAGLIAFERRI, Medea VERDE, Gloria GIACHI (2), Letizia LAGCIALANDA, Carola FALCONI. Head Coach: Fabio CONTI.

KAZAKHSTAN: Elena BYCHKOVA, Valeria MAKHANOVA, Aizhan AKILBAYEVA (2), Gauhar SULEIMANOVA (1), Liliya FALALEEVA (1), Kristina MESCHERYAKOVA, Zamira MYRZABEKOVA (2), Kamila ZAKIROVA, Anastasia LIMARENKO, Kamila MARINA, Lyudmila CHEGODAYEVA, Albina GABDRAHMANOVA (1), Nazira MUKHAMEDZHAN. Head Coach: Larisa OLKHINA.

Italy wasted no time in pressing title aspirations while a late-arriving Kazakhstan looked late in the pool as well, trailing 8-1 before coming back with a second missed penalty chance and two goals just before halftime. Perhaps the morning flight into Khanty-Mansiysk proved a touch too much. The damage had been done by Italian captain QUERIOLO with her four goals and senior international EMMOLO with two off the left hand. The Kazakhs were up to speed but the Italians were better on the transition, grabbing at least five goals on counter. Italy was in sparkling form in the third period with five different scorers. Kazakhstan was still revolving at a high speed in the fourth and was rewarded with two goals from close in and a third off a timeout ploy.
Coaches’ Comments:

Fabio CONTI (ITA): “I think we are a good team but there are many more good teams here. The first place will be decided by very little difference. The first match was easy and not good for our concentration. We have to prepare for tomorrow the match with Australia, which is the most important match of our group. The first match for every team is difficult.”

Larisa OLKHINA. (KAZ): “We have not trained with the new ball and we only started playing properly in the fourth quarter, which showed with the quarter scores. We only arrived at 9 o’clock this morning, which was not good for our focus.”

#4 NZL 9 vs HUN 15 Scoresheet

Quarters: 2-4, 1-3, 3-3, 3-5

Referees: Stephen O’BRIEN (IRL), Mikhail DYKMAN (CAN).

Extra Man: NZL 5/14; HUN 4/7

NEW ZEALAND: Ianeta HUTCHINSON, Sophie HOWARD (1), Megan PERRY, Ellen KYRKE-SMITH, Alexandra BOYD (3), Johanna THEELEN (1), Julie BURNS, Sinead LOMAX, Danielle LEWIS (1), Emma FAULCONBRIDGE, Casie BOWRY (3), Brooke PYE, Brooke MATHER. Head Coach: Fraser BICKLEY.

HUNGARY: Ivett SZABO, Dora CZIGANY (2), Dora ANTAL (3), Zsofia BODROGI (1), Anna Kristztina ILLES, Rita KESZTHELYI (2), Reka KOVER-KIS, Nikoletta PENGO, Dora KOVACS (1), Hanna Anna KISTELEKI (3), Noemi SOMHEGYI (3), Timea ACS, Flora BOLONYAI. Head Coach: Andras MERESZ.

Hungary took control of the game early and possessed more firepower across the range. New Zealand relied heavily on senior world championships player BOWRY and big-shooting BOYD while Hungary’s sole senior from Rome, KESZTHELYI, scored twice and played an integral team part. The tireless Bowry’s best goal of her three came with a muscle shot in centre forward, claiming the loose ball, spinning and scoring late in the third period for 9-5. The game was close until nearly midway through the second quarter when the margin stretched to 9-4. Goals were swapped to 11-7 and New Zealand broke the see-sawing when it scored off a timeout tactic at 5:23 for 11-8. Hungary replied with an ANTAL penalty goal and a SOMHEGYI centre-forward lay-back, a CSIGANYI six-metre goal and KISTELEKI’S counter to smash the Kiwi resistance. BOYD scored her third from the top to close within six of the dominant Hungarians.

Coaches’ Comments:

Fraser BICKLEY (NZL): “They were bigger and stronger than us today. We had our moments and put them under pressure at times. There class and skill level was just too much for us today.”

Andras MERESZ (HUN): “That was a very important game and we are happy because we won and we hope the next two games are the same as this and we win the group.”

#5 UZE 8 vs RSA 15 Scoresheet

Quarters: 1-3, 3-3, 2-4, 2-5

Referees: TAN Hong Boon (SIN), Ivanka RAKOVIC (SRB).

Extra Man: UZB 2/5; RSA 2/7

UZBEKISTAN: Svetlana SHIPULINA, Anna HOLOD (1), Guzel HAMITOVA (1), Ruphina NIGMATULLINA (1), Sanabar HISAMUDANOVA, Elina KALIMULLINA, Adelina ZINUROVA (4), Regina CHARUH (1), Albina NURGAZIZOVA, Aygul NIGMATULLINA, Ziedahon TESHABAEVA, Angelina EGORSHINA, Malika UMARALIEVA. Head Coach: Anastasivi SKOVPINA.

SOUTH AFRICA: Rebecca THOMAS, Zikona BHANETHI, Mymoenah GAMIET, Kylie JONES, Kylie TRAUBE (1), Nicola BARRETT (4), Cayley TONKIN (4), Kelly STEVENS, Tarryn SCHOOLING (2), Anjuli WEBSTER (c, 1), Sasha ANDREWS, Amica HALLENDORFF (2), Mikaela MEYER (1). Head Coach: Ryan WIEDEMAN.

They may be two inexperienced teams on the international stage but both teams played like it was an Olympic final. The pace was frenetic but the skills were lacking. Despite this the passes were fast and the shots were aplenty. Marking was tight but South Africa’s bigger girls carried weightier firepower and more muscle in the close exchanges. It was their final with the winner more than likely going to the second round while the loser would need an upset of astronomical proportions to avoid the lower play-offs. TONKIN was the class player with four goals, including an excellent centre-forward finish. Uzbekistan kept South Africa honest until early in the fourth period but three quick goals changed the game and the African team surged to victory. The Uzbek assistant coach was red-carded following two departures from the pool deck to have a cigarette.

Coaches’ Comments:

Anastasivi SKOVPINA (UZB): Unavailable.

Ryan WIEDEMAN (RSA): “We really needed to take one step back and absorb the pressure and play our natural game. That for me was the biggest thing. The inexperience of being out of international polo for nine years is the hardest thing. The understanding of referee interpretations was also important. Gaining experience is the most important thing here in that the competitive nations are really hot so in six years time we would definitely like to be competing against the heavyweights.”

#6 BRA 2 vs NED 18 Scoresheet

Quarters: 1-5, 0-3, 0-5, 1-5

Referees: Andrew CARNEY (AUS), Cristina TACCINI (ITA).

Extra Man: BRA 1/2; NED 4/7

BRAZIL: Camila GOMES, Gabriela GOZANI, Patricia MARCONDES, Tatiana VELOSO, Thaina SANTOS, Marcela REIS, Hanna SILVEIRA, Adhara SANTORO, Talitha GUIMARAES, Carolina PINHO, Mirella COUTINHO (1), Gabriela DIAS (c, 1), Lauro SANTOS. Head Coach: Frank DIAZ.

NETHERLANDS: Michelle SLOBBE, Melissa DONGELMANS, Nomi STOMPHORST, Sabrina VAN DER SLOOT (3), Genee AMARENS (4), Lieke KLAASSEN, Robbin REMERS (4), Marloes NIJHUIS (1), Liselotte SMITS (2), Vivian SEVENICH (3), Charlotte MENSINK, Kiki GESERICK, Karlijn BROUWER. Head Coach: Yise SINDORF.

The Netherlands was like a runaway train with Brazil the small car stuck on the tracks. It was inevitable that the two would collide and that Brazil would come off second best. The future Olympians of the Netherlands were too powerful, accurate shooters, relentless counter-attackers and a team that repeatedly went for the jugular. At 1-1 it looked interesting but Brazil’s next goal came at 13-2. It was little more than a warm-up for the Dutch, who look top-class medal prospects. Weak opponent or not, the Dutch kept their shooting tight throughout and never slackened the pace.

Coaches’ Comments:

Frank DIAZ (BRA): “It was a hard game. Netherlands was creating pressure and there were no places to escape from the pressure. It made it hard for us to shoot. Our team was very good in the second period, so I was happy with that.”

Yise SINDORF (NED): Unavailable.

#7 USA 11 vs RUS 15 Scoresheet

Quarters: 2-2, 3-5, 3-4, 3-4

Referees: Nikolaos VASILEIOU (GRE), Mladen RAC (CRO).

Extra Man: USA 3/5; RUS 2/6

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Kate BALDONI, Brooke MARTIN (3), Emily GREENWOOD, Ashley GROSSMAN (1), Annika DRIES (2), Erin MANKE, Kelly MENDOSA, Colleen O’DONNELL, Margaret STEFFENS (2), Kiley NEUSHUL, Madeline ROSENTHAL, Dominique SARDO (3), Samantha HILL. Head Coach: Kyle UTSUMI.

RUSSIA: Anna KARNAUKH, Diana ANTONOVA (2), Eketerina PROKOFYEVA (3), Elvina KARIMOVA (1), Alexandra ANTONOVA (1), Aygul NUKHOVA, Ekaterina ZELENTSOVA (1), Olga BELOVA (3), Victoria KUROSCHKINA, Anna BOGDANOVA (1), Ksenia IVANCSHISHINA (2), Maria SAVSCHUK, Ylvana YADRVISHNIKOVA. Head Coach: Mikhail NAKORYAKOV.

The best was saved to last as more than 1000 screaming fans watched a thrilling match between two class teams. While the USA scored the opening two goals it was Russia who dominated the first half, dragging back to level by quarter time, levelling again at three and four, before a three-goal surge sent it 6-4 up. SARDO pulled one back for the USA but ZELENTZOVA netted from the top on extra for a two-goal margin at halftime. The USA twice came back to within one goal but Russia played the three-goal dice again with PROKOFYEVA, just back from the senior championships in Rome, scoring her third late in the third. SARDO also scored three, narrowing the margin to 11-8 but BELOVA swatted at a loose ball in front of goal and it just sneaked across the line for 12-8 at 5:34. When Alexandra ANTONOVA swept in a goal from two metres with her left hand at 4:45, Russia was on a roll it wasn’t going to stop.

Coaches’ Comments:

Kyle UTSUMI (USA): “That wasn’t an 18-and-under match. That was two top teams playing senior-level water polo. If this is the standard of women’s water polo at this age group then that’s fantastic. I am happy with the high level we played and it’s a terrific start to the tournament. We now need to win the rest of our matches.”

GROUP A:

GROUP B:

GROUP C:

GROUP D:

Monday, August 10th

Russia puts hand up for world crown after day two.

By Russell McKinnon
FINA Press Commission Member

Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia (August 10).— Russia has staked a claim for the VIII FINA World Junior Women’s Water Polo Championship title with a thrilling 10-9 victory over the Netherlands in this western Siberian city tonight.

Russia has the team to go all the way and proved that against a powerful Dutch team that couldn’t quite get into gear until it was too late. The lowlanders can’t be written off as they showed when three goals down in the third, coming back to within one and then ripping in the last three goals inside two minutes.

But it was Russia’s night and the capacity crowd enjoyed a fantastic and successful night of entertainment.

Russia just needs to brush off Brazil tomorrow for a quarter-final berth.

In the other Group D match, the United States of America, stunned by Russia on day one, had its work cut out against perennial continental opponent Brazil before pulling away in the third quarter to win 15-3.

Group A saw Greece open its campaign with a comfortable 12-3 victory over Germany. Greece faces Canada in the decider tomorrow.

In Group B, Australia took a commanding lead with its second win, holding off a late-charging European champion Italy 8-7. Spain beat Kazakhstan 17-8 so Australia now needs to edge the Asians to claim the group.

Group C was walkover day with Hungary jumping South Africa 24-2 and New Zealand running up a basketball score against Uzbekistan 33-4. Hungary will claim the group after the win over New Zealand on Sunday.

  #8 KAZ 9 vs ESP 17 Scoresheet

Quarters: 2-6, 3-2, 2-4, 2-5

Referees: Liz BURMAN (NZL), Jose WERNER (BRA).

Extra Man: KAZ 2/7; ESP 3/7

KAZAKHSTAN: Elena BYCHKOVA, Valeria MAKHANOVA (1), Aizhan AKILBAYEVA (4), Gauhar SULEIMANOVA, Liliya FALALEEVA, Kristina MESCHERYAKOVA, Zamira MYRZABEKOVA, Kamila ZAKIROVA, Anastasia LIMARENKO (1), Kamila MARINA, Lyudmila CHEGODAYEVA (1), Albina GABDRAHMANOVA (2), Nazira MUKHAMEDZHAN. Head Coach: Larisa OLKHINA.

SPAIN: Cristina PEREZ, Anni ESPAR (2), Helena LLORET (4), Sara TORRES (1), Teresa GORRIA (1), Patricia GENZOR (1), Andrea BLAS (1), Lorena MIRANDA (c, 1), Marta BACH (1), Roser TARRAGO (2), Jennifer ARAUJO (1), Alba SANCHEZ (2), Patricia HERRERA. Head Coach: Claudio CAMARENA.

Spain was be far the better team but Kazakhstan put together a great second quarter and was very active in the last. The only blot was the expulsion of SULEIMANOVA for allegedly kicking midway through the second quarter when Kazakhstan was on fire. It was AKILBAYEVA who worked the hardest for Kazakhstan and was rewarded with four goals — three in a seven-minute period straddling the first break. Spain had pace, cohesion andfirepower to burn with strong left-hand LLORET netting four times TARRAGO had the unusual situation of taking two penalty shots inside two seconds, having the first hit wood and being fouled getting the rebound. She made no mistake with the second, firing into the top left for 14-7 at that stage.
#9 AUS 8 vs ITA 7 Scoresheet

Quarters: 1-2, 3-2, 2-1, 2-2

Referees: Henk SMIT (NED), Mladan RAC (CRO).

Extra Man: AUS 3/7; ITA 3/9

AUSTRALIA: Serena REID, Eleisha BROWNE, Kayle LEATHEM (2), Emily SCOTT, Isobel BISHOP (2), Genevieve VENOSTA (1), Rachel FLINT, Breanna APPEL (1), Zoe ARANCINI (с, 1), Ashleigh SOUTHERN (1), Emma Jo GRAHAME, Claire PIERCE, Kelsey WAKEFIELD. Head Coach: Peter SZILAGYI.

ITALY: Laura TEANI, Laura BARZON (2), Eugenia DUFOUR, Giulia EMMOLO (3), Elisa QUERIOLO (c, 1), Francesca POMERI, Elena MAGGI, Anna SGANZERIA, Federica TAGLIAFERRI (1), Medea VERDE, Gloria GIACHI, Letizia LAGCIALANDA, Carola FALCONI. Head Coach: Fabio CONTI.

Australia won the encounter but it could have been easier. Australia had the better of the first quarter with shooting but excellent Italian defence and an extra-man goal and another from seven metres gave the Europeans a 2-1 lead. By three minutes into the second quarter Australia was 4-3 ahead but world championship player EMMOLO sent in a seven-metre slider for 4-4 at halftime. The game tied at 5-5 and it needed an eight-metre shot from APPEL to give Australia the lead at the third break. This became 8-5 within three minutes but then Australia sat back and allowed Italy to command with QUERIOLO scoring from 10m and EMMOLO sending in a penalty with just 23 seconds remaining. Both teams looked tentative and hesitated on open shots. The win gives Australia the group lead and a chance to go to the quarterfinals.

Coaches’ Comments:

Peter SZILAGYI (AUS): “We now just need to beat Kazakhstan to be first in the group and get into the quarter-finals. To beat the No 1 of European Championships gives us really good confidence for upcoming games. All of our players worked excellently and they fit well into the puzzle.”

#10 RSA 2 vs HUN 24 Scoresheet

Quarters: 0-9, 1-8, 0-3, 1-4

Referees: Andrew CARNEY (AUS), Natalya GALKINA (KAZ).

Extra Man: RSA 0/3; HUN 2/7

SOUTH AFRICA: Rebecca THOMAS, Zikona BHANETHI, Mymoenah GAMIET, Kylie JONES, Kylie TRAUBE, Nicola BARRETT, Cayley TONKIN, Kelly STEVENS, Tarryn SCHOOLING (1), Anjuli WEBSTER (c), Sasha ANDREWS, Amica HALLENDORFF, Mikaela MEYER. Head Coach: Ryan WIEDEMAN.

HUNGARY: Ivett SZABO, Dora CZIGANY (3), Dora ANTAL (5), Zsofia BODROGI, Anna Kristztina ILLES, Rita KESZTHELYI (4), Reka KOVER-KIS (1), Nikoletta PENGO, Dora KOVACS (3), Hanna Anna KISTELEKI (4), Noemi SOMHEGYI (3), Timea ACS, Flora BOLONYAI. Head Coach: Andras MERESZ.

Hungary had the wood on South Africa and proved that constant play at the highest levels, even at junior level, makes a huge difference. The Africans learnt from the experience of the first half, applying better pressure and working hard to stop the counter-attack that gave up nearly 10 goals by the long break. Hungary used its bench more in the second half with the second goalkeeper also gaining valuable water time. The pace slowed with a brief interlude from TONKIN at 22-2 and SCHOOLING sending a penalty shot wide at 3:31 left in the fourth period.  Hungary prolonged the pain with two timeouts in the last three minutes.

#11 NZL 33 vs UZE 4 Scoresheet

Quarters: 7-1, 8-0, 11-0, 7-3

Referees: Axel BENDER (GER), TAN Hong Boon (SIN).

Extra Man: NZL 9/12; UZB 3/10

NEW ZEALAND: Ianeta HUTCHINSON, Sophie HOWARD (1), Megan PERRY (5), Ellen KYRKE-SMITH (2), Alexandra BOYD (6), Johanna THEELEN (3), Julie BURNS (3), Sinead LOMAX (3), Danielle LEWIS (3), Emma FAULCONBRIDGE (3), Casie BOWRY (1), Brooke PYE (3), Brooke MATHER. Head Coach: Fraser BICKLEY.

UZBEKISTAN: Svetlana SHIPULINA, Anna HOLOD, Guzel HAMITOVA, Ruphina NIGMATULLINA, Sanabar HISAMUDANOVA, Elina KALIMULLINA, Adelina ZINUROVA, Regina CHARUH (1), Albina NURGAZIZOVA, Aygul NIGMATULLINA, Ziedahon TESHABAEVA, Angelina EGORSHINA, Malika UMARALIEVA. Head Coach: Anastasivi SKOVPINA.

Like South Africa in the game before, Uzbekistan had no answer to New Zealand’s speed and muscle. Smarter play, more experience at this level of water polo and a desire to score many goals was the mark of the Kiwis. Uzbekistan took a long time learning from early mistakes, especially in shutting down New Zealand’s swift counter-attack. All New Zealand’s field players had scored by the end of the third period. Uzbekistan made the most of extra man in the final quarter with three goals. Most teams would be envious of New Zealand’s conversion percentage.

Coach Comments:

Fraser BICKLEY (NZL): “We were happy to play Uzbekistan. It’s always a privilege to gain a win at international level.”

#12 BRA 3 vs USA 15 Scoresheet

Quarters: 0-2, 2-4, 1-5, 0-4

Referees: Cristina TACCINI (ITA), Hector VALCARCE (ARG).

Extra Man: BRA 2/8; USA 4/14

BRAZIL: Camila GOMES, Gabriela GOZANI (1), Patricia MARCONDES, Tatiana VELOSO, Thaina SANTOS, Marcela REIS, Hanna SILVEIRA (1), Adhara SANTORO, Talitha GUIMARAES, Carolina PINHO, Mirella COUTINHO, Gabriela DIAS (c, 1), Lauro SANTOS. Head Coach: Frank DIAZ.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Kate BALDONI, Brooke MARTIN (2), Emily GREENWOOD, Ashley GROSSMAN (3), Annika DRIES (2), Erin MANKE, Kelly MENDOSA, Colleen O’DONNELL (2), Margaret STEFFENS (3), Kiley NEUSHUL (1), Madeline ROSENTHAL, Dominique SARDO (2), Samantha HILL. Head Coach: Kyle UTSUMI.

Coach UTSUMI would have expected a huge game from Brazil and at 4-2 until the last 90 seconds of the first half, he would have been concerned. However, a big goal from centre forward GROSSMAN, using sheer muscle, and a penalty to STEFFENS, the younger sister of senior world champion Jessica, had the USA in control by halftime. The third period was absorbing but no matter what Brazil did it was not going to stop the rampant USA girls — eight goals was a big advantage. The goal-less quarter by Brazil didn’t help the final score.

Coach Comments:

Frank DIAZ (BRA): “Even though the score wasn’t good, we thought the athletes players better and were more determined in defence. Unfortunately in the third and fourth we lost a little under pressure and they scored more. Our defence was pressure one on one and it worked well. Our six on five succeeded on defence. We improved our defence today, which was a good thing.”

#13 GER 3 vs GRE 12 Scoresheet

Quarters: 1-3, 2-2, 0-3, 0-4

Referees: Gyorgy JUHASZ (HUN), Svetlana DREVAL (RUS).

Extra Man: GER 2/8; GRE 5/10

GERMANY: Bianca AHRENS, Alena LUEBKE, Anne REUTER, Luise ZIMMERMANN, Bianca SEYFERT, Lara MISHCHEL, Stephanie MOTTE (2), Jennifer STIEFEL, Jana SCHIMANSKI, Valeria LABSIN (c, 1), Tatjana STEINHAUER, Sina VAN DER BOSCH, Jannika DOULIS. Head Coach: Jens REINHARDT.

GREECE: Dimitra STAMATIADOU, Eleni SAMARA, Vasilixi DIAMANTOPOULOU, Christiana KOTSIA, Magdalini TZIMA (2), Kleopatra CHATZIALEXI, Ioulia GARYFALLOU (2), Christina TSOUKALA (3), Maria PANOUSAKI (2), Asimina TSIGARIDA, Antonia VASILA (3), Margarita PLEURITOU, Chrysoula DIAMANTOPOULOU. Head Coach: Kostas PETPAXIS.

Greece was making its debut at these championships and did not disappoint with an excellent start, going three ahead. Two MOTTE goals had Germany a goal behind at 4-3 midway through the second quarter. The third period was slow for scoring but heavy on defence but Greece was in total control and steered the ball away from the danger zone. In fact, Germany was kept scoreless for the rest of the game. The presence of senior world championship player TSOUKALA made the difference for a Greek team already heavily endowed with excellent players.

Coach Comments:

Jens REINHARDT (GER): “We expected a better result today. We need to be satisfied for our chances. We had a lot of chances but we didn’t go for the money shots. In the end when I see the schedule for the tournament we are going for ninth-12th, which is our level, I think.”

Kostas PETPAXIS (GRE): “It’s a new start for the Greek team because it’s a new team with many young players. It was my team’s debut here and we started a little nervous but it was a training for tomorrow.”

#14 RUS 10 vs NED 9 Scoresheet

Quarters: 2-2, 3-1, 1-2, 4-4

Referees: Jorge CISNEROS (ESP), Pierre BONAY (FRA).

Extra Man: RUS 1/3; NED 7/11

RUSSIA: Anna KARNAUKH, Diana ANTONOVA (2), Eketerina PROKOFYEVA (3), Elvina KARIMOVA, Alexandra ANTONOVA, Aygul NUKHOVA, Ekaterina ZELENTSOVA (1), Olga BELOVA (4), Victoria KUROSCHKINA, Anna BOGDANOVA, Ksenia IVANCSHISHINA, Maria SAVSCHUK, Ylvana YADRVISHNIKOVA. Head Coach: Mikhail NAKORYAKOV.

NETHERLANDS: Michelle SLOBBE, Melissa DONGELMANS, Nomi STOMPHORST, Sabrina VAN DER SLOOT (1), Genee AMARENS, Lieke KLASSEN, Robbin REMERS (1), Marloes NIJHUIS (1), Liselotte SMITS (4), Vivian SEVENICH (2), Charlotte MENSINK, Kiki GESERICK, Karlijn BROUWER. Head Coach: Yise SINDORF.

Russia beat the Netherlands but it wasn’t at the pace of the previous night’s victory over the USA. It built to a crescendo with the Dutch closing the final gap to one 22 seconds from time. The power of Russia was evident early with a 2-0 lead. However, the Dutch came back with a goal on extra and a long shot from SMITS just before the break. Russia won the restart and before we had time to sit down, Diana ANTONOVA had the ball in the goal. World senior bronze medallist PROKOFYEVA fronted with a counter-attack lob for 4-2, still inside a minute after the restart. SMITS dragged one back smacking in a rebound but BELOVA scored the first of two goals when deep left, she lobbed the goalkeeper for 5-3 at the break. Her second was from the penalty line at the top of the third. The Dutch scored twice on extra in their comeback and held out the Russians, especially with some excellent goalkeeping from SLOBBE. BELOVA opened the fourth quarter with a score off the near post on extra for 7-5. SMITS gained her fourth when she received a shot rebound on the hand and scored from deep left. BELOVA quickly responded for her fourth at 4:56 and the Russians were two ahead again. On the next Russian attack PROKOFYEVA arrowed in a shot from nine metres and then ZELENTZOVA joined the party on counter — three goals in less than 100 seconds. The Dutch took a timeout but could not produce anything from that attack but gained two extra-man goals through SEVENICH in the second-last minute for 10-8. NIJHUIS drove for another goal with 22 seconds left but it was too late.

Coach Comments:

Yise SINDORF (NED): ”Small little faults at the end. Four scores in the fourth quarter. We are playing every quarter better. We can play different attack and defence. Every player is playing well. We are controlling all our attacks and that is the main thing. This is the power of our team.”

Points tables:

GROUP A:

GROUP B:

GROUP C:

GROUP D:

Tueday, August 11

Canada, Australia, Hungary and Russia win groups to advance to quarter-finals

By Russell McKinnon
FINA Press Commission Member

Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia (August 11).— Canada, Australia, Hungary and Russia have qualified for the quarter-finals at the VIII FINA Junior Women’s World Water Polo Championships here today.

The quartet won its groups and will have a rest day tomorrow as the second and third-ranked teams play the second round while the bottom three go to the play-offs for 13th to 15th.

The major game of the day saw the United States of America shut down the Netherlands 10-4 to claim second spot in Group D. Russia claimed the group victory with a 32-3 high-revolution demolition of Brazil.

Canada beat Greece 6-5 for victory in Group A, which has just three teams.

Group B was won by Australia, who thumped Kazakhstan 28-4. Italy and Spain battled for second spot with Italy winning 7-6 in the last minute. Group C went Hungary’s way as expected, crushing Uzbekistan 36-3 for three victories. New Zealand finished second with a 15-1 advantage over South Africa, the third-placed team

#15 NZL 15 vs RSA 1 Scoresheet

Quarters: 2-1, 1-0, 6-0, 6-0

Referees: Nikolaos VASILEIOU (GRE), Mikhail DYKMAN (CAN).

Extra Man: NZL 4/13; RSA 0/4

NEW ZEALAND: Ianeta HUTCHINSON, Sophie HOWARD, Megan PERRY (2), Ellen KYRKE-SMITH (2), Alexandra BOYD (1), Johanna THEELEN (3), Julie BURNS (1), Sinead LOMAX, Danielle LEWIS (2), Emma FAULCONBRIDGE, Casie BOWRY (4), Brooke PYE, Brooke MATHER. Head Coach: Fraser BICKLEY.

SOUTH AFRICA: Rebecca THOMAS, Zikona BHANETHI, Mymoenah GAMIET, Kylie JONES, Kylie TRAUBE, Nicola BARRETT, Cayley TONKIN (1), Kelly STEVENS, Tarryn SCHOOLING, Anjuli WEBSTER (c), Sasha ANDREWS, Amica HALLENDORFF, Mikaela MEYER. Head Coach: Ryan WIEDEMAN.

New Zealand finished second in the group with two big wins. It was late coming as the first half was probably a triumph for South Africa, keeping the stronger and better prepared Kiwis at bay for the first half. In fact, TONKIN opened the game’s scoring for South Africa and it took New Zealand two more minutes to respond. But from then on it was a procession as the New Zealanders scored from everywhere and showed their fitness and skills, led by senior world championship player BOWRY, who scored four goals.

Coaches’ Comments:

Fraser BICKLEY (NZL): “In the first half they really frustrated us but we pulled it together in the second half and I was happy with the final result.”

Ryan WIEDEMAN (RSA): “Having only a week’s preparation hasn’t helped us much but today we played with heart and we really showed our fighting spirit. The never-say-die attitude meant that they had to fight for everything they wanted. We go home and hopeful with a bit more preparation, we’ll be a more competitive and structured team.”

#16 UZE 3 vs HUN 36 Scoresheet

Quarters: 0-11, 0-5, 2-11, 1-9

Referees: Jorge CISNEROS (ESP), Hector VALCARCE (ARG).

Extra Man: UZB 0/1; HUN 1/3

UZBEKISTAN: Svetlana SHIPULINA, Anna HOLOD, Guzel HAMITOVA, Ruphina NIGMATULLINA, Sanabar HISAMUDANOVA, Elina KALIMULLINA, Adelina ZINUROVA (1), Regina CHARUH (2), Albina NURGAZIZOVA, Aygul NIGMATULLINA, Ziedahon TESHABAEVA, Angelina EGORSHINA, Malika UMARALIEVA. Head Coach: Anastasivi SKOVPINA.

HUNGARY: Ivett SZABO, Dora CZIGANY (2), Dora ANTAL (3), Zsofia BODROGI (6), Anna Kristztina ILLES (2), Rita KESZTHELYI (7), Reka KOVER-KIS (3), Nikoletta PENGO (2), Dora KOVACS, Hanna Anna KISTELEKI (6), Noemi SOMHEGYI (2), Timea ACS (3), Flora BOLONYAI. Head Coach: Andras MERESZ.

Hungary easily claimed Group C and a day off to await the quarter-finals. Perhaps Hungary needed to get as much practice as possible in scoring to make up for the “lost” day. Talks of 50-0 seemed close to the mark after the opening quarter but to Uzbekistan’s credit it started to defend well and rely heavily on goalkeeper SHIPULINA, who stepped up and aided in a section of the match where five successive Hungarian attacks were thwarted. The 5-0 scoreline was just reward. The big breakthrough for Uzbekistan came nearly three minutes into the third period when ZINUROVA caught the Hungarians napping with her eight-metre shot. CHARUH followed suit at 24-2 late in the third. From then on interest in the game waned as Hungary practised shooting. The one bright spot was CHARUH’s second long shot on counter finding out the stranded keeper.

#17 USA 10 vs NED 4 Scoresheet

Quarters: 4-2, 2-2, 4-0, 0-0

Referees: Cristina TACCINI (ITA), Axel BENDER (GER).

Extra Man: USA 2/5; NED 1/9

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Kate BALDONI, Brooke MARTIN, Emily GREENWOOD (2), Ashley GROSSMAN (1), Annika DRIES (3), Erin MANKE, Kelly MENDOSA, Colleen O’DONNELL, Margaret STEFFENS (2), Kiley NEUSHUL (1), Madeline ROSENTHAL, Dominique SARDO, Samantha HILL. Head Coach: Kyle UTSUMI.

NETHERLANDS: Michelle SLOBBE, Melissa DONGELMANS, Nomi STOMPHORST, Sabrina VAN DER SLOOT (2), Amarens GENEE (1), Lieke KLASSEN, Robbin REMERS, Marloes NIJHUIS, Liselotte SMITS (1), Vivian SEVENICH, Charlotte MENSINK, Kiki GESERICK, Karlijn BROUWER. Head Coach: Yise SINDORF.

This match was in stark contrast to the previous two and was between the two teams battling for second place in the group. The closeness of the game was as expected in the first half when 5-4 midway through the second period but the Dutch could not score for the last 20 minutes, including the last extra-man shot inside the final 10 seconds and a blocked penalty shot from VAN DER SLOOT, saved by HILL. By three-quarter time the USA was 10-4 ahead and the last eight minutes was all defence, poor execution, inaccurate shooting and some badly fumbled balls. The USA dominated centre forward with four goals from that position through DRIES (3) and GROSSMAN. Both teams go to the second round with  the Dutch playing New Zealand and the USA clashing with South Africa.

Coaches’ Comments:

Kyle UTSUMI (USA): “I think the group stage was challenging and it prepares us well for the knockout round. “

Yise SINDORF (NED): “We weren’t aggressive. There were no good performances. The USA did what they had to do. We were not good enough, even bad.”

#18 CAN 6 vs GRE 5 Scoresheet

Quarters: 2-1, 2-1, 0-1, 2-2

Referees: Georgy JUHASZ (HUN), Alex STANKEVTCH (USA).

Extra Man: CAN 2/3; GRE 4/6

CANADA: Michele RELTON, Kelly McKEE, Elisabeth HENRY, Rebekka STEENKAMER (1), Sarah McILVEEN, Michelle CARON, Chelsea DAVISON (2), Breda VOSTERS (1), Allison CAMPBELL, Hanna YELIZAROVA (2), Kirstn MASE (c), Shae FOURNIER, Nicola COLTERJOHN. Head Coach: Nishant DAMANI.

GREECE: Dimitra STAMATIADOU, Eleni SAMARA, Vasilixi DIAMANTOPOULOU, Christiana KOTSIA (1), Magdalini TZIMA, Kleopatra CHATZIALEXI, IOULIA GARYFALLOU (1), Christina TSOUKALA (2), Maria PANOUSAKI (1), Asimina TSIGARIDA, Antonia VASILA, Margarita PLEURITOU, Chrysoula DIAMANTOPOULOU. Head Coach: Kostas PETPAXIS.

Canada advanced to the quarter-finals from the small group with a virtual front-running game and a little luck at the end. At 4-2 down, Greece punched back with the only goal of the third period and matched Canada for the final quarter. But Canada had a two-goal edge at 6-4 when VOSTERS was unsure of what to do at the end of possession time and shot with the ball rebounding off the left wood and just dribbling across the line. The goal judge was unsure but the referee was adamant and the goal stood. Greek coach PETPAXIS was unhappy and accepted a yellow card. He called a timeout and the team went for the exclusion, which it gained, setting up the magnificent TSOUKALA for the outside shot for 6-5 but at 0:04 it was a touch too late. Canada ground out the victory and deserved to shift to the top eight.

Coaches’ Comments:

Kostas PETPAXIS (GRE): “Both teams played excellent defence but both teams shot poorly. I am not unhappy with my team at this stage of the tournament but I think Canada was lucky. All credit to them for the victory.”

#19 AUS 28 vs KAZ 4 Scoresheet

Quarters: 7-2, 8-0, 5-2, 8-0

Referees: Stephen O’BRIEN (IRL), Ivanka RAKOVIC (SRB).

Extra Man: AUS 7/9; KAZ 2/10

AUSTRALIA: Serena REID, Eleisha BROWNE (1), Kayle LEATHEM (7), Emily SCOTT (3), Isobel BISHOP (1), Genevieve VENOSTA, Rachel FLINT (1), Breanna APPEL (2), Zoe ARANCINI (с, 5), Ashleigh SOUTHERN (2), Emma Jo GRAHAME (5), Claire PIERCE (1), Kelsey WAKEFIELD. Head Coach: Peter SZILAGYI.

KAZAKHSTAN: Elena BYCHKOVA, Valeria MAKHANOVA (1), Aizhan AKILBAYEVA (1), Gauhar SULEIMANOVA (1), Liliya FALALEEVA, Kristina MESCHERYAKOVA, Zamira MYRZABEKOVA (1), Kamila ZAKIROVA, Anastasia LIMARENKO, Kamila MARINA, Lyudmila CHEGODAYEVA, Albina GABDRAHMANOVA, Nazira MUKHAMEDZHAN. Head Coach: Larisa OLKHINA.

Australia strolled into the quarter-finals with the group victory and a counter-attacking game that proved nothing more than a practice for later in the week. Australia cross-passed many of its counter goals and missed its one penalty chance. Australia’s defence and speed proved decisive.

Coach’s Comments:

Peter SZILAGYI (AUS): “We tried to show respect and play our best. I’m not happy with the four goals they scored so there is still a gap to improve on our defence even though our offence was successful today.”

#20 ITA 7 vs ESP 6 Scoresheet

Quarters: 1-1, 1-1, 2-2, 3-2

Referees: Mladen RAC (CRO), Pierre BONNAY (FRA).

Extra Man: ITA 2/4; ESP 3/4

ITALY: Laura TEANI, Laura BARZON (1), Eugenia DUFOUR (2), Giulia EMMOLO, Elisa QUERIOLO (c, 1), Francesca POMERI (1), Elena MAGGI (1), Anna SGANZERIA, Federica TAGLIAFERRI, Medea VERDE, Gloria GIACHI (1), Letizia LAGCIALANDA, Carola FALCONI. Head Coach: Fabio CONTI.

SPAIN: Cristina PEREZ, Anni ESPAR (4), Helena LLORET, Sara TORRES, Teresa GORRIA, Patricia GENZOR, Andrea BLAS, Lorena MIRANDA (c, 1), Marta BACH, Roser TARRAGO, Jennifer ARAUJO, Alba SANCHEZ (1), Patricia HERRERA. Head Coach: Claudio CAMARENA.

Despite two timeouts in the last 15 seconds, nothing could change the result of this engrossing match. Nothing separated the teams for most of the match until big shooters POMERI and QUERIOLO came good at 4:11 and 2:49 in the last quarter. This changed the game from 5-5 to make it hard for Spain to come back. ESPAR did her best with her fourth goal from eight metres skimming off the left post into goal at 0:50. With Italy making no impression on the scoreboard, Spain went to a second timeout at 0:15 but the second pass was intercepted. Italy played the ball but came under ferocious defence so coach CONTI took his first timeout with two seconds left to ensure Spain would not intercept and score.

#21 BRA 3 vs RUS 32 Scoresheet

Quarters: 1-8, 0-9, 1-6, 1-9

Referees: TAN Hong Boon (SIN), Natalya GALKINA (KAZ).

Extra Man: BRA 0/10; RUS 10/14

BRAZIL: Camila GOMES, Gabriela GOZANI (1), Patricia MARCONDES, Tatiana VELOSO, Thaina SANTOS, Marcela REIS, Hanna SILVEIRA, Adhara SANTORO, Talitha GUIMARAES, Carolina PINHO, Mirella COUTINHO, Gabriela DIAS (c, 2), Lauro SANTOS. Head Coach: Frank DIAZ.

RUSSIA: Anna KARNAUKH, Diana ANTONOVA (2), Eketerina PROKOFYEVA (4), Elvina KARIMOVA (5), Alexandra ANTONOVA (1) , Aygul NUHOVA (2), Ekaterina ZELENTSOVA (3), Olga BELOVA (6), Maria SAVSCHUK (1), Anna BOGDANOVA (2), Ksenia IVANCSHISHINA (5), Victoria KUROSCHKINA (1), Ylvana YADRVISHNIKOVA. Head Coach: Mikhail NAKORYAKOV.

Chalk and cheese is the expression in English. Two distinctly different teams like in other matches today — total class against a team that toiled but could not match the skills or the speed. Transition is something the Russians have with their eggs and latte for breakfast. The first quarter was stunning and through the night the vast array of shots flowed like the constant mid-summer rain in Khanty-Mansiysk. There was no let-up even when two referee decisions confused the Brazilians and Russia put the ball away while they were on counter late in the first quarte. The dye was cast and Russia punished every mistake in front a large but not-capacity crowd. While Russia seemed tireless the Brazilians struggled but GOZANI scored off centre forward, DIAS sent in a long shot and  DIAS converted a penalty early in the fourth. But the game was over, Russia went to the quarter-finals and Brazil, who had the bad luck to be drawn in the toughest group, will play for 13-15. The only blot on the game was Diana ANTONOVA’s exclusion for the game for misconduct late in the third period.

Points tables:

GROUP A:

GROUP B:

GROUP C:

GROUP D:

Wednesday, August 12

Spain, Italy, Netherlands and USA join group winners in quarter-finals

By Russell McKinnon
FINA Press Commission Member

Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia (August 12).— Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and United States of America moved into the quarter-finals of the VIII FINA Junior Women’s World Water Polo Championships here today.

For some it was a breeze but for Spain it was just plain hard work, having to come back from five goals down at one stage and then equalising 17 seconds from time to force extra time against Greece. There was no score in the first period of extra but Spain sealed a match-up with Hungary with the winning goal in the second period.

It was an awesome match with a final score of 14-13 after the game finished at 13-13.

Italy will play Russia in the quarters after beating Germany 17-3 while the Netherlands earned a shot against Canada.

Dual champion the USA started slowly against South Africa before pulling away to win 16-4 and make a date with another double winner, Australia. Between the two they have 11 medals at this level with Australia having the edge with six.

In the 13-15 cross-over, Brazil beat Uzbekistan 10-6

#22 UZE 6 v BRA 10 Scoresheet

Crossover Group 13-15

Quarters: 1-2, 1-3, 0-3, 4-2

Referees: Liz BURMAN (NZL), Stephen O’BRIEN (IRL).

Extra Man: UZB 4/18; BRA 1/11

UZBEKISTAN: Svetlana SHIPULINA, Anna HOLOD, Guzel HAMITOVA, Ruphina NIGMATULLINA (2), Sanabar HISAMUDANOVA, Elina KALIMULLINA, Adelina ZINUROVA (3), Regina CHARUH (1), Albina NURGAZIZOVA, Aygul NIGMATULLINA, Ziedahon TESHABAEVA, Angelina EGORSHINA, Malika UMARALIEVA. Head Coach: Anastasivi SKOVPINA.

BRAZIL: Camila GOMES, Gabriela GOZANI (1), Patricia MARCONDES, Tatiana VELOSO, Thaina SANTOS, Marcela REIS, Hanna SILVEIRA (1), Adhara SANTORO (1), Talitha GUIMARAES (4), Carolina PINHO, Mirella COUTINHO (3), Gabriela DIAS (c), Lauro SANTOS. Head Coach: Frank DIAZ.

Brazil lives another day and will play Kazakhstan for 13th place tomorrow while Uzbekistan bows out of the tournament in 15th and final place. The game was tight in the first quarter but Brazil attained a scoring rhythm in the middle half with a range of scoring options. Uzbekistan fought bravely in the last quarter for a 4-2 success.

Coach Comments:

Frank DIAS (BRA): “We are happy about winning the game. Even though we were not that satisfied about the score, we achieved our goal to move on and play another game. We still have this goal of winning tomorrow’s game and getting a better classification than the last world championships.”

#23 GRE 13 v ESP 14 Scoresheet in extra time (FT: 13-13)

Quarters: 4-1, 5-5, 2-3, 2-4, 0-1, 0-1

Referees: Alex BENDER (GER), Cristina TACCINI (ITA).

Extra Man: GRE 5/11; ESP 1/7

GREECE: Dimitra STAMATIADOU, Eleni SAMARA, Vasilixi DIAMANTOPOULOU, Christiana KOTSIA, Magdalini TZIMA (4), Kleopatra CHATZIALEXI, IOULIA GARYFALLOU (1), Christina TSOUKALA (4), Maria PANOUSAKI (4), Asimina TSIGARIDA, Antonia VASILA, Margarita PLEURITOU, Chrysoula DIAMANTOPOULOU. Head Coach: Kostas PETPAXIS.

SPAIN: Cristina PEREZ, Anni ESPAR (1), Helena LLORET (2), Sara TORRES, Teresa GORRIA (3), Patricia GENZOR, Andrea BLAS, Lorena MIRANDA (c, 1), Marta BACH, Roser TARRAGO (5), Jennifer ARAUJO, Alba SANCHEZ (2), Patricia HERRERA. Head Coach: Claudio CAMARENA.

Spain won through an exciting match, coming back from 8-3 down three minutes from halftime to punch home the equaliser 17 seconds from  full-time and win the game in extra time. The game had everything and especially the desire of Spain to fight until the end. Greece suffered a critical blow when senior world championship star TSOUKALA was fouled out of the game at 2:23 in the third period when the game was evenly poised at 10-8. It turned the game and from then on Greece looked too scared to shoot when in position. PANOUSAKI carried the team late in the third quarter with two goals from right in front of the goal and then another after the restart. At 12-9 it looked good for Greece but TARRAGO grabbed one back. At 1:47 TZIMA drilled a shot from seven metres for 13-10 and what should have been an unassailable position. Spain scored twice in 24 seconds and the game was on. Spain took a timeout and TARRAGO stood up and hammered in her fifth goal to force the game in extra time. Neither side seemed to want to shoot in the first period but in the second, the redoubtable ESPAR climbed high and shot from nine metres to score the winner at 2:31. Greece took a timeout but the second passer dropped the ball and Greece never looked like scoring.

#24 GER 3 v ITA 17 Scoresheet

Quarters: 0-3, 1-6, 0-2, 2-6

Referees: Andrew CARNEY (AUS), Ivanka RAKOVIC (SRB).

Extra Man: GER 0/1; ITA 4/5

GERMANY: Bianca AHRENS, Alena LUEBKE, Anne REUTER (1), Luise ZIMMERMANN, Bianca SEYFERT, Lara MISHCHEL, Stephanie MOTTE (1), Jennifer STIEFEL, Jana SCHIMANSKI, Valeria LABSIN (c), Tatjana STEINHAUER (1), Sina VAN DER BOSCH, Jannika DOULIS. Head Coach: Jens REINHARDT.

ITALY: Laura TEANI, Laura BARZON (1), Eugenia DUFOUR, Giulia EMMOLO (2), Elisa QUERIOLO (c, 3), Francesca POMERI, Elena MAGGI (6), Anna SGANZERIA, Federica TAGLIAFERRI (1), Medea VERDE, Gloria GIACHI (3), Letizia LAGCIALANDA (1), Carola FALCONI. Head Coach: Fabio CONTI.

Germany struggled to shut down the Italian counter in the first half but learned the lesson against the European champion. The third period was the best for Germany and a little hard work up front gained some success with a penalty and a centre-forward goal. MAGGI was in the mix, especially in the second quarter when she scored five consecutive Italian goals, all on counter. She gained her last counter goal to close the match inside the last minute. Germany is happy to go to the next phase while Italy has the daunting task of playing Russia at home in the quarter-finals.

Coach Comments:

Jens REINHARDT (GER): “We played against the European champion. We were the underdog from the start. I was satisfied that my girls never gave up, fighting for 32 minutes. We are not good enough to make the Italian girls a little angry because we are not in condition to play at this level. Tomorrow is our first final against South Africa.”

#25 NZL 5 v NED 14 Scoresheet

Quarters: 2-2, 2-5, 0-3, 1-4

Referees: Dion WILLIS (RSA), Nikolaos VASILEIOU (GRE).

Extra Man: NZL 1/4; NED 3/8

NEW ZEALAND: Ianeta HUTCHINSON, Sophie HOWARD (1(, Megan PERRY, Ellen KYRKE-SMITH, Alexandra BOYD, Johanna THEELEN (1), Julie BURNS, Sinead LOMAX (1), Danielle LEWIS, Emma FAULCONBRIDGE, Casie BOWRY (2), Brooke PYE, Brooke MATHER. Head Coach: Fraser BICKLEY.

NETHERLANDS: Michelle SLOBBE, Melissa DONGELMANS, Nomi STOMPHORST (3), Sabrina VAN DER SLOOT (1), Amarens GENEE (1), Lieke KLASSEN (2), Robbin REMERS, Marloes NIJHUIS (2), Liselotte SMITS (1), Vivian SEVENICH (2), Charlotte MENSINK (1), Kiki GESERICK (1), Karlijn BROUWER. Head Coach: Yise SINDORF.

It was the game that the Netherlands needed to win but also to gain some self-confidence after the poor showing against the USA the day before. The Dutch were controlled throughout while New Zealand had an excellent start but the Netherlands’ surge to 6-2 made it hard for New Zealand to come back. Powerful outside shooting and depth on the bench was always going win over the spunk of New Zealand. A missed penalty shot at 7-4 down soon after halftime was punished with a counter goal at the far end. The Netherlands slipped out to 10-4 despite the Dutch also have a penalty shot saved.

Coaches’ Comments:

Fraser BICKLEY (NZL): “Early on some calls didn’t go our way and we didn’t get any gifts and as the game progressed it got further and further away from us. The crucial moment was missing a six on five when it was 4-2.”

Yise SINDORF (NED): “We did what we had to do. It was good play. Sometimes it was fast and sometimes it was easy but we had the game every minute in our hands. There were not many mistakes and the quality of Netherlands was more than the quality of New Zealand so we had to win. It was OK.”

#26 RSA 4 v 16 USA Scoresheet

Quarters: 0-3, 0-2, 2-5, 2-6

Referees: Jose WERNER (BRA), Natalya GALKINA (KAZ).

SOUTH AFRICA: Rebecca THOMAS, Zikona BHANETHI, Mymoenah GAMIET, Kylie JONES, Kylie TRAUBE (1), Nicola BARRETT (1), Cayley TONKIN (1), Kelly STEVENS, Tarryn SCHOOLING (1), Anjuli WEBSTER (c), Sasha ANDREWS, Amica HALLENDORFF, Mikaela MEYER. Head Coach: Ryan WIEDEMAN.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Kate BALDONI, Brooke MARTIN (1), Emily GREENWOOD, Ashley GROSSMAN (3), Annika DRIES (3), Erin MANKE, Kelly MENDOSA (1), Colleen O’DONNELL (1), Margaret STEFFENS (3), Kiley NEUSHUL (2), Madeline ROSENTHAL (1), Dominique SARDO (1), Samantha HILL. Head Coach: Kyle UTSUMI.

The USA booked its quarter-final berth with Australia with a low-key workout against South Africa. It was a dream game for the African qualifiers, holding the classier USA to three at the quarter and a miniscule five at halftime. The game marked the first goal for MENDOZA, daughter of legendary USA star for two decades and world water polo athlete of the year, Maureen O’TOOLE. Unhappily for her, she had a penalty shot stopped by THOMAS, who had a fine game in the South African goal. USA head coach UTSUMI, who guided the team to victory in Perth in 2005, used his bench to full effect. Congratulations must go to South African coach WIEDEMAN for lifting his team before the vital 9-12 cross-overs.

Coach Comments:

Ryan WIEDEMAN (RSA): “Yesterday we played two chukkas of quality polo and today we produced four where even the Americans had to produce the goods against us. We felt that we changed our defence definitely paid off.”

Quarter Final Round August 13

Best four break through for world championship semifinals

By Russell McKinnon
FINA Press Commission Member

Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia (August 13).— Dual champion United States of America will play the Netherlands while Hungary will clash with Russia in the semifinals of the VIII FINA Junior Women’s World Water Polo Championships here tomorrow

The Netherlands needed extra time to defeat Canada in an energy-sapping match. The game was tied at the end of the second third and fourth periods. Neither side scored in the first period but then Amarens GENEE stepped in with two goals when needed most to secure the victory.

The USA won its match with reigning champion Australia by going 4-0 in the first six minutes and maintaining the margin until the end for 9-5.

There was a similar feel to the other half of the draw where extra time was needed in the Hungary-Spain clash. Hungary, with a comfortable lead in the final quarter, gave up three quick goals to have the game tied. Another goal apiece forced the game to extra, which Hungary won 11-9 with two goals in the first period of overtime.

Russia spurted to a 5-0 first-quarter lead over Italy before rolling home an 11-5 winner, setting up tomorrow’s semifinal encounter with Hungary.

In the semifinal round for places ninth to 12th, Greece needed extra time to beat New Zealand 8-7 after the game was locked at 6-6 by fulltime. Germany routed South Africa 9-3 with a final-quarter burst.

Kazakhstan took 13th position with a 12-7 victory over Brazil.

#27   KAZ 12 vs BRA 7 13th Place Scoresheet

Quarters: 2-0, 3-3, 3-3, 4-1

Referees: Liz Burman (NZL), Dion WILLIS (RSA).

Extra Man: KAZ 4/7; BRA 2/6

KAZAKHSTAN: Elena BYCHKOVA, Valeria MAKHANOVA (1), Aizhan AKILBAYEVA (3), Gauhar SULEIMANOVA (2), Liliya FALALEEVA, Kristina MESCHERYAKOVA, Zamira MYRZABEKOVA (3), Kamila ZAKIROVA (3), Anastasia LIMARENKO, Kamila MARINA, Lyudmila CHEGODAYEVA, Albina GABDRAHMANOVA, Nazira MUKHAMEDZHAN. Head Coach: Larisa OLKHINA.

BRAZIL: Camila GOMES, Gabriela GOZANI (2), Patricia MARCONDES, Tatiana VELOSO, Thaina SANTOS, Marcela REIS, Hanna SILVEIRA (1), Adhara SANTORO, Talitha GUIMARAES (1), Carolina PINHO, Mirella COUTINHO (2), Gabriela DIAS (c, 1), Lauro SANTOS. Head Coach: Frank DIAZ.

Kazakhstan looked sharper than Brazil and deserved the victory, starting stronger and definitely finishing fast. It is only the third time Kazakhstan has contested the junior world championships, finishing seven out of eight in 1995 and 12th out of 12 in 1997. Brazil finished one place higher than two years ago in Portugal, succeeding in one of its aims. When 4-0 down, Brazil fought back to level the game at 5-5 and then again at 6-6 with two minutes left of the third period. But then all resistance failed as Kazakhstan sent in six unanswered goals, snuffing any chance Brazil had of a revival.

#28   GRE 8 vs NZL 7 Scoresheet in extra time (FT: 6-6)

Quarters: 0-2, 2-1, 1-1, 3-2, 1-1, 1-0

Referees: Alex STANKEVTCH (USA), Mikhail DYKMAN (CAN).

Extra Man: GRE 5/12; NZL 1/7

GREECE: Dimitra STAMATIADOU, Eleni SAMARA, Vasilixi DIAMANTOPOULOU, Christiana KOTSIA, Magdalini TZIMA, Kleopatra CHATZIALEXI, IOULIA GARYFALLOU, Christina TSOUKALA (2), Maria PANOUSAKI(1), Asimina TSIGARIDA, Antonia VASILA (4), Margarita PLEVRITOU (1), Chrysoula DIAMANTOPOULOU. Head Coach: Kostas PETRAKIS.

NEW ZEALAND: Ianeta HUTCHINSON, Sophie HOWARD, Megan PERRY, Ellen KYRKE-SMITH, Alexandra BOYD, Johanna THEELEN (2), Julie BURNS, Sinead LOMAX, Danielle LEWIS (2), Emma FAULCONBRIDGE, Casie BOWRY (2), Brooke PYE (1), Brooke MATHER. Head Coach: Fraser BICKLEY.

This was the one that got away for New Zealand with Greece coming through in extra time to secure a shot at ninth place tomorrow. New Zealand controlled the first three periods but a stronger desire and better shooting options by Greece shifted the power and the lead to 5-4. Twice the Kiwis had to come back to level with the final goal one out of the bag. New Zealand had a shot, which was stopped by the 14-year-old DIAMANTOPOULOU and inexplicably handed the ball to New Zealand’s THEELEN who threw it into goal from two metres for 6-6 at 0:10. However, Greece recovered from this blemish, with thoughts of the incredible fade-out to Spain the day before, which also produced extra time. New Zealand scored on extra but TSOUKALA levelled. VASILA scored the only goal of the second period of extra for her fourth and advancement to the 9-10 play-off. The interesting pairing of TSOUKALA and BOWRY, who both played the senior world championships in Rome, witnessed some tough marking from two of the best players at this tournament. BOWRY’s only fault was to miss a penalty shot when 2-0 up early in the second quarter.

Coaches’ Comments:

Kostas PETRAKIS (GRE): “Congratulations to New Zealand. We were sleeping some times. We are very disappointed because of yesterday and the previous game with Kazakhstan. Our object here is to be very close to the best teams in the world with a new team with five to six seniors. We tried to make a new generation for youth and the senior team. It was a very good try by the girls but some mistakes were because of their youth and they have not much experience. Our keeper today was 14 years old. So it was a great experience for the girls. If they work a lot they have a future in our national teams.”

Fraser BICKLEY (NZL): “We gave the game to Greece today. We were the better team for most of the game. We couldn’t find the back of the net. If you don’t score goals you can’t win games.”

#29  GER 9 vs RSA 3 Scoresheet

Quarters: 1-0, 2-2, 2-0, 4-1

Referees: Svetlana DREVAL (RUS), Henk SMIT (NED).

Extra Man: GER 2/5; RSA 0/0

GERMANY: Bianca AHRENS, Alena LUEBKE, Anne REUTER (2), Luise ZIMMERMANN (2), Bianca SEYFERT (1), Lara MISHCHEL, Stephanie MOTTE (2), Jennifer STIEFEL, Jana SCHIMANSKI, Valeria LABSIN (c, 1), Tatjana STEINHAUER (1), Sina VAN DER BOSCH, Jannika DOULIS. Head Coach: Jens REINHARDT.

SOUTH AFRICA: Rebecca THOMAS, Zikona BHANETHI, Mymoenah GAMIET, Kylie JONES (1), Kylie TRAUBE (1), Nicola BARRETT, Cayley TONKIN (1), Kelly STEVENS, Tarryn SCHOOLING, Anjuli WEBSTER (c), Sasha ANDREWS, Amica HALLENDORFF, Mikaela MEYER. Head Coach: Ryan WIEDEMAN.

Germany ran away with the cross-over match against South Africa, playing smarter water polo and looing the fitter side. South Africa was well in the game until late in the third quarter at 3-2 but then STEINHAUSER muscled a goal at centre forward and MOTTE scored from the top to close the period 5-2. Four more goals by Germany had the game sewn up before TRAUBE closed the scoring for South Africa.

Coaches’ Comments:

Jens REINHARDT (GER): “I want to thank the whole team for this victory because there was a lot of pressure on us because there was no Mexico in the group so no easy game. I was satisfied because it was a good result for our team. A special thanks to the medical team for getting our players in the water because we had a lot of injuries.”

Ryan WIEDEMAN (RSA): “Yesterday we were a team, today we were a team of individuals. When girls do their own thing in the water, they find themselves wanting. They could have played with more heart and we struggled to stoke the fire within them.”

#30   CAN 6 vs NED 8 Scoresheet

Quarters: 2-1, 1-2, 0-0, 3-3, 0-0, 0-2

Referees: Gyorgy JUHASZ (HUN), Jorge CISNEROS (ESP).

Extra Man: CAN ; NED

CANADA: Michele RELTON, Kelly McKEE (2), Elisabeth HENRY, Rebekka STEENKAMER, Sarah McILVEEN, Michelle CARON, Chelsea DAVISON, Breda VOSTERS (1), Allison CAMPBELL, Hanna YELIZAROVA (1), Kirstn MASE (c), Shae FOURNIER, Nicola COLTERJOHN. Head Coach: Nishant DAMANI.

NETHERLANDS: Michelle SLOBBE, Melissa DONGELMANS (2), Nomi STOMPHORST, Sabrina VAN DER SLOOT, Amarens GENEE (3), Lieke KLASSEN, Robbin REMERS, Marloes NIJHUIS, Liselotte SMITS (1), Vivian SEVENICH, Charlotte MENSINK, Kiki GESERICK, Karlijn BROUWER. Head Coach: Ilse SINDORF.

From 3-1 down the Netherlands came back grab a 6-6 draw at full time and then score two goals in the second period of extra time to become the first team to advance to the semifinals. The hero of the match was GENEE with the two goals that mattered. The first was a titanic struggle at centre forward, turning to score the first at 2:31 and then sending in a long shot from down the left at 2:04, skipping the ball into the bottom left for 8-6, something Canada could not come back from.

Coach Comments:

Ilse SINDORF (NED): “It was not a good game on our side. I think we can play better. Canada showed good strength to us and made it very difficult. We next extra time to show the quality we had. We were nervous and had many chances but we didn’t score. The tournament is open now and it starts tomorrow.”

#31   AUS 5 vs USA 9 Scoresheet

Quarters: 1-5, 2-2, 1-2, 1-0

Referees: Axel BENDER (GER), Cristina TACCINI (ITA).

Extra Man: AUS 2/8; USA 4/11

AUSTRALIA: Serena REID, Eleisha BROWNE, Kayle LEATHEM, Emily SCOTT, Isobel BISHOP (1), Genevieve VENOSTA, Rachel FLINT, Breanna APPEL (1), Zoe ARANCINI (с), Ashleigh SOUTHERN (1), Emma Jo GRAHAME (2), Claire PIERCE, Kelsey WAKEFIELD. Head Coach: Peter SZILAGYI.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Kate BALDONI, Brooke MARTIN (1), Emily GREENWOOD (2), Ashley GROSSMAN, Annika DRIES (2), Erin MANKE, Kelly MENDOSA, Colleen O’DONNELL, Margaret STEFFENS (1), Kiley NEUSHUL (2), Madeline ROSENTHAL, Dominique SARDO (1), Samantha HILL. Head Coach: Kyle UTSUMI.

The USA came through the battle of champions to advance to the semifinals and a match-up with the Netherlands following a whirlwind start. The USA had three goals in three minutes from three different parts of the pool and that’s where the difference was. At five minutes it was 4-0 with a fourth shooter from a different position and the chances of Australia coming back looked slim. But then it was an even game with the Aussies grinding out the next 26 minutes, looking tentative on the attack while the USA was content to limit goals while still working hard for more. The margin trimmed to 6-3 in the third but Australia was never going to bridge the gap. The shots were wayward at the end and the USA was the correct winner. Both teams have won the title twice at the 20 and under level and Australia came to Russia as the reigning champion. It now has to play Canada in the 5-8 group crossover and rue what could have been.

Coach’s Comments:

Peter SZILAGYI (AUS): “We lost the game within three minutes at the beginning. The mentally better-prepared American team deserved to win.”

Kyle UTSUMI (USA): “The group prepared us well. The pace of the game was what we were looking for. We’re excited to reach the semifinals and we’ll look to improve on several areas.”

#32   HUN 11 vs ESP 9 Scoresheet

Quarters: 2-1, 2-3, 3-1, 2-4, 2-0, 0-0

Referees: Andrew CARNEY (AUS), Pierre BONNAY (FRA).

Extra Man: HUN 2/5; ESP 4/10

HUNGARY: Ivett SZABO, Dora CZIGANY, Dora ANTAL (3), Zsofia BODROGI, Anna Kristztina ILLES, Rita KESZTHELYI (4), Reka KOVER-KIS, Nikoletta PENGO, Dora KOVACS (1), Hanna Anna KISTELEKI (2), Noemi SOMHEGYI (1), Timea ACS, Flora BOLONYAI. Head Coach: Andras MERESZ.

SPAIN: Cristina PEREZ, Anni ESPAR (2), Helena LLORET (1), Sara TORRES, Teresa GORRIA (1), Patricia GENZOR, Andrea BLAS, Lorena MIRANDA (c), Marta BACH (2), Roser TARRAGO (2), Jennifer ARAUJO (1), Alba SANCHEZ, Patricia HERRERA. Head Coach: Claudio CAMARENA.

This was the third game of the day to go to extra time with none requiring a penalty shootout. Hungary rose to the top after a fourth-quarter slump, blowing an 8-5 lead and then a 9-8 advantage to make the game go two more quarters. However, Hungary was more composed in the first period of extra time with ANTAL and KESZTHELYI scoring down the left with the latter from six metres out on the counter. Neither side could make a mark in the second period and Spain was too slow in its attacks, not looking like scoring twice. The big story of the game was the comeback of Spain midway through the fourth quarter, with ESPAR, GORRIA and BACH scoring within two minutes to set up an exciting finish.

#33   RUS 11 vs ITA 6 Scoresheet

Quarters: 5-0, 1-0, 4-2, 1-4

Referees: Mladen RAK (CRO), Nikolaos VASILEIOU (GRE).

Extra Man: RUS 2/9; ITA 2/9

RUSSIA: Anna KARNAUKH, Diana ANTONOVA (1), Eketerina PROKOFYEVA (2), Elvina KARIMOVA (1), Alexandra ANTONOVA, Aygul NUHOVA, Ekaterina ZELENTSOVA (1), Olga BELOVA (3), Maria SAVSCHUK, Anna BOGDANOVA, Ksenia IVANCSHISHINA (3), Victoria KUROSCHKINA, Ylvana YADRVISHNIKOVA. Head Coach: Mikhail NAKORYAKOV.

ITALY: Laura TEANI, Laura BARZON (1), Eugenia DUFOUR, Giulia EMMOLO, Elisa QUERIOLO (c, 1), Francesca POMERI, Elena MAGGI, Anna SGANZERIA, Federica TAGLIAFERRI, Medea VERDE, Gloria GIACHI, Letizia LASCIALANDA (3), Carola FALCONI. Head Coach: Fabio CONTI.

It was runaway train time for Russia, pushing deep into Siberia with a snow-ploughing effort against Italy. At 5-0 by the first break and then 6-0 at halftime, the writing was on the wall. The graffiti got thicker as the score mounted to 8-0 before LASCIALANDA scored the first of her three goals. Italian head coach CONTI gained a yellow card not long after POMERI was suspended from the game. LASCIALANDA scored her second to close the third period. By now Italy was back in the game with BARZON scoring on counter and LASCIALANDA converting extra after a timeout break. When BELOVA shunted in a goal from two metres it was all over, despite two outside goals from Italy, the last on the buzzer from BARZON.

Semi-Final Round August 14

By Russell McKinnon
FINA Press Commission Member

Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia (August 14).— Russia will play the Netherlands in the gold-medal final at the VIII FINA Junior Women’s World Water Polo Championships here tomorrow.

The Russians will be hard to beat in home waters, especially after a relatively easy 13-8 victory over Hungary while the Netherlands was nearly spent after its drawn-out match.

Russia won the match with a 3-0 opening quarter and a 6-1 lead in the second that was too hard to bridge for the Hungarians, although they gave it a shot with a three-goal burst early in the final quarter.

The Dutch crept into the final with an amazing 12-11 victory over dual champion the United States of the America in sudden-death penalty shootout.

The two teams could not be separated in each of the four periods of normal time and two periods of extra time with a tie each time. Both missed a penalty in the first rotation and then Maggie STEFFENS had her shot blocked by the leading goalkeeper of the tournament, Michelle SLOBBE. This left her team-mate Lieke KLAASSEN to nail the winner and earn a golden shot.

In the 5-8 bracket, Canada needed a 20-metre goal at the death of the first period of extra time to beat outgoing champion Australia 4-3. The game was locked at 3-3 and Kelly McKee launched a sputnik from in front of her goal to clinch the game on the buzzer as the second period of extra was scoreless.

Greece bowed out with ninth place after defeating Germany 7-2 while New Zealand eclipsed South Africa 14-2 for 11th place.

#34  NZL 14 vs RSA 2 11th Place Scoresheet

Quarters: 4-0, 3-0, 2-1, 6-1

Referees: Stephen O’BRIEN (IRL), Jose WERNER (BRA).

Extra Man: NZL 4/10; RSA 0/3

NEW ZEALAND: Ianeta HUTCHINSON, Sophie HOWARD, Megan PERRY, Ellen KYRKE-SMITH, Alexandra BOYD (3), Johanna THEELEN (4), Julie BURNS, Sinead LOMAX, Danielle LEWIS (2), Emma FAULCONBRIDGE (3), Casie BOWRY (1), Brooke PYE (1), Brooke MATHER. Head Coach: Fraser BICKLEY.

SOUTH AFRICA: Rebecca THOMAS, Zikona BHANETHI, Mymoenah GAMIET, Kylie JONES, Kylie TRAUBE, Nicola BARRETT, Cayley TONKIN (1), Kelly STEVENS, Tarryn SCHOOLING, Anjuli WEBSTER (c), Sasha ANDREWS, Amica HALLENDORFF (1), Mikaela MEYER. Head Coach: Ryan WIEDEMAN.

New Zealand slipped three positions from two years ago but struck two top-four teams and went down in extra time to Greece yesterday. For South Africa it was the same position as 2001 in Perth, the last time it attended the junior worlds. It was all New Zealand in this match with the Kiwis dominating defence. It could have scored more goals but for poor finishing on a handful of occasions and the excellent goalkeeping by South Africa.

#35 GRE 7 vs GER 2 10th Place Scoresheet

Quarters: 2-0, 2-0, 1-1, 1-1

Referees: Hector VALCARCE (ARG), TAN Hong Boon (SIN).

Extra Man: GRE 5/6; GER 0/3

GREECE: Dimitra STAMATIADOU, Eleni SAMARA, Vasilixi DIAMANTOPOULOU, Christiana KOTSIA (1), Magdalini TZIMA (1), Kleopatra CHATZIALEXI, IOULIA GARYFALLOU (1), Christina TSOUKALA (2), Maria PANOUSAKI (1), Asimina TSIGARIDA, Antonia VASILA, Margarita PLEVRITOU, Chrysoula DIAMANTOPOULOU. Head Coach: Kostas PETRAKIS.

GERMANY: Bianca AHRENS, Alena LUEBKE, Anne REUTER, Luise ZIMMERMANN, Bianca SEYFERT, Lara MISHCHEL, Stephanie MOTTE, Jennifer STIEFEL (1), Jana SCHIMANSKI, Valeria LABSIN (c), Tatjana STEINHAUER (1), Sina VAN DER BOSCH, Jannika DOULIS. Head Coach: Jens REINHARDT.

Greece took out ninth spot with a slow march over Germany who struggled to make an impression on the scoreboard despite excellent chances. Ninth place is a long way from victory in Prague in 1997 but Greece improved on 13th last time. Germany was 12th last time and 10th before that with a best showing of fifth in 2001 and 2003. Greece had to work for goals against a defiant Germany, who managed to score twice with STEINHAUER’S centre-forward effort midway through the third period an obvious crowd-pleaser.

Coaches’ Comments:

Kostas PETRAKIS (GRE): “It was a game without any problem for the Greek team. We played with all the young girls. For the competition, we gained many experiences and our team proved that we are in the strongest group of the world. We missed out on the top eight on details. We are ninth and very, very close and must continue working. When they use that experience results will be better.”

Jens REINHARDT (GER): “It was in the end the best game in this tournament and we are satisfied with the girls. They are fit and on time and I want to thank all the staff and the girls. This game was the best we played in this tournament. Thanks to all the organising committee as it was an impressive tournament and we loved being here.”

#36 CAN 4 v AUS 3 Consolation Semifinal Scoresheet in extra time (FT: 3-3)

Quarters: 0-1, 1-2, 1-0, 1-0, 1-0, 0-0
Referees: Gyorgy JUHASZ (HUN), Svetlana DREVAL (RUS).

Extra Man: CAN 2/7; AUS 1/3

CANADA: Michele RELTON, Kelly McKEE (1), Elisabeth HENRY (1), Rebekka STEENKAMER, Sarah McILVEEN, Michelle CARON (1), Chelsea DAVISON, Breda VOSTERS, Allison CAMPBELL, Hanna YELIZAROVA, Kirstn MASE (c), Shae FOURNIER (1), Nicola COLTERJOHN. Head Coach: Nishant DAMANI.

AUSTRALIA: Serena REID, Eleisha BROWNE, Kayle LEATHEM, Emily SCOTT, Isobel BISHOP, Genevieve VENOSTA, Rachel FLINT (2), Breanna APPEL, Zoe ARANCINI (с), Ashleigh SOUTHERN, Emma Jo GRAHAME (1), Claire PIERCE, Kelsey WAKEFIELD. Head Coach: Peter SZILAGYI.

Australia’s inability to score for nearly the last 24 minutes of the game was testimony to Canada’s tough defence and meant the score was low and it could not win. The winning blow by Canada came in the first period of extra time when McKEE sent in an orbital shot from mid-Siberia, slipping into the top left corner of the goal after the buzzer. The exact distance of the shot was 20m! Australia had the early advantage but 2-0 only came at the top of the second quarter with Canada responding. FLINT gained her second goal from the penalty line to close the first-half scoring.  Australia was kept scoreless in a second half where Canada dominated with CARON scoring in the third and FOURNIER when stranded on extra. Both teams used timeouts but looked exhausted near the end and the game went to extra time. It was only McKee’s shot that separated the teams in extra time.

Coaches’ Comments:

Nishant DAMANI (CAN): “The game could have gone either way today. Both teams struggled on offence but had strong defensive games and had a lot of trouble finding the back of the net. I guess sometimes the bounces go your way and to score from your own five-metre line is something that doesn’t happen often but we will take.”

Peter SZILAGYI (AUS): “It was a very physical game. The team that can’t score goals for more than two quarters will not usually win even though we had some unlucky situations like the last-second goal that lost us the game.”

#37 ESP 5 v ITA 9 Consolation Semifinal Scoresheet

Quarters: 2-1, 1-4, 2-2, 0-2

Referees: Henk SMIT (NED), Ivanka RAKOVIC (SRB).

Extra Man: ESP 0/7; ITA 2/7

SPAIN: Cristina PEREZ, Anni ESPAR (1), Helena LLORET, Sara TORRES, Teresa GORRIA, Patricia GENZOR, Andrea BLAS, Lorena MIRANDA (c, 1), Marta BACH (1), Roser TARRAGO (2), Jennifer ARAUJO, Alba SANCHEZ, Patricia HERRERA. Head Coach: Claudio CAMARENA.

ITALY: Laura TEANI, Laura BARZON (2), Eugenia DUFOUR (1), Giulia EMMOLO (1), Elisa QUERIOLO (c, 1), Francesca POMERI (1), Elena MAGGI, Anna SGANZERIA, Federica TAGLIAFERRI (1), Medea VERDE (1), Gloria GIACHI, Letizia LASCIALANDA (1), Carola FALCONI. Head Coach: Fabio CONTI.

Italy will play Canada for fifth place tomorrow after a controlled victory over Spain. Italy brought the game level at 2-2 on the first attack of the second quarter and had to level again midway through the period. It was the first of four unanswered goals, giving Italy the break it needed at 6-3 early in the third period. TARRAGO narrowed the margin to 7-5 late in the third quarter but EMMOLO virtually sealed victory with an 11-metre lob at 3:34 while Barzon scored her second on extra soon after for 9-5.

#38 NED 12 vs USA 11 Semifinal in sudden-death penalty shootout Scoresheet

Quarters: 2-2, 2-2, 2-2, 1-1, 0-0, 0-0. Pens: 5-4

Referees: Mladen RAK (CRO), Nikolaos VASILEIOU (GRE).

Extra Man: NED 2/9; USA 1/4

NETHERLANDS: Michelle SLOBBE, Melissa DONGELMANS (1), Nomi STOMPHORST (1), Sabrina VAN DER SLOOT (1), Amarens GENEE, Lieke KLAASSEN (3), Robbin REMERS (1), Marloes NIJHUIS (3), Liselotte SMITS (1), Vivian SEVENICH (1), Charlotte MENSINK, Kiki GESERICK, Karlijn BROUWER. Head Coach: Ilse SINDORF.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Kate BALDONI, Brooke MARTIN (1), Emily GREENWOOD (1), Ashley GROSSMAN (2), Annika DRIES (1), Erin MANKE, Kelly MENDOSA (1), Colleen O’DONNELL, Margaret STEFFENS (2), Kiley NEUSHUL (1), Madeline ROSENTHAL (1), Dominique SARDO (1), Samantha HILL. Head Coach: Kyle UTSUMI.

The Netherlands outlasted the USA with an amazing victory in sudden-death penalty shootout. What an engrossing match this was from the start between two evenly matched teams from different continents. The real action came in the final quarter when the USA was 7-6 ahead from 6:10. Nothing happened on the scoresheet for another five minutes, except for the odd exclusion. The USA had two excluded players at one stage and the Dutch could not score with goalkeeper HILL tipping over the first and a defender blocking the second. The USA took a timeout at 1:20 but DRIES centre-forward shot was wide. REMERS had an open shot but elected to pass, which proved critical. SARDO was excluded then the Dutch went to a timeout at 0:56. After the re-entry VAN DER SLOOT chanced her arm with a slider from the top and it slipped in at 0:33 after 11 passes. The USA gained an ejection with three seconds left and moved the ball to MARTIN who shot to the right position but SLOBBE saved with her left hand, forcing the game to extra time. The Netherlands put two shots on target, which HILL saved while the USA sent only one in the direction of goal, losing the others on the forced-in passes to DRIES at two metres. Both teams only got one shot on target in the second period and timeouts to each side inside the last 25 second earned nothing, sending the game to a penalty shootout — the first of the tournament. Each missed a shot in the rotation with VAN DER SLOOT hitting the upright for the Dutch and DRIES having her attempt blocked by SLOBBE. STEFFENS took the first shot in sudden death and SLOBBE blocked the shot, leaving KLAASSEN to score and send the Dutch to the gold-medal final.

#39 HUN 8 v RUS 13 Semifinal Scoresheet

Quarters: 0-3, 3-5, 1-3, 4-2

Referees: Axel BENDER (GER), Jorge CISNEROS (ESP).

Extra Man: HUN 4/7; RUS 5/13

HUNGARY: Ivett SZABO, Dora CZIGANY, Dora ANTAL (3), Zsofia BODROGI, Anna Kristztina ILLES, Rita KESZTHELYI, Reka KOVER-KIS (1), Nikoletta PENGO, Dora KOVACS, Hanna Anna KISTELEKI (2), Noemi SOMHEGYI (2), Timea ACS, Flora BOLONYAI. Head Coach: Andras MERESZ.

RUSSIA: Anna KARNAUKH, Diana ANTONOVA (3), Eketerina PROKOFYEVA (2), Elvina KARIMOVA (1), Alexandra ANTONOVA (1) , Aygul NUHOVA, Ekaterina ZELENTSOVA (1), Olga BELOVA, Maria SAVSCHUK, Anna BOGDANOVA (1), Ksenia IVANCSHISHINA (4), Victoria KUROSCHKINA, Ylvana YADRVISHNIKOVA. Head Coach: Mikhail NAKORYAKOV.

Russia made it tough for Hungary, moving the 3-0 quarter-time score to 6-1 before the Hungarians gained some parity. But at 7-3 with half a minute to go Hungary felt on the mend but Russia struck through IVANCSHISHINA from deep left with a second left on the clock for 8-3. The march continued in the third period with Russia having too much firepower and a liking for the long shot, as witnessed by Alexandra ANTONOVA’S bomb. The only joy for Hungary in the third period was a KOVA-KIS penalty goal. ANTAL made it two goals in a row for Hungary when she took on the goalkeeper and won at the top of the fourth quarter. Both teams had timeouts soon after but it was Hungary who gained the most from it, setting up a mini revival, scoring three goals straight for 11-7 and a sniff at a draw. The Russian coach gained a yellow card but IVANCSHISHINA pleased the capacity crowd with a score on counter at 3:48 and Diana ANTONOVA’S third goal from in front booked the berth.

Final Round August 15

Russia romps to first junior crown

By Russell McKinnon
FINA Press Commission Member

Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia (August 15).— Russia has final broken a drought in women’s water polo, claiming the gold medal at the VIII FINA Junior Women’s World Water Polo Championships here today.

The victory came in style against a smart, sharp and equally skilful Netherlands team that fired out of the blocks to lead 3-0 but eventually fell 14-9.

This sparkling encounter showcased the best talent on the planet and the speed at which these youngsters displayed would have put many teams to shame at the senior world championships in Rome two weeks ago.

The Russians bided their time and pounced in the second quarter to lead 6-3 at halftime and 9-6 at the final break before riding the wave of Russian fervour that was spilling out of the elevated grandstand. More than 1000 screaming, flag-waving fans cheered in delight as their young team brought home a debut gold medal for Russia, giving the junior teams a complete set of medals to go with the silver from Perth in 2005 and the bronze, also from Perth, in 2001.

The best of the best was Ekaterina PROKOFYEVA, who scored 15 goals and was voted by everyone worth talking to as the finest player at the Western Siberian tournament. She was extremely skilful, agile, fast and utterly dangerous. Just be being in the water, Russia seemingly had an eighth player.

She was joined today by a complete team but you had to wonder if they weren’t all called ANTONOVA. Sisters Alexandra and Diana ANTONOVA scored eight goals between them from close range with the left-hander Alexandra grabbing an incredible five. Her road will surely be paved in gold in the future.

The Netherlands goalkeeper Michelle SLOBBE would not have been happy with her early game but came good later on and stopped a penalty shot, much like when she stopped two United States attempts in the semifinal sudden-death penalty shootout the night before. She deservedly was named the goalkeeper of the tournament.

Earlier, USA collected its sixth medal at this level when holding off Hungary 11-8 in the bronze-medal final. Victory was built on a 4-1 start but Hungary had nearly wiped out the deficit at the start of the final quarter when just one goal behind at 9-8.

However, with Maggie STEFFENS, one of the stars of the tournament, scoring the winner at 3:11, the game was over.

In the seventh-eighth play-off, outgoing champion Australia beat Spain 11-6.

The Media All Star Team was announced and comprised:

Goalkeeper: Michelle SLOBBE (NED)
Centre forward: Annika DRIES (USA)
Field Players: Cristina TSOUKALA (GRE)
                      Ekaterina PROKOFYEVA (RUS)
                      Dora ANTAL (HUN)
                      Maggie STEFFENS (USA)
                      Rita KESZTHELYI (HUN)

#40 AUS 11 vs ESP 6 7th Place

Quarters: 3-1, 3-4, 3-1, 2-0

Referees: Mikhail DYKMAN (CAN), Ivanka RAKOVIC (SRB).

Extra Man: AUS 2/8; ESP 4/11

AUSTRALIA: Serena REID, Eleisha BROWNE, Kayle LEATHEM (3), Emily SCOTT, Isobel BISHOP (1), Genevieve VENOSTA (1), Rachel FLINT, Breanna APPEL (3), Zoe ARANCINI (с, 1), Ashleigh SOUTHERN (2), Emma Jo GRAHAME, Claire PIERCE, Kelsey WAKEFIELD. Head Coach: Peter SZILAGYI.

SPAIN: Cristina PEREZ, Anni ESPAR (2), Helena LLORET (3), Sara TORRES, Teresa GORRIA, Patricia GENZOR, Andrea BLAS, Lorena MIRANDA (c, 1), Marta BACH, Roser TARRAGO, Jennifer ARAUJO, Alba SANCHEZ, Patricia HERRERA. Head Coach: Claudio CAMARENA.

Australia finished its defence of the crown with victory for seventh place but it was the worst performance at a junior worlds, and only the second time that it hasn’t finished top-three. In Calgary in 2003 it finished sixth. Australia started strongly, going 5-1 up three minutes into the second quarter. Following a missed penalty attempt by APPEL, Australia dropped off the pace and allowed Spain into the game, drawing level at 6-6 nearly five minutes into the third period. This stung the Aussies into action with three straight goals by the end of the period. APPEL’s long lob three minutes from time spelt the end of the game for Spain, whose LLORET had another excellent match, finishing with three goals. Spain’s eighth was down from sixth in Porto two years ago and third in Calgary in 2003.

Coach Comments:

Peter SZILAGYI (AUS): “I would be more than happy to change these 11 goals for one yesterday (in the crossover with Canada). I am so embarrassed to finish in the worst position for an Australian team at junior level.”

#41  ITA 7 vs CAN 5 5th Place

Quarters: 1-1, 1-4, 2-1, 0-1

Referees: Natalya GALKINA (KAZ), Alex STANKEVTCH (USA).

Extra Man: CAN 4/8; ITA 1/6

CANADA: Michele RELTON, Kelly McKEE, Elisabeth HENRY, Rebekka STEENKAMER, Sarah McILVEEN (2), Michelle CARON, Chelsea DAVISON, Breda VOSTERS, Allison CAMPBELL, Hanna YELIZAROVA, Kirstn MASE (c, 1), Shae FOURNIER (2), Nicola COLTERJOHN. Head Coach: Nishant DAMANI.

ITALY: Laura TEANI, Laura BARZON, Eugenia DUFOUR, Giulia EMMOLO (1), Elisa QUERIOLO (c, 1), Francesca POMERI (1), Elena MAGGI (1), Anna SGANZERIA, Federica TAGLIAFERRI, Medea VERDE (3), Gloria GIACHI, Letizia LAGCIALANDA, Carola FALCONI. Head Coach: Fabio CONTI.

Italy did what it needed to for victory and the 3-1 and then 5-2 advantage by halftime proved enough. Canada struggled to get into the game until the third period when two FOURNIER goals late in the period had the game at 5-4. But Canadian lack of concentration until the buzzer meant VERDE slipped in a long shot with four seconds left to regain the two-goal difference. The defences took over in the final eight minutes with the only breach being MAGGI’S score on extra at 1:01, sealing the game.

#42  USA 11 vs HUN 8 Bronze Medal

Quarters: 4-2, 3-3, 2-2, 2-1

Referees: Axel BENDER (GER), Svetlana DREVAL (RUS).

Extra Man: USA  3/15; HUN 3/11

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Kate BALDONI, Brooke MARTIN, Emily GREENWOOD, Ashley GROSSMAN (2), Annika DRIES, Erin MANKE (1), Kelly MENDOZA (1), Colleen O’DONNELL, Margaret STEFFENS (3), Kiley NEUSHUL (3), Madeline ROSENTHAL (1), Dominique SARDO, Samantha HILL. Head Coach: Kyle UTSUMI.

HUNGARY: Ivett SZABO, Dora CZIGANY (1), Dora ANTAL (2), Zsofia BODROGI, Anna Kristztina ILLES, Rita KESZTHELYI (2), Reka KOVER-KIS, Nikoletta PENGO, Dora KOVACS, Hanna Anna KISTELEKI (1), Noemi SOMHEGYI (2), Timea ACS, Flora BOLONYAI. Head Coach: Andras MERESZ.

The USA won its sixth medal at this level — a third bronze to go with two gold and one silver. At 4-1 in the first quarter the writing was firmly on the wall as the USA had unfinished business from the previous day. But Hungary scored four of the next six goals with ANTAL making the sheet twice. At 6-5 the game became interesting. CZIGANY had just converted a three on two. However, MENDOZA converted extra to give the USA a two-goal margin at halftime. The incredible GROSSMAN smashed in a two-metre shot and STEFFENS, the USA’s quiet hero, sent one in off the right hand for 9-5. Hungary’s KESZTHELYI led the revival with two quick goals midway through the third that made the score 9-7 with no more scoring until the last break. SOMHEGYI made life uncomfortable for USA with a goal from three metres. It was some time before ROSENTHAL, gaining her big chance with the absence of the tournament’s best centre forward, DRIES, scoring for 10-8. A timeout to either side yielded nothing but soon after the USA’s break, STEFFENS brought glory on herself and the team with a goal on extra, snuffing any chance Hungary had of going to extra time. For Hungary it was a one-position slip from Porto two years ago.

Coach Comments:

Kyle UTSUMI (USA): “Tonight we played with energy and excitement and our players fed off each other. This championship is fantastic for a young age and we gained experience every day.”

#43 RUS 14 vs NED 9 GOLD MEDAL

Quarters: 3-2, 0-4, 3-3, 3-5

Referees: Cristina TACCINI (ITA), Nikolaos VASILEIOU (GRE).

Extra Man: NED  1/3; RUS 4/6

NETHERLANDS: Michelle SLOBBE, Melissa DONGELMANS (1), Nomi STOMPHORST (2), Sabrina VAN DER SLOOT (1), Amarens GENEE, Lieke KLAASSEN (3), Robbin REMERS (1), Marloes NIJHUIS (1), Liselotte SMITS, Vivian SEVENICH, Charlotte MENSINK, Kiki GESERICK, Karlijn BROUWER. Head Coach: Yise SINDORF.

RUSSIA: Anna KARNAUKH, Diana ANTONOVA (3), Eketerina PROKOFYEVA (1), Elvina KARIMOVA (1), Alexandra ANTONOVA (5), Aygul NUKHOVA, Ekaterina ZELENTSOVA (1), Olga BELOV (2), Victoria KUROSCHKINA, Anna BOGDANOVA, Ksenia IVANCSHISHINA (1), Maria SAVSCHUK, Ylvana YADRVISHNIKOVA. Head Coach: Mikhail NAKORYAKOV.

Russia’s driving game and expert agility in front of goal proved dynamite in producing a premier gold medal for Russian women’s water polo. So often the seniors have been knocking on the door but it took the juniors to achieve the feat at home — and there was no need to rely on kind referees. Russia did it by playing all week in the same vein — fast and furious and without favour to the opposition. Russia seemingly watched on as the Dutch shot to a 3-0 lead but then proceeded to land the next seven goals. The Dutch retaliated with two in a row soon after halftime for 7-5 down and kept swapping goals until just one behind at 5:50 in the fourth period. STOMPHORST scored twice, either side of PROKOFYEVA’s blocked penalty attempt by SLOBBE. But by now the ANTONOVA sisters were just getting warmed up and they scored four of the next five Russian goals — Diana with a brilliant five-metre slider and sister Alexandra with an excellent one-two on extra. They are not large but gutsy and they deserved their goals on the world’s biggest stage for this level. The Dutch were heroic and never appeared to be flustered, just taking shots (and having them blocked) or doing what was required. It was just that the Russians were the sharpest team on the day.