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SUPER FINAL in Bergamo (ITA)
| Day 1 (June 23) | |||
| SRB | vs | USA | 13-7 |
| HUN | vs | CHN | 18-8 |
| BRA | vs | CRO | 17-10 |
| AUS | vs | ITA | 5-7 |
| Day 2 (June 24) | |||
| BRA | vs | CHN | 15-7 |
| HUN | vs | CRO | 12-15 |
| AUS | vs | USA | 10-9 |
| SRB | vs | ITA | 15-11 |
| Day 3 (June 25) | |||
| SRB | vs | AUS | 12-8 |
| HUN | vs | BRA | 16-3 |
| CHN | vs | CRO | 4-14 |
| USA | vs | ITA | 10-13 |
| Day 4 (June 26) | |||
| BRA | vs | AUS | 9-8 |
| HUN | vs | USA | 7-8 |
| CRO | vs | ITA | 14-12 (after penalty) |
| CHN | vs | SRB | 10-25 |
| Day 5 (June 27) | |||
| AUS | vs | CHN | 13-3 |
| ITA | vs | HUN | 5-10 |
| BRA | vs | SRB | 9-13 |
| CRO | vs | USA | 11-6 |
| Day 6 (June 28) | |||
| CHN | vs | ITA | 9-16 |
| AUS | vs | HUN | 9-6 |
| BRA | vs | USA | 24-23 (after penalty) |
| SRB | vs | CRO | 9-6 |
The FINA Men's Water Polo World League Super Final taking place at the moment in Bergamo in Italy started on a high note on Tuesday June 23.
During the first three days the eight teams - divided in two groups (A: Brazil, China, Croatia, Hungary and B: Australia, Italy, Serbia, USA) are scheduled to play 12 matches in the preliminary round. The second half of the tournament will feature the quarter finals (on Day 4), the semi-finals (on Day 5) and the finals (on Day 6).
The reigning Olympic champion, Croatia, and the current World League title holder, Serbia, respectively faced Brazil and the USA on Day 1 at the Italcementi Swimming Complex.
Naturally, Serbia triumphed over the USA (13-7), Hungary over China (18-8) and Italy over Australia (7-5). However, in the third match, Brazil surprisingly emerged victorious over the current Olympic champion Croatia- a nice move in the lead up to Rio 2016.
The first game of the competition saw an interesting confrontation between the USA Head Coach Dejan Udovicic and his former team Serbia, for which he successfully played countless times including at FINA World Championships, World League Super Finals, FINA World Cups and European Championships.
A similar situation in the third match happened, with Team Brazil led by Ratko Rudic, perhaps the most decorated coach ever, leading Brazil against his former team Croatia.
The winner of the Super Final will be qualified for next year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and will receive a US$ 100,000 FINA prize money.
The FINA Men's Water Polo World League Super Final taking place at the moment in Bergamo in Italy started on a high note on Tuesday June 23.
During the first three days the eight teams - divided in two groups (A: Brazil, China, Croatia, Hungary and B: Australia, Italy, Serbia, USA) are scheduled to play 12 matches in the preliminary round. The second half of the tournament will feature the quarter finals (on Day 4), the semi-finals (on Day 5) and the finals (on Day 6).
The reigning Olympic champion, Croatia, and the current World League title holder, Serbia, respectively faced Brazil and the USA on Day 1 at the Italcementi Swimming Complex.
Naturally, Serbia triumphed over the USA (13-7), Hungary over China (18-8) and Italy over Australia (7-5). However, in the third match, Brazil surprisingly emerged victorious over the current Olympic champion Croatia- a nice move in the lead up to Rio 2016.
The first game of the competition saw an interesting confrontation between the USA Head Coach Dejan Udovicic and his former team Serbia, for which he successfully played countless times including at FINA World Championships, World League Super Finals, FINA World Cups and European Championships.
A similar situation in the third match happened, with Team Brazil led by Ratko Rudic, perhaps the most decorated coach ever, leading Brazil against his former team Croatia.
The winner of the Super Final will be qualified for next year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and will receive a US$ 100,000 FINA prize money.
Serbia gana la World League y una plaza para Rio
28/06/2015 - La selección serbia se ha llevado el título de la World League de waterpolo tras vencer a Croacia en el partido decisivo de una Superfinal que se ha disputado en la ciudad italiana de Bérgamo. Serbia ha vencido por 9—6 al combinado croata y, además del trofeo, se lleva otro premio suculento en forma de clasificación directa para disputar los Juegos Olímpicos de Rio de Janeiro del próximo verano. La Brasil de Felipe Perrone ha acabado en una sorprendente tercera plaza.
Serbia se ha adjudicado por tercer año consecutivo el título de campeón de la Liga Mundial. Los de Savic han cuajado una magnífica segunda mitad de partido (7-2 sumando los dos últimos periodos), lo que les ha valido para vencer a una Croacia que llegaba al descanso con dos goles de renta (2-4). El jugdor de Pro Recco Pijetlovic, con tres dianas, ha sido el máximo anotador del encuentro (9-6).
Antes, la selección brasileña había dado la sorpresa ganando a Estados Unidos en la lucha por la tercera plaza. El combinado liderado por el jugador del CNAB Felipe Perrone ha logrado el bronce en la tanda de penaltis después de acabar 10-10 el tiempo reglamentario. El también waterpolista del conjunto marinero Bernardo Oneto ha sido el máximo anotador de los suyos con cuatro tantos. Australia ha finalizado quinta tras vencer a Hungría en la lucha por la quinta plaza (9-6), mientras que la anfitriona Italia ha ganado a China (9-16) y ha terminado séptima.
Comunicación RFEN.
28/06/2015 - La selección serbia se ha llevado el título de la World League de waterpolo tras vencer a Croacia en el partido decisivo de una Superfinal que se ha disputado en la ciudad italiana de Bérgamo. Serbia ha vencido por 9—6 al combinado croata y, además del trofeo, se lleva otro premio suculento en forma de clasificación directa para disputar los Juegos Olímpicos de Rio de Janeiro del próximo verano. La Brasil de Felipe Perrone ha acabado en una sorprendente tercera plaza.
Serbia se ha adjudicado por tercer año consecutivo el título de campeón de la Liga Mundial. Los de Savic han cuajado una magnífica segunda mitad de partido (7-2 sumando los dos últimos periodos), lo que les ha valido para vencer a una Croacia que llegaba al descanso con dos goles de renta (2-4). El jugdor de Pro Recco Pijetlovic, con tres dianas, ha sido el máximo anotador del encuentro (9-6).
Antes, la selección brasileña había dado la sorpresa ganando a Estados Unidos en la lucha por la tercera plaza. El combinado liderado por el jugador del CNAB Felipe Perrone ha logrado el bronce en la tanda de penaltis después de acabar 10-10 el tiempo reglamentario. El también waterpolista del conjunto marinero Bernardo Oneto ha sido el máximo anotador de los suyos con cuatro tantos. Australia ha finalizado quinta tras vencer a Hungría en la lucha por la quinta plaza (9-6), mientras que la anfitriona Italia ha ganado a China (9-16) y ha terminado séptima.
Comunicación RFEN.
WPWL Men’s Super Final 2015, Bergamo, Day 6 (last): Gold to Serbia, silver to Croatia and bronze to Brazil
Serbia emerged victorious at the FINA Men's Water Polo World League Super Final 2015, the team's ninth success in this competition and the third consecutive. The competition took place in Bergamo (ITA), from June 23-28. In the decisive match, the Serbians beat Croatia by 9-6.
With this victory, the Balkan team claimed the World League trophy, the Olympic qualification and the US$ 100,000 prize money.
Croatia was Serbia‘s valiant opponent in the final and was awarded the silver medal, as well as US$ 70,000 for its second place.
Brazil was the surprising winner of the bronze medal that they conquered at the expenses of the United States, cashing also the US$ 50,000 prize money associated with it. The South Americans win was obtained after a lengthy penalty shootout, which finished 24-23 in favour of the 2016 Olympic hosts.
For the 5th place Australia outshined Hungary, by 9-6, while for the 7th place Italy managed a comfortable win over China (16-9).
Special prizes were awarded to the best player, Dusan Mandic of Serbia, who was voted by coaches and media, the best scorer, Tony Azevedo of the United States, and the best goalkeeper, Josip Pavic of Croatia.
Prize money for the Super Final • 1st Place 100’000.- USD • 2nd Place 70’000.- USD • 3rd Place 50’000.- USD • 4th Place 35’000.- USD • 5th Place 30’000.- USD • 6th Place 25’000.- USD • 7th Place 20’000.- USD • 8th Place 15’000.- USD
Team Standings
1. Serbia, gold medal
2. Croatia, silver medal
3. Brazil, bronze medal
4. United States
5. Australia
6. Hungary
7. Italy
8. China
GAME 21: CHINA 9 –ITALY 16 / (5-3, 1-6; 2-2, 1-5)
CHINA: Honghui WU (GK), Feihu TAN (1), Zhangxin HU, Tao DONG (3), Wenhui LU (1), Li LI, Zhongxian CHEN, Liang GU, Ze Kai XIE (1), Jinghao CHEN (1), Chufeng ZHANG, Nianxiang LIANG (2), Zhiwei LIANG (GK). Head Coach: Paolo MALARA.
ITALY: Stefano TEMPESTI (GK) ©, Francesco DI FULVIO (1), Alessandro VELOTTO (1), Pietro FIGLIOLI (1), Alex GIORGETTI (3), Andrea FONDELLI (3), Nicholas PRESCIUTTI (1), Valentino GALLO, Niccolò GITTO, Stefano LUONGO (1), Matteo AICARDI (2), Fabio BARALDI (3), Marco DEL LUNGO (GK). Head Coach: Alessandro CAMPAGNA.
REFEREES: Andre DESTER (BRA), Doriel TERPENKA (CAN) FINA DELEGATE: John WHITEHOUSE
Perhaps the implacable sunshine of the Italian summer at 4 p.m. or the lack of concentration prompted a surprising result at the end of the first period, which China won deservedly 5-3.
It could not last and Italy started gradually to come back, scoring six goals in the second quarter against the one of the Chinese. Italy tied (6-6) in the 2nd quarter on an action goal from Di Fulvio and got the lead with Figlioli, from 5 meters (6-7). Fondelli added up with an extra player goal with less than 2 minutes to the end of the period (6-8). Velotto followed up with an extra player goal at few seconds from the expiration of the period. The score at half time was 6-9.
Less than minute inside the 3rd Luongo scored again for Italy on 3rd penalty allowed to Italy. It was the fourth penalty for Italy; earlier Giorgetti had converted two while Gallo missed one.
Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
A couple of minutes later Liang scored on extra player; so did soon after Aicardi (7-11). At less than 3 minutes to the end of the period Tan narrowed the gap to 3 goals (8-11).
Under coach Malara China has made many steps forward in term of organization, individual skills and team tactics: the six defeats suffered here do not reflect the real current consistence of the Chinese side.
4th Italy scored 5 more goals, China one. For the Italians Fondelli scored twice on action, at 5:35 and 1:22. Aicardi, on a back shot, and Baraldi scored from the center; Presciutti on man-up, at 1:47. Liang scored on action at 50 seconds from the end.
Di Fulvio, Giorgetti, Fondelli and Dong (for China) scored 3 goals each. Di Fulvio was the top scorer of the Italian team with 10 goals in the tournament.
Paolo Malara (China’s coach): "We played a good match. The World League was meant, for us, to gain experience and, indeed, we learned a lot. Our next objective is to qualify for the Olympic Games of Rio 2016".
Alessandro Campagna (Italy’s coach): "The initial approach was not one of the best, the intensity was not constant throughout the match and we made several mistakes. This World League was useful in perspective of the next World Championships".
Game 22: AUSTRALIA 9-HUNGARY 6 / (2-1, 1-2; 4-2, 1-1 )
AUSTRALIA: Joel DENNERLY (GK), Richard CAMPBELL (3), George FORD, John COTTERILL (1), Nathan POWER (2), Jarrod GILCHRIST, Aidan ROACH (1), Aaron YOUNGER (2), Joel SWIFT, Martin TYLER, Rhys HOWDEN, William MILLER, James CLARK (GK). Head Coach: Elvis FATOVIC.
HUNGARY: Viktor NAGY (GK), Miklos GOR-NAGY, Norbert MADARA, Balasz ERDELYI (1), Marton VAMOS (1), Norbert HOSNYASKY, Ferenc SALAMON, Daniel ANGYAL, Daniel VARGA © (2), Denes VARGA (2), Toni NEMET, Balazs HARAI, Attila DECKER (GK). Head Coach: Tibor BENEDEK.
REFEREES: Georgios STAVRIDIS (GRE), MENG (CHN) FINA DELEGATE: Takeshi INOUE
Australia finished in fifth place defeating Hungary 9-6 at the end of a game played on slow rhythms. The Magyars looked tired and surrendered in the fourth quarter. Campbell’s three consecutive goals were also crucial to Australia’s success.
1st Q. Hungary scored the first goal of the game with Denes Varga from outside less than a minute after the start.
The Aussies players were combative and aware of their chances. They tied a few minutes later with Younger on counter attack. A few seconds from the end of the 1st period the Australian team went into the lead with a goal from the distance that was netted with the complicity of the Hungarian goalie Nagy. The score at the end of the 1st period was 2-1.
2nd Q. Australia’s #4 Cotterill scored from 2-meters to give Australia a 2-goal advantage, that was short lived as less than half a minute later Vamos scored for Hungary (3-2). At 2:27 Denes Varga scored his second goal on extra man and tied: 3-3 the score at half time.
Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
3rd Q. On the expiration of the opening minute of play Hungary’s captain Daniel Varga scored an action goal and put his in team in the lead. Exactly a minute later Campbell scored on extra man to give Australia a new tie, at 4-4, followed up 33 seconds later by a second goal from the same Campbell: a blaze from outside that shook the post and went into the goal. Australia again in the lead (5-4). Campbell, still hungry, completed his hat trick scoring his third goal on extra man (6-4). Daniel Varga, from 5 meters brought Hungary up (6-5). With 59 secs to go in this period Australia scored with Power, again on extra man (7-5).
4th Q. Australia hopes of victories substantiated when Younger scored his second goal, on extra man, in the early stages of the period , giving his team a 3-goal lead. Game over at 5.27 when Roach scored on action for a 4-goal lead in favor of the Australians.
Erdely narrowed the gap to three goals scoring on extra player at 4:45 (9-6). Madaras was red carded a few seconds before the expiration of the game. Australia missed its last, easy, opportunity on extra player but what they had done before during the game was enough for securing a surprising win against the word champions, and the fifth place in in the Super Final.
Richard Campbell (Australia): "It is always very important to get a winning against Hungary, the World Champions. This gives us confidence for the upcoming World Champions".
Elvis Fatovic (Australia’s coach): "Today we played really well in defense, against the best offense in the world. It is very important to me that we did not go down after the lost against Brazil. I am satisfied with the way the team played this tournament, considering that we did not played official matches for long time before this Super Final".
Miklos Gor-Nagy (Hungary): "We kne
w this would have been a tough match. We missed too many occasions and made too many mistakes"
Tibor Benedek (Hungary’s coach): "The Australians are very strong physically; they kept a constant and high rhythm. In the last period, we gave up. I am not satisfied for this sixth place".
Game 23: BRAZIL 24-USA 23 (after penalty shootouts) / 10-10 after regular time / (1-3, 1-3; 3-2, 5-2; 14-13)
BRAZIL: Vinicius ANTONELLI (GK), Jonas CRIVELLA, Guilherme GOMES (1), Ives ALONSO, Paulo SALEMI, Bernardo GOMES (4), Adrian DELGADO (1), Felipe SANTOS (1), Bernardo ROCHA, Felipe PERRONE (1), Gustavo GUIMARAES, Josip VRLIC (2), Thye BEZERRA (GK). Head Coach: Ratko RUDIC.
UNITED STATES: Merrill MOSES (GK), Connor VIRJEE, Alex OBERT (2), Jackson KIMBELL, Alex ROELSE , Luca CUPIDO (1), Josh SAMUELS, Tony AZEVEDO © (3+1P), Alex BOWEN (1), Bret BONANNI (2), Jesse SMITH, John MANN, Mc Quin BARON (GK). Head Coach: Dejan UDOVICIC.
REFEREES: Peter MOLNAR (HUN), Daniel FLAHIVE (AUS) FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR, Koshrow AMINI
Team Brazil celebrating their bronze medal. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
Historic bronze medal for Brazil who defeated the United States 24-23 after three rounds of penalty shootouts. For the victory of the South Americans the mistake of Azevedo at the beginning of the 4th round (it was the 19th penalty, saved by Bezerra) and the subsequent conversion from Crivella were crucial. The regular time ended on 10-10.
1st Q. The United States played as a team, tonic, dynamic and inspired by Tony Azevedo. The captain, blessed by grace, scored four goals, the first on a penalty impeccably converted in the first minute of play, the second on a spectacular counter attack at 1:15. At this time Brazil – the pale copy of the team appreciated in the previous days – scored its only goal with Bernardo Games on extra man, at 4:06 soon answered by USA center Obert, at 2:33. The score at the end of the quarter was 1-3.
Azevedo scored his third goal on extra player 21 seconds inside the second quarter (1-4). It was Azevedo’s 14th goal in the tournament, which gave him the leadership as the top scorer of the Super Final.
Obert followed up with his second goal from the centre (1-5). Before the end of the period each side scored one goal: Brazil with Guilherme Gomes on action, the United States with Bonanni from 5 meters. 2-6 the score at half time, again 1-3 the score of the period.
3rd Q. 28 seconds after the beginning of the period Santos scored an action goal for Brazil (3-6), immediately answered by Bowen on man-up (3-7).
At 5:32 After some shooting mistakes in the previous periods, Delgado eventually managed his first goal narrowing the gap to3 goals (4-7). At 5:03 Luca Cupido reset the 4-goal gap through a lob shot on counter attack that caught by surprise Antonelli (4-8). Cupido was born in Italy and holds also an Italian passport. Brazil reacted with Vrlic (5-8) and overall won the 3rd period 3-2.
4th Q. Brazil’s continuous attacks do not produce a goal until number 6 Bernardo Gomes, at 5:56, scored from the outside on action, reducing the gap to 2 goals (6-8). Just seven seconds later Azevedo scored his fourth goal (6-9) on extra man. Brazil was not tamed however and did not not surrendered. Bernardo Gomes scored again (7-9). Less than 10 seconds and the USA were up 3 goals again on an action goal from Bonanni. Eventually Felipe Perrone managed to score his first goal (8-10). At this stage the game was nervous. A decision of the referees is not understood and Brazil calls a time out. Vrlic scored for Brazil on extra man (9-10). With a minute to go the USA tried to keep possession but the last action was for Brazil who had the chance to tie when Samuels was excluded. The chance materialized when Bernardo Gomes shoot from outside, after listening his coach Rudic shouting (“Tira, tira”, “shoot, shoot”), and scored a goal to achieve a miraculous tie, 10-10.
An emotional and exciting match and a miraculous outcome for Brazil. The bronze medal had to be awarded through penalty shootouts.
Brazil won a historic bronze after three rounds of penalty shootouts. The magic touch abandoned Azevedo at the 4th round, instead Crivella converted.
Penalty shootouts
First round:
USA: Azevedo, Cupido, Bonanni missed (saved), Bowen missed (saved), Samuels,
BRAZIL: Crivella missed (saved), Guimaraes, Guilherme Gomes, Delgado missed (saved), Perrone.
Second round:
USA: Azevedo, Cupido, Bonanni, Bowen, Samuels
BRAZIL: Crivella, Guimaraes, Guilherme Gomes, Delgado, Perrone
Third round:
USA: Azevedo, Cupido, Bonanni, Bowen, Samuels
BRAZIL: Crivella, Guimaraes, Guilherme Gomes, Delgado, Perrone
Fourth round
USA: Azevedo missed (saved)
BRAZIL: Crivella
Luca Cupido (USA): "This was a very nice match both to play and to watch. We allowed Brazil to go back in the match because we lacked concentration".
Ratko Rudic (Brazil ‘s coach): "This was a strong match; at the beginning we let the USA playing with too much freedom. After some minutes we got better, recuperating on the Americans, tying in the final. At penalties we were good and lucky".
Game 20: SERBIA 9-CROATIA 6 / (1-1, 1-3; 3-1,4-1)
SERBIA: Gojko PIJETLOVIC (GK), Dusan MANDIC (2), Zivko GOCIC, Sava RANDELOVIC, Milos CUK (1), Dusko PIJETLOVIC (3), Slobodan NIKIC, Milan ALEKSIC, Nikola JAKSIC (1), Filip FILIPOVIC, Andrija PRLAINOVIC (2), Stefan MITROVIC, Branislav MITROVIC (GK). Head Coach: Dejan SAVIC
CROATIA: Josip PAVIC, Damir BURIC, Antonio PETKOVIC, Luka LONCAR, Maro JOKOVIC (2), Luka BUKIC (1), Ante VUKICEVIC (1), Andro BUSLJE, Sandro SUKNO (2), Fran PASKVALIN, Andelo SETKA, Paulo OBRADOVIC, Marko BIJAC. Head Coach: Ivica TUCAK
REFEREES: Adrian ALEXANDRESCU (ROU), Filippo GOMEZ (ITA) FINA DELEGATE: Takeshi INOUE, John WHITEHOUSE
Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
A clash of titans, as predictable. In this Super Final two major powerhouses were confronting for the gold medal. Serbia went into the final as the best team of the tournament while Croatia grew up gradually match after match. The outcome was favorable to Serbia whose team could celebrate its ninth triumph in the Super League, the third consecutive.
1st Q. 2:22 Jokovic scored for Croatia the first goal of the final on extra man (0-1). 32 seconds before the end of the period Serbia’s number 2 Dusan Mandic scored an action goal and tied. 1-1 at the end of the first period.
2nd Q. After 26 seconds Jokovic scored his second goal on penalty. Two minutes inside the quarter Sukno scored again for Croatia, on extra man (1-3).
At 2:35 Serbia narrowed the gap to just one goal on extra man with Dusko Pijetlovic (2-3). At 30 seconds from the end Vukicevic put Croatia up 2 goal again with a blaze from outside on extra player (2-4).
3rd Q. At 5:47 Dusko Pijetlovic scored on extra man for Serbia (3-4). Soon after Serbia’s number 4 Randelovic was excluded for the rest of the game for three major fouls. At 3:40 Croatia up again with Bukic on extra player.
At 2:26 a penalty was allowed to Serbia for a major foul on Pijetlovic, Prlainovic converted sending Serbia just a goal down. There was heat in the pool and on the pool deck. With 36seconds to the end Serbia’s left hander Mandic shoot a blaze from 5 meters for a perhaps crucial tie. The score before the last period was 5-5.
4th Q. Serbia rushed towards victories with three straight goals: the young Jaksic scored on superiority for the first lead of Serbia (6-5); then Prlainovic scored on action and Cuk on extra player (8-5).
Sukno converted a penalty for Croatia but Dusko Pijetlovic scored one more action goal at three minutes from the end. Game over, 9-6 for Serbia.
Ante Vukicevic (Croatia): "We played well at the beginning, very good in defense and patient in attack. Then, in the second half of the match, we had a black out and
we were to not able to recover. Congratulations to Serbia and to Dusan Mandic. We will try to win next time, at the World Championship".
Zivko Gocic (Serbia): "I am very excited. It was really a tough match, especially at the beginning, when we could not find our game; from the third period on, we conducted the game, and this brought us to victory".
Serbia emerged victorious at the FINA Men's Water Polo World League Super Final 2015, the team's ninth success in this competition and the third consecutive. The competition took place in Bergamo (ITA), from June 23-28. In the decisive match, the Serbians beat Croatia by 9-6.
With this victory, the Balkan team claimed the World League trophy, the Olympic qualification and the US$ 100,000 prize money.
Croatia was Serbia‘s valiant opponent in the final and was awarded the silver medal, as well as US$ 70,000 for its second place.
Brazil was the surprising winner of the bronze medal that they conquered at the expenses of the United States, cashing also the US$ 50,000 prize money associated with it. The South Americans win was obtained after a lengthy penalty shootout, which finished 24-23 in favour of the 2016 Olympic hosts.
With this victory, the Balkan team claimed the World League trophy, the Olympic qualification and the US$ 100,000 prize money.
Croatia was Serbia‘s valiant opponent in the final and was awarded the silver medal, as well as US$ 70,000 for its second place.
Brazil was the surprising winner of the bronze medal that they conquered at the expenses of the United States, cashing also the US$ 50,000 prize money associated with it. The South Americans win was obtained after a lengthy penalty shootout, which finished 24-23 in favour of the 2016 Olympic hosts.
For the 5th place Australia outshined Hungary, by 9-6, while for the 7th place Italy managed a comfortable win over China (16-9).
Special prizes were awarded to the best player, Dusan Mandic of Serbia, who was voted by coaches and media, the best scorer, Tony Azevedo of the United States, and the best goalkeeper, Josip Pavic of Croatia.
Prize money for the Super Final • 1st Place 100’000.- USD • 2nd Place 70’000.- USD • 3rd Place 50’000.- USD • 4th Place 35’000.- USD • 5th Place 30’000.- USD • 6th Place 25’000.- USD • 7th Place 20’000.- USD • 8th Place 15’000.- USD
Special prizes were awarded to the best player, Dusan Mandic of Serbia, who was voted by coaches and media, the best scorer, Tony Azevedo of the United States, and the best goalkeeper, Josip Pavic of Croatia.
Prize money for the Super Final • 1st Place 100’000.- USD • 2nd Place 70’000.- USD • 3rd Place 50’000.- USD • 4th Place 35’000.- USD • 5th Place 30’000.- USD • 6th Place 25’000.- USD • 7th Place 20’000.- USD • 8th Place 15’000.- USD
Team Standings
1. Serbia, gold medal
2. Croatia, silver medal
3. Brazil, bronze medal
4. United States
5. Australia
6. Hungary
7. Italy
8. China
1. Serbia, gold medal
2. Croatia, silver medal
3. Brazil, bronze medal
4. United States
5. Australia
6. Hungary
7. Italy
8. China
GAME 21: CHINA 9 –ITALY 16 / (5-3, 1-6; 2-2, 1-5)
CHINA: Honghui WU (GK), Feihu TAN (1), Zhangxin HU, Tao DONG (3), Wenhui LU (1), Li LI, Zhongxian CHEN, Liang GU, Ze Kai XIE (1), Jinghao CHEN (1), Chufeng ZHANG, Nianxiang LIANG (2), Zhiwei LIANG (GK). Head Coach: Paolo MALARA.
ITALY: Stefano TEMPESTI (GK) ©, Francesco DI FULVIO (1), Alessandro VELOTTO (1), Pietro FIGLIOLI (1), Alex GIORGETTI (3), Andrea FONDELLI (3), Nicholas PRESCIUTTI (1), Valentino GALLO, Niccolò GITTO, Stefano LUONGO (1), Matteo AICARDI (2), Fabio BARALDI (3), Marco DEL LUNGO (GK). Head Coach: Alessandro CAMPAGNA.
REFEREES: Andre DESTER (BRA), Doriel TERPENKA (CAN) FINA DELEGATE: John WHITEHOUSE
Perhaps the implacable sunshine of the Italian summer at 4 p.m. or the lack of concentration prompted a surprising result at the end of the first period, which China won deservedly 5-3.
It could not last and Italy started gradually to come back, scoring six goals in the second quarter against the one of the Chinese. Italy tied (6-6) in the 2nd quarter on an action goal from Di Fulvio and got the lead with Figlioli, from 5 meters (6-7). Fondelli added up with an extra player goal with less than 2 minutes to the end of the period (6-8). Velotto followed up with an extra player goal at few seconds from the expiration of the period. The score at half time was 6-9.
Less than minute inside the 3rd Luongo scored again for Italy on 3rd penalty allowed to Italy. It was the fourth penalty for Italy; earlier Giorgetti had converted two while Gallo missed one.
Perhaps the implacable sunshine of the Italian summer at 4 p.m. or the lack of concentration prompted a surprising result at the end of the first period, which China won deservedly 5-3.
It could not last and Italy started gradually to come back, scoring six goals in the second quarter against the one of the Chinese. Italy tied (6-6) in the 2nd quarter on an action goal from Di Fulvio and got the lead with Figlioli, from 5 meters (6-7). Fondelli added up with an extra player goal with less than 2 minutes to the end of the period (6-8). Velotto followed up with an extra player goal at few seconds from the expiration of the period. The score at half time was 6-9.
Less than minute inside the 3rd Luongo scored again for Italy on 3rd penalty allowed to Italy. It was the fourth penalty for Italy; earlier Giorgetti had converted two while Gallo missed one.
Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
A couple of minutes later Liang scored on extra player; so did soon after Aicardi (7-11). At less than 3 minutes to the end of the period Tan narrowed the gap to 3 goals (8-11).
Under coach Malara China has made many steps forward in term of organization, individual skills and team tactics: the six defeats suffered here do not reflect the real current consistence of the Chinese side.
4th Italy scored 5 more goals, China one. For the Italians Fondelli scored twice on action, at 5:35 and 1:22. Aicardi, on a back shot, and Baraldi scored from the center; Presciutti on man-up, at 1:47. Liang scored on action at 50 seconds from the end.
Di Fulvio, Giorgetti, Fondelli and Dong (for China) scored 3 goals each. Di Fulvio was the top scorer of the Italian team with 10 goals in the tournament.
Paolo Malara (China’s coach): "We played a good match. The World League was meant, for us, to gain experience and, indeed, we learned a lot. Our next objective is to qualify for the Olympic Games of Rio 2016".
Alessandro Campagna (Italy’s coach): "The initial approach was not one of the best, the intensity was not constant throughout the match and we made several mistakes. This World League was useful in perspective of the next World Championships".
Game 22: AUSTRALIA 9-HUNGARY 6 / (2-1, 1-2; 4-2, 1-1 )
Under coach Malara China has made many steps forward in term of organization, individual skills and team tactics: the six defeats suffered here do not reflect the real current consistence of the Chinese side.
4th Italy scored 5 more goals, China one. For the Italians Fondelli scored twice on action, at 5:35 and 1:22. Aicardi, on a back shot, and Baraldi scored from the center; Presciutti on man-up, at 1:47. Liang scored on action at 50 seconds from the end.
Di Fulvio, Giorgetti, Fondelli and Dong (for China) scored 3 goals each. Di Fulvio was the top scorer of the Italian team with 10 goals in the tournament.
Paolo Malara (China’s coach): "We played a good match. The World League was meant, for us, to gain experience and, indeed, we learned a lot. Our next objective is to qualify for the Olympic Games of Rio 2016".
Alessandro Campagna (Italy’s coach): "The initial approach was not one of the best, the intensity was not constant throughout the match and we made several mistakes. This World League was useful in perspective of the next World Championships".
Game 22: AUSTRALIA 9-HUNGARY 6 / (2-1, 1-2; 4-2, 1-1 )
AUSTRALIA: Joel DENNERLY (GK), Richard CAMPBELL (3), George FORD, John COTTERILL (1), Nathan POWER (2), Jarrod GILCHRIST, Aidan ROACH (1), Aaron YOUNGER (2), Joel SWIFT, Martin TYLER, Rhys HOWDEN, William MILLER, James CLARK (GK). Head Coach: Elvis FATOVIC.
HUNGARY: Viktor NAGY (GK), Miklos GOR-NAGY, Norbert MADARA, Balasz ERDELYI (1), Marton VAMOS (1), Norbert HOSNYASKY, Ferenc SALAMON, Daniel ANGYAL, Daniel VARGA © (2), Denes VARGA (2), Toni NEMET, Balazs HARAI, Attila DECKER (GK). Head Coach: Tibor BENEDEK.
REFEREES: Georgios STAVRIDIS (GRE), MENG (CHN) FINA DELEGATE: Takeshi INOUE
Australia finished in fifth place defeating Hungary 9-6 at the end of a game played on slow rhythms. The Magyars looked tired and surrendered in the fourth quarter. Campbell’s three consecutive goals were also crucial to Australia’s success.
HUNGARY: Viktor NAGY (GK), Miklos GOR-NAGY, Norbert MADARA, Balasz ERDELYI (1), Marton VAMOS (1), Norbert HOSNYASKY, Ferenc SALAMON, Daniel ANGYAL, Daniel VARGA © (2), Denes VARGA (2), Toni NEMET, Balazs HARAI, Attila DECKER (GK). Head Coach: Tibor BENEDEK.
REFEREES: Georgios STAVRIDIS (GRE), MENG (CHN) FINA DELEGATE: Takeshi INOUE
Australia finished in fifth place defeating Hungary 9-6 at the end of a game played on slow rhythms. The Magyars looked tired and surrendered in the fourth quarter. Campbell’s three consecutive goals were also crucial to Australia’s success.
1st Q. Hungary scored the first goal of the game with Denes Varga from outside less than a minute after the start.
The Aussies players were combative and aware of their chances. They tied a few minutes later with Younger on counter attack. A few seconds from the end of the 1st period the Australian team went into the lead with a goal from the distance that was netted with the complicity of the Hungarian goalie Nagy. The score at the end of the 1st period was 2-1.
2nd Q. Australia’s #4 Cotterill scored from 2-meters to give Australia a 2-goal advantage, that was short lived as less than half a minute later Vamos scored for Hungary (3-2). At 2:27 Denes Varga scored his second goal on extra man and tied: 3-3 the score at half time.
The Aussies players were combative and aware of their chances. They tied a few minutes later with Younger on counter attack. A few seconds from the end of the 1st period the Australian team went into the lead with a goal from the distance that was netted with the complicity of the Hungarian goalie Nagy. The score at the end of the 1st period was 2-1.
2nd Q. Australia’s #4 Cotterill scored from 2-meters to give Australia a 2-goal advantage, that was short lived as less than half a minute later Vamos scored for Hungary (3-2). At 2:27 Denes Varga scored his second goal on extra man and tied: 3-3 the score at half time.
Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
3rd Q. On the expiration of the opening minute of play Hungary’s captain Daniel Varga scored an action goal and put his in team in the lead. Exactly a minute later Campbell scored on extra man to give Australia a new tie, at 4-4, followed up 33 seconds later by a second goal from the same Campbell: a blaze from outside that shook the post and went into the goal. Australia again in the lead (5-4). Campbell, still hungry, completed his hat trick scoring his third goal on extra man (6-4). Daniel Varga, from 5 meters brought Hungary up (6-5). With 59 secs to go in this period Australia scored with Power, again on extra man (7-5).
4th Q. Australia hopes of victories substantiated when Younger scored his second goal, on extra man, in the early stages of the period , giving his team a 3-goal lead. Game over at 5.27 when Roach scored on action for a 4-goal lead in favor of the Australians.
Erdely narrowed the gap to three goals scoring on extra player at 4:45 (9-6). Madaras was red carded a few seconds before the expiration of the game. Australia missed its last, easy, opportunity on extra player but what they had done before during the game was enough for securing a surprising win against the word champions, and the fifth place in in the Super Final.
Richard Campbell (Australia): "It is always very important to get a winning against Hungary, the World Champions. This gives us confidence for the upcoming World Champions".
Elvis Fatovic (Australia’s coach): "Today we played really well in defense, against the best offense in the world. It is very important to me that we did not go down after the lost against Brazil. I am satisfied with the way the team played this tournament, considering that we did not played official matches for long time before this Super Final".
Miklos Gor-Nagy (Hungary): "We kne
w this would have been a tough match. We missed too many occasions and made too many mistakes"
Tibor Benedek (Hungary’s coach): "The Australians are very strong physically; they kept a constant and high rhythm. In the last period, we gave up. I am not satisfied for this sixth place".
Game 23: BRAZIL 24-USA 23 (after penalty shootouts) / 10-10 after regular time / (1-3, 1-3; 3-2, 5-2; 14-13)
Tibor Benedek (Hungary’s coach): "The Australians are very strong physically; they kept a constant and high rhythm. In the last period, we gave up. I am not satisfied for this sixth place".
Game 23: BRAZIL 24-USA 23 (after penalty shootouts) / 10-10 after regular time / (1-3, 1-3; 3-2, 5-2; 14-13)
BRAZIL: Vinicius ANTONELLI (GK), Jonas CRIVELLA, Guilherme GOMES (1), Ives ALONSO, Paulo SALEMI, Bernardo GOMES (4), Adrian DELGADO (1), Felipe SANTOS (1), Bernardo ROCHA, Felipe PERRONE (1), Gustavo GUIMARAES, Josip VRLIC (2), Thye BEZERRA (GK). Head Coach: Ratko RUDIC.
UNITED STATES: Merrill MOSES (GK), Connor VIRJEE, Alex OBERT (2), Jackson KIMBELL, Alex ROELSE , Luca CUPIDO (1), Josh SAMUELS, Tony AZEVEDO © (3+1P), Alex BOWEN (1), Bret BONANNI (2), Jesse SMITH, John MANN, Mc Quin BARON (GK). Head Coach: Dejan UDOVICIC.
REFEREES: Peter MOLNAR (HUN), Daniel FLAHIVE (AUS) FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR, Koshrow AMINI
UNITED STATES: Merrill MOSES (GK), Connor VIRJEE, Alex OBERT (2), Jackson KIMBELL, Alex ROELSE , Luca CUPIDO (1), Josh SAMUELS, Tony AZEVEDO © (3+1P), Alex BOWEN (1), Bret BONANNI (2), Jesse SMITH, John MANN, Mc Quin BARON (GK). Head Coach: Dejan UDOVICIC.
REFEREES: Peter MOLNAR (HUN), Daniel FLAHIVE (AUS) FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR, Koshrow AMINI
Team Brazil celebrating their bronze medal. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
Historic bronze medal for Brazil who defeated the United States 24-23 after three rounds of penalty shootouts. For the victory of the South Americans the mistake of Azevedo at the beginning of the 4th round (it was the 19th penalty, saved by Bezerra) and the subsequent conversion from Crivella were crucial. The regular time ended on 10-10.
1st Q. The United States played as a team, tonic, dynamic and inspired by Tony Azevedo. The captain, blessed by grace, scored four goals, the first on a penalty impeccably converted in the first minute of play, the second on a spectacular counter attack at 1:15. At this time Brazil – the pale copy of the team appreciated in the previous days – scored its only goal with Bernardo Games on extra man, at 4:06 soon answered by USA center Obert, at 2:33. The score at the end of the quarter was 1-3.
Azevedo scored his third goal on extra player 21 seconds inside the second quarter (1-4). It was Azevedo’s 14th goal in the tournament, which gave him the leadership as the top scorer of the Super Final.
Obert followed up with his second goal from the centre (1-5). Before the end of the period each side scored one goal: Brazil with Guilherme Gomes on action, the United States with Bonanni from 5 meters. 2-6 the score at half time, again 1-3 the score of the period.
3rd Q. 28 seconds after the beginning of the period Santos scored an action goal for Brazil (3-6), immediately answered by Bowen on man-up (3-7).
At 5:32 After some shooting mistakes in the previous periods, Delgado eventually managed his first goal narrowing the gap to3 goals (4-7). At 5:03 Luca Cupido reset the 4-goal gap through a lob shot on counter attack that caught by surprise Antonelli (4-8). Cupido was born in Italy and holds also an Italian passport. Brazil reacted with Vrlic (5-8) and overall won the 3rd period 3-2.
4th Q. Brazil’s continuous attacks do not produce a goal until number 6 Bernardo Gomes, at 5:56, scored from the outside on action, reducing the gap to 2 goals (6-8). Just seven seconds later Azevedo scored his fourth goal (6-9) on extra man. Brazil was not tamed however and did not not surrendered. Bernardo Gomes scored again (7-9). Less than 10 seconds and the USA were up 3 goals again on an action goal from Bonanni. Eventually Felipe Perrone managed to score his first goal (8-10). At this stage the game was nervous. A decision of the referees is not understood and Brazil calls a time out. Vrlic scored for Brazil on extra man (9-10). With a minute to go the USA tried to keep possession but the last action was for Brazil who had the chance to tie when Samuels was excluded. The chance materialized when Bernardo Gomes shoot from outside, after listening his coach Rudic shouting (“Tira, tira”, “shoot, shoot”), and scored a goal to achieve a miraculous tie, 10-10.
Azevedo scored his third goal on extra player 21 seconds inside the second quarter (1-4). It was Azevedo’s 14th goal in the tournament, which gave him the leadership as the top scorer of the Super Final.
Obert followed up with his second goal from the centre (1-5). Before the end of the period each side scored one goal: Brazil with Guilherme Gomes on action, the United States with Bonanni from 5 meters. 2-6 the score at half time, again 1-3 the score of the period.
3rd Q. 28 seconds after the beginning of the period Santos scored an action goal for Brazil (3-6), immediately answered by Bowen on man-up (3-7).
At 5:32 After some shooting mistakes in the previous periods, Delgado eventually managed his first goal narrowing the gap to3 goals (4-7). At 5:03 Luca Cupido reset the 4-goal gap through a lob shot on counter attack that caught by surprise Antonelli (4-8). Cupido was born in Italy and holds also an Italian passport. Brazil reacted with Vrlic (5-8) and overall won the 3rd period 3-2.
4th Q. Brazil’s continuous attacks do not produce a goal until number 6 Bernardo Gomes, at 5:56, scored from the outside on action, reducing the gap to 2 goals (6-8). Just seven seconds later Azevedo scored his fourth goal (6-9) on extra man. Brazil was not tamed however and did not not surrendered. Bernardo Gomes scored again (7-9). Less than 10 seconds and the USA were up 3 goals again on an action goal from Bonanni. Eventually Felipe Perrone managed to score his first goal (8-10). At this stage the game was nervous. A decision of the referees is not understood and Brazil calls a time out. Vrlic scored for Brazil on extra man (9-10). With a minute to go the USA tried to keep possession but the last action was for Brazil who had the chance to tie when Samuels was excluded. The chance materialized when Bernardo Gomes shoot from outside, after listening his coach Rudic shouting (“Tira, tira”, “shoot, shoot”), and scored a goal to achieve a miraculous tie, 10-10.
An emotional and exciting match and a miraculous outcome for Brazil. The bronze medal had to be awarded through penalty shootouts.
Brazil won a historic bronze after three rounds of penalty shootouts. The magic touch abandoned Azevedo at the 4th round, instead Crivella converted.
Penalty shootouts
First round:
USA: Azevedo, Cupido, Bonanni missed (saved), Bowen missed (saved), Samuels,
BRAZIL: Crivella missed (saved), Guimaraes, Guilherme Gomes, Delgado missed (saved), Perrone.
Second round:
USA: Azevedo, Cupido, Bonanni, Bowen, Samuels
BRAZIL: Crivella, Guimaraes, Guilherme Gomes, Delgado, Perrone
Third round:
USA: Azevedo, Cupido, Bonanni, Bowen, Samuels
BRAZIL: Crivella, Guimaraes, Guilherme Gomes, Delgado, Perrone
Fourth round
USA: Azevedo missed (saved)
BRAZIL: Crivella
Luca Cupido (USA): "This was a very nice match both to play and to watch. We allowed Brazil to go back in the match because we lacked concentration".
Ratko Rudic (Brazil ‘s coach): "This was a strong match; at the beginning we let the USA playing with too much freedom. After some minutes we got better, recuperating on the Americans, tying in the final. At penalties we were good and lucky".
Brazil won a historic bronze after three rounds of penalty shootouts. The magic touch abandoned Azevedo at the 4th round, instead Crivella converted.
Penalty shootouts
First round:
USA: Azevedo, Cupido, Bonanni missed (saved), Bowen missed (saved), Samuels,
BRAZIL: Crivella missed (saved), Guimaraes, Guilherme Gomes, Delgado missed (saved), Perrone.
Second round:
USA: Azevedo, Cupido, Bonanni, Bowen, Samuels
BRAZIL: Crivella, Guimaraes, Guilherme Gomes, Delgado, Perrone
Third round:
USA: Azevedo, Cupido, Bonanni, Bowen, Samuels
BRAZIL: Crivella, Guimaraes, Guilherme Gomes, Delgado, Perrone
Fourth round
USA: Azevedo missed (saved)
BRAZIL: Crivella
Luca Cupido (USA): "This was a very nice match both to play and to watch. We allowed Brazil to go back in the match because we lacked concentration".
Ratko Rudic (Brazil ‘s coach): "This was a strong match; at the beginning we let the USA playing with too much freedom. After some minutes we got better, recuperating on the Americans, tying in the final. At penalties we were good and lucky".
Game 20: SERBIA 9-CROATIA 6 / (1-1, 1-3; 3-1,4-1)
SERBIA: Gojko PIJETLOVIC (GK), Dusan MANDIC (2), Zivko GOCIC, Sava RANDELOVIC, Milos CUK (1), Dusko PIJETLOVIC (3), Slobodan NIKIC, Milan ALEKSIC, Nikola JAKSIC (1), Filip FILIPOVIC, Andrija PRLAINOVIC (2), Stefan MITROVIC, Branislav MITROVIC (GK). Head Coach: Dejan SAVIC
CROATIA: Josip PAVIC, Damir BURIC, Antonio PETKOVIC, Luka LONCAR, Maro JOKOVIC (2), Luka BUKIC (1), Ante VUKICEVIC (1), Andro BUSLJE, Sandro SUKNO (2), Fran PASKVALIN, Andelo SETKA, Paulo OBRADOVIC, Marko BIJAC. Head Coach: Ivica TUCAK
REFEREES: Adrian ALEXANDRESCU (ROU), Filippo GOMEZ (ITA) FINA DELEGATE: Takeshi INOUE, John WHITEHOUSE
CROATIA: Josip PAVIC, Damir BURIC, Antonio PETKOVIC, Luka LONCAR, Maro JOKOVIC (2), Luka BUKIC (1), Ante VUKICEVIC (1), Andro BUSLJE, Sandro SUKNO (2), Fran PASKVALIN, Andelo SETKA, Paulo OBRADOVIC, Marko BIJAC. Head Coach: Ivica TUCAK
REFEREES: Adrian ALEXANDRESCU (ROU), Filippo GOMEZ (ITA) FINA DELEGATE: Takeshi INOUE, John WHITEHOUSE
Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
A clash of titans, as predictable. In this Super Final two major powerhouses were confronting for the gold medal. Serbia went into the final as the best team of the tournament while Croatia grew up gradually match after match. The outcome was favorable to Serbia whose team could celebrate its ninth triumph in the Super League, the third consecutive.
1st Q. 2:22 Jokovic scored for Croatia the first goal of the final on extra man (0-1). 32 seconds before the end of the period Serbia’s number 2 Dusan Mandic scored an action goal and tied. 1-1 at the end of the first period.
2nd Q. After 26 seconds Jokovic scored his second goal on penalty. Two minutes inside the quarter Sukno scored again for Croatia, on extra man (1-3).
At 2:35 Serbia narrowed the gap to just one goal on extra man with Dusko Pijetlovic (2-3). At 30 seconds from the end Vukicevic put Croatia up 2 goal again with a blaze from outside on extra player (2-4).
3rd Q. At 5:47 Dusko Pijetlovic scored on extra man for Serbia (3-4). Soon after Serbia’s number 4 Randelovic was excluded for the rest of the game for three major fouls. At 3:40 Croatia up again with Bukic on extra player.
At 2:26 a penalty was allowed to Serbia for a major foul on Pijetlovic, Prlainovic converted sending Serbia just a goal down. There was heat in the pool and on the pool deck. With 36seconds to the end Serbia’s left hander Mandic shoot a blaze from 5 meters for a perhaps crucial tie. The score before the last period was 5-5.
4th Q. Serbia rushed towards victories with three straight goals: the young Jaksic scored on superiority for the first lead of Serbia (6-5); then Prlainovic scored on action and Cuk on extra player (8-5).
Sukno converted a penalty for Croatia but Dusko Pijetlovic scored one more action goal at three minutes from the end. Game over, 9-6 for Serbia.
Ante Vukicevic (Croatia): "We played well at the beginning, very good in defense and patient in attack. Then, in the second half of the match, we had a black out and
we were to not able to recover. Congratulations to Serbia and to Dusan Mandic. We will try to win next time, at the World Championship".
Zivko Gocic (Serbia): "I am very excited. It was really a tough match, especially at the beginning, when we could not find our game; from the third period on, we conducted the game, and this brought us to victory".
1st Q. 2:22 Jokovic scored for Croatia the first goal of the final on extra man (0-1). 32 seconds before the end of the period Serbia’s number 2 Dusan Mandic scored an action goal and tied. 1-1 at the end of the first period.
2nd Q. After 26 seconds Jokovic scored his second goal on penalty. Two minutes inside the quarter Sukno scored again for Croatia, on extra man (1-3).
At 2:35 Serbia narrowed the gap to just one goal on extra man with Dusko Pijetlovic (2-3). At 30 seconds from the end Vukicevic put Croatia up 2 goal again with a blaze from outside on extra player (2-4).
3rd Q. At 5:47 Dusko Pijetlovic scored on extra man for Serbia (3-4). Soon after Serbia’s number 4 Randelovic was excluded for the rest of the game for three major fouls. At 3:40 Croatia up again with Bukic on extra player.
At 2:26 a penalty was allowed to Serbia for a major foul on Pijetlovic, Prlainovic converted sending Serbia just a goal down. There was heat in the pool and on the pool deck. With 36seconds to the end Serbia’s left hander Mandic shoot a blaze from 5 meters for a perhaps crucial tie. The score before the last period was 5-5.
4th Q. Serbia rushed towards victories with three straight goals: the young Jaksic scored on superiority for the first lead of Serbia (6-5); then Prlainovic scored on action and Cuk on extra player (8-5).
Sukno converted a penalty for Croatia but Dusko Pijetlovic scored one more action goal at three minutes from the end. Game over, 9-6 for Serbia.
Ante Vukicevic (Croatia): "We played well at the beginning, very good in defense and patient in attack. Then, in the second half of the match, we had a black out and
we were to not able to recover. Congratulations to Serbia and to Dusan Mandic. We will try to win next time, at the World Championship".
Zivko Gocic (Serbia): "I am very excited. It was really a tough match, especially at the beginning, when we could not find our game; from the third period on, we conducted the game, and this brought us to victory".
Serbia wins World League, qualifies for Rio 2016
The hosts have finished 7th at this year's World League Super Final. Italy after a slow start recovered in the second period to beat China 9-16 in the first match in Bergamo on Sunday. The Italian side suffered from a sloppy start in which China quickly jumped out to a 2-0 and eventual 5-3 lead at quarter-time. In the second period however the Alessandro Campagna coached side restored order and by half-time already led 6-9. That advantage would only be extended in, especially, a one-sided final period where Italy could cruise to the 9-16 victory avoiding a last-place finish. Alex Giorgetti, Fabio Baraldi and Andrea Fondelli earned top scoring honours scoring 3 goals each.
Australia then claimed 5th place thanks to a nice 9-6 win over last year's finalist Hungary. The difference by the Aussie Sharks was made in the second half in which Hungary's resistance that got them back in the game during the second period, looked more or less broken. The Hungarians lacked the focus and sharpness especially in defence to ensure a 5th-place finish in Bergamo, were unable to stop the Australian offence in the second half as the Aussie Sharks turned around a 3-4 deficit into an 8-5 lead in the first half of the final period. By then the game was played as Australia, after their semifinal berth at last year's Super Final in Dubai, this year made sure they came as close as possible to that eventual 4th-place finish. Richie Campbell topped the Sharks' scorers list with 3 goals.
The bronze medal match long looked to be in the hands of USA who deservedly led most of the match-up with Brazil and looked well underway of underlining their recent progression with a World League bronze medal. The turnaround however came in the final period and was huge, also in setting up an epic finish in the form of 27-shot penalty shootout. But before that Brazil used a final sprint in the 4th quarter to overcome not only a USA lead throughout most the match but also an excellent performance by USA goalie Merill Moses in the second half who long made sure USA's lead remain but finally had to capitulate as Brazil via goals from Josip Vrlic and Bernardo Gomes, with just 7 seconds on the clock, levelled the game in its final stages. The shootout then looked to be decided early as well as Moses saved the very first Brazil attempt but his counterpart Thye Bezerra did the same moments later so the score was tied. From that point on the shooting both teams was outstanding as no goalie could make a save until in the very beginning of the 4th series when USA captain Tony Azevedo missed and saw Jonas Crivella hitting on the other end as Brazilian celebrations began. It marked their best result in the World League.
The final of the tournament brought equal excitement as Serbia completed a 2nd-half turnaround by beating Croatia 9-6 to win to repeat as World League champions and qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. It marked their 7th win in the past 9 years. Much like the 2011 edition, won by Serbia in Florence and this qualified for the next Olympics as first team next to the hosts, the Serbs repeated that feature this year. But it certainly didn't looked like it in the first half. Croatia simply had the better hand as Serbia struggled on offence and especially in extra man situations to beat the tight Croatian defence. The Croats on the other end took command in the second period and seemingly comfortable led 2-4 at half-time. The second half however looked different. Serbia all of a sudden started to convert on their man-up possessions which fueled their 2nd-half performance. The game was levelled 5-5 at the end of the 3rd quarter but even more convincingly Serbia pushed through in the early stages of the 4th period. Consecutive goals by youngster Nikola Jaksic, and nice shots from Milos Cuk and Andrija Prlainovic had the Serbs suddendly leading 8-5 with just under 4 minutes remaining. That run proved decisive. Although Sandro Sukno quickly converted a penalty shot on the other end, the response by Serbia was right there. Dusko Pijetlovic, top scorer of the final scoring 3 goals, tipped in another one from the post on man-up as he sealed the deal with still 3 minutes to go. Croatia got their shots by missed three of them in the remainder as Serbia went on to crown themselves World League champions once more, earning $ 100,000 prize money and thus qualifying for next year's Olympics.
2015 FINA Men's World League Super Final
Bergamo, Italy
Schedule and results
Sunday, 28 June
China (L17) vs. Italy (L18) 9-16 (5-3, 1-6, 2-2, 1-5) - 7th/8th place
China scorers: Tao Dong 3, Ninanxiang Liang 2, Feihu Tan, Wenhui Lu, Ze Kai Xie, Jinghao Chen.
Italy scorers: Alex Giorgetti 3, Andrea Fondelli 3, Fabio Baraldi 3, Matteo Aicardi 2, Francesco di Fulvio, Alessandro Velotto, Pietro Figlioli, Nicholas Presciutti, Stefano Luongo.
Australia (W17) vs. Hungary (W18) 9-6 (2-1, 1-2, 4-2, 2-1) - 5th/6th place
Australia scorers: Richie Campbell 3, Aaron Younger 2, Nathan Power 2, Johnno Cotterill, Aidan Roach.
Hungary scorers: Daniel Varga 2, Denes Varga 2, Balazs Erdelyi, Marton Vamos.
Brazil (L19) vs. USA (L20) 24-23 (1-3, 1-3, 3-2, 5-2; penalties: 14-13) - bronze medal
Brazil scorers: Bernardo Gomes 4, Josip Vrlic 2, Guilherme Gomes, Adria Delgado, Felipe Santos, Felipe Perrone.
USA scorers: Tony Azevedo 4, Alex Obert 2, Bret Bonanni 2, Luca Cupido, Alex Bowen.
Serbia (W19) vs. Croatia (W20) 9-6 (1-1, 1-3, 3-1, 4-1) - final
Serbia scorers: Dusko Pijetlovic 3, Dusan Mandic 2, Andrija Prlainovic 2, Milos Cuk, Nikola Jaksic.
Croatia scorers: Maro Jokovic 2, Sandro Sukno 2, Luka Bukic, Ante Vukicevic.
Tournament winner earns berth for 2016 Olympic Games.
The hosts have finished 7th at this year's World League Super Final. Italy after a slow start recovered in the second period to beat China 9-16 in the first match in Bergamo on Sunday. The Italian side suffered from a sloppy start in which China quickly jumped out to a 2-0 and eventual 5-3 lead at quarter-time. In the second period however the Alessandro Campagna coached side restored order and by half-time already led 6-9. That advantage would only be extended in, especially, a one-sided final period where Italy could cruise to the 9-16 victory avoiding a last-place finish. Alex Giorgetti, Fabio Baraldi and Andrea Fondelli earned top scoring honours scoring 3 goals each.
Australia then claimed 5th place thanks to a nice 9-6 win over last year's finalist Hungary. The difference by the Aussie Sharks was made in the second half in which Hungary's resistance that got them back in the game during the second period, looked more or less broken. The Hungarians lacked the focus and sharpness especially in defence to ensure a 5th-place finish in Bergamo, were unable to stop the Australian offence in the second half as the Aussie Sharks turned around a 3-4 deficit into an 8-5 lead in the first half of the final period. By then the game was played as Australia, after their semifinal berth at last year's Super Final in Dubai, this year made sure they came as close as possible to that eventual 4th-place finish. Richie Campbell topped the Sharks' scorers list with 3 goals.
The bronze medal match long looked to be in the hands of USA who deservedly led most of the match-up with Brazil and looked well underway of underlining their recent progression with a World League bronze medal. The turnaround however came in the final period and was huge, also in setting up an epic finish in the form of 27-shot penalty shootout. But before that Brazil used a final sprint in the 4th quarter to overcome not only a USA lead throughout most the match but also an excellent performance by USA goalie Merill Moses in the second half who long made sure USA's lead remain but finally had to capitulate as Brazil via goals from Josip Vrlic and Bernardo Gomes, with just 7 seconds on the clock, levelled the game in its final stages. The shootout then looked to be decided early as well as Moses saved the very first Brazil attempt but his counterpart Thye Bezerra did the same moments later so the score was tied. From that point on the shooting both teams was outstanding as no goalie could make a save until in the very beginning of the 4th series when USA captain Tony Azevedo missed and saw Jonas Crivella hitting on the other end as Brazilian celebrations began. It marked their best result in the World League.
The final of the tournament brought equal excitement as Serbia completed a 2nd-half turnaround by beating Croatia 9-6 to win to repeat as World League champions and qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. It marked their 7th win in the past 9 years. Much like the 2011 edition, won by Serbia in Florence and this qualified for the next Olympics as first team next to the hosts, the Serbs repeated that feature this year. But it certainly didn't looked like it in the first half. Croatia simply had the better hand as Serbia struggled on offence and especially in extra man situations to beat the tight Croatian defence. The Croats on the other end took command in the second period and seemingly comfortable led 2-4 at half-time. The second half however looked different. Serbia all of a sudden started to convert on their man-up possessions which fueled their 2nd-half performance. The game was levelled 5-5 at the end of the 3rd quarter but even more convincingly Serbia pushed through in the early stages of the 4th period. Consecutive goals by youngster Nikola Jaksic, and nice shots from Milos Cuk and Andrija Prlainovic had the Serbs suddendly leading 8-5 with just under 4 minutes remaining. That run proved decisive. Although Sandro Sukno quickly converted a penalty shot on the other end, the response by Serbia was right there. Dusko Pijetlovic, top scorer of the final scoring 3 goals, tipped in another one from the post on man-up as he sealed the deal with still 3 minutes to go. Croatia got their shots by missed three of them in the remainder as Serbia went on to crown themselves World League champions once more, earning $ 100,000 prize money and thus qualifying for next year's Olympics.
2015 FINA Men's World League Super Final
Bergamo, Italy
Schedule and results
Sunday, 28 June
China (L17) vs. Italy (L18) 9-16 (5-3, 1-6, 2-2, 1-5) - 7th/8th place
China scorers: Tao Dong 3, Ninanxiang Liang 2, Feihu Tan, Wenhui Lu, Ze Kai Xie, Jinghao Chen.
Italy scorers: Alex Giorgetti 3, Andrea Fondelli 3, Fabio Baraldi 3, Matteo Aicardi 2, Francesco di Fulvio, Alessandro Velotto, Pietro Figlioli, Nicholas Presciutti, Stefano Luongo.
Australia (W17) vs. Hungary (W18) 9-6 (2-1, 1-2, 4-2, 2-1) - 5th/6th place
Australia scorers: Richie Campbell 3, Aaron Younger 2, Nathan Power 2, Johnno Cotterill, Aidan Roach.
Hungary scorers: Daniel Varga 2, Denes Varga 2, Balazs Erdelyi, Marton Vamos.
Brazil (L19) vs. USA (L20) 24-23 (1-3, 1-3, 3-2, 5-2; penalties: 14-13) - bronze medal
Brazil scorers: Bernardo Gomes 4, Josip Vrlic 2, Guilherme Gomes, Adria Delgado, Felipe Santos, Felipe Perrone.
USA scorers: Tony Azevedo 4, Alex Obert 2, Bret Bonanni 2, Luca Cupido, Alex Bowen.
Serbia (W19) vs. Croatia (W20) 9-6 (1-1, 1-3, 3-1, 4-1) - final
Serbia scorers: Dusko Pijetlovic 3, Dusan Mandic 2, Andrija Prlainovic 2, Milos Cuk, Nikola Jaksic.
Croatia scorers: Maro Jokovic 2, Sandro Sukno 2, Luka Bukic, Ante Vukicevic.
Tournament winner earns berth for 2016 Olympic Games.
Australia then claimed 5th place thanks to a nice 9-6 win over last year's finalist Hungary. The difference by the Aussie Sharks was made in the second half in which Hungary's resistance that got them back in the game during the second period, looked more or less broken. The Hungarians lacked the focus and sharpness especially in defence to ensure a 5th-place finish in Bergamo, were unable to stop the Australian offence in the second half as the Aussie Sharks turned around a 3-4 deficit into an 8-5 lead in the first half of the final period. By then the game was played as Australia, after their semifinal berth at last year's Super Final in Dubai, this year made sure they came as close as possible to that eventual 4th-place finish. Richie Campbell topped the Sharks' scorers list with 3 goals.
The bronze medal match long looked to be in the hands of USA who deservedly led most of the match-up with Brazil and looked well underway of underlining their recent progression with a World League bronze medal. The turnaround however came in the final period and was huge, also in setting up an epic finish in the form of 27-shot penalty shootout. But before that Brazil used a final sprint in the 4th quarter to overcome not only a USA lead throughout most the match but also an excellent performance by USA goalie Merill Moses in the second half who long made sure USA's lead remain but finally had to capitulate as Brazil via goals from Josip Vrlic and Bernardo Gomes, with just 7 seconds on the clock, levelled the game in its final stages. The shootout then looked to be decided early as well as Moses saved the very first Brazil attempt but his counterpart Thye Bezerra did the same moments later so the score was tied. From that point on the shooting both teams was outstanding as no goalie could make a save until in the very beginning of the 4th series when USA captain Tony Azevedo missed and saw Jonas Crivella hitting on the other end as Brazilian celebrations began. It marked their best result in the World League.
The final of the tournament brought equal excitement as Serbia completed a 2nd-half turnaround by beating Croatia 9-6 to win to repeat as World League champions and qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. It marked their 7th win in the past 9 years. Much like the 2011 edition, won by Serbia in Florence and this qualified for the next Olympics as first team next to the hosts, the Serbs repeated that feature this year. But it certainly didn't looked like it in the first half. Croatia simply had the better hand as Serbia struggled on offence and especially in extra man situations to beat the tight Croatian defence. The Croats on the other end took command in the second period and seemingly comfortable led 2-4 at half-time. The second half however looked different. Serbia all of a sudden started to convert on their man-up possessions which fueled their 2nd-half performance. The game was levelled 5-5 at the end of the 3rd quarter but even more convincingly Serbia pushed through in the early stages of the 4th period. Consecutive goals by youngster Nikola Jaksic, and nice shots from Milos Cuk and Andrija Prlainovic had the Serbs suddendly leading 8-5 with just under 4 minutes remaining. That run proved decisive. Although Sandro Sukno quickly converted a penalty shot on the other end, the response by Serbia was right there. Dusko Pijetlovic, top scorer of the final scoring 3 goals, tipped in another one from the post on man-up as he sealed the deal with still 3 minutes to go. Croatia got their shots by missed three of them in the remainder as Serbia went on to crown themselves World League champions once more, earning $ 100,000 prize money and thus qualifying for next year's Olympics.
2015 FINA Men's World League Super Final
Bergamo, Italy
Schedule and results
Sunday, 28 June
China (L17) vs. Italy (L18) 9-16 (5-3, 1-6, 2-2, 1-5) - 7th/8th place
China scorers: Tao Dong 3, Ninanxiang Liang 2, Feihu Tan, Wenhui Lu, Ze Kai Xie, Jinghao Chen.
Italy scorers: Alex Giorgetti 3, Andrea Fondelli 3, Fabio Baraldi 3, Matteo Aicardi 2, Francesco di Fulvio, Alessandro Velotto, Pietro Figlioli, Nicholas Presciutti, Stefano Luongo.
Australia (W17) vs. Hungary (W18) 9-6 (2-1, 1-2, 4-2, 2-1) - 5th/6th place
Australia scorers: Richie Campbell 3, Aaron Younger 2, Nathan Power 2, Johnno Cotterill, Aidan Roach.
Hungary scorers: Daniel Varga 2, Denes Varga 2, Balazs Erdelyi, Marton Vamos.
Brazil (L19) vs. USA (L20) 24-23 (1-3, 1-3, 3-2, 5-2; penalties: 14-13) - bronze medal
Brazil scorers: Bernardo Gomes 4, Josip Vrlic 2, Guilherme Gomes, Adria Delgado, Felipe Santos, Felipe Perrone.
USA scorers: Tony Azevedo 4, Alex Obert 2, Bret Bonanni 2, Luca Cupido, Alex Bowen.
Serbia (W19) vs. Croatia (W20) 9-6 (1-1, 1-3, 3-1, 4-1) - final
Serbia scorers: Dusko Pijetlovic 3, Dusan Mandic 2, Andrija Prlainovic 2, Milos Cuk, Nikola Jaksic.
Croatia scorers: Maro Jokovic 2, Sandro Sukno 2, Luka Bukic, Ante Vukicevic.
Tournament winner earns berth for 2016 Olympic Games.
WPWL Men’s Super Final 2015, Bergamo, Day 5: Croatia and Serbia will play for The gold medal, Brazil and The USA for the bronze
Gold will go to the Balkans, bronze to Americas. Following the results of the semifinals Serbia and Croatia will play the final for the first place while Brazil and the United States will play the match for the third place.
Under the helm of two top coaches, both from the former Yugoslavia – Ratko Rudic (Croatia) and Dejan Udovicic (Serbia) – Brazil and the United States have improved and become more competitive.
A final between Serbia and Croatia was among the predictable options. Not so much the final for the bronze medal between Brazil and the United States. In fact everybody was expecting Hungary and Italy to be among the top four but both teams, still in the middle of the preparation for the World Championships, did not perform at their best. The winner takes it all: the gold medal, the Olympic qualification and the 100,000 dollar FINA prize money.
For the 5th place Australia will play Hungary while China, the only team with no victories, will face Italy for the 7th place in the last day of the tournament.
Prize money for the Super Final • 1st Place 100’000.- USD • 2nd Place 70’000.- USD • 3rd Place 50’000.- USD • 4th Place 35’000.- USD • 5th Place 30’000.- USD • 6th Place 25’000.- USD • 7th Place 20’000.- USD • 8th Place 15’000.- USD
Schedule of Finals/Sunday, 28th June 2015
7th place: China-Italy at 4:00 pm
5th place: Australia-Hungary at 5:20 pm
3rd place/bronze medal: Brazil-USA at 6:40 pm
1st place/gold medal: Serbia-Croatia at 8:00 pm
Semifinals Report
GAME 17: AUSTRALIA - CHINA: 13-3 (5-1, 2-1; 3-1,3-0)
AUSTRALIA: Joel DENNERLY (GK), Richard CAMPBELL (2), George FORD, John COTTERILL (1), Nathan POWER (1), Jarrod GILCHRIST (2), Aidan ROACH (1), Aaron YOUNGER, Joel SWIFT (1), Martin TYLER (1), Rhys HOWDEN (1), William MILLER (3), James CLARK (GK). Head Coach: Elvis FATOVIC.
CHINA: Honghui WU (GK), Feihu TAN, Zhangxin HU, Tao DONG, Wenhui LU, Li LI (1), Zhongxian CHEN (1), Liang GU, Ze Kai XIE, Jinghao CHEN (1), Chufeng ZHANG, Nianxiang LIANG (), Zhiwei LIANG (GK). Head Coach: Paolo MALARA.
REFEREES: Andre DESTER (BRA), Miroslav VLASIC (CRO) FINA DELEGATE: Khosrow AMINI
Australia fast breaks and defensive pressing created more than a problem to the Chinese side, especially in the first quarter when the Asian players seemed to be caught by surprise and the Aussies scored five times.
In the second quarter the Chinese appeared to have listened the instructions of coach Paolo Malara who was asking for more discipline and a more dynamic style of play. In this period the Australians scored 2 goals, China 1. At half time the score was 7-2 for the team in white cap.
Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
The 3rd quarter developed similarly to the previous one, with the Aussies scoring three goals and the Chinese one. The score before the last quarter was 10-3 for the Australians.
The 4th quarter opened with two consecutive goals from Australia #12 Miller. The divide between the contenders grew to nine goals (12-3). Campbell sealed the match with his second goal. Final score 13-3, a difference of 10 goals.
Australia scored with five nine players, the result of an excellent collective work of the team coached by Elvis Fatovic. The top scorer was Miller, with three goals.
Paolo Malara (China’s coach): "We expected this kind of results. We are proud to represent Asia and to be amongst the finalists of the tournament. We are a young team and it is very important for us to grow and to make experience. I am happy of the offensive game we played. On the other hand, we made too many mistakes in defense; you always pay for these mistakes when you play against high level teams".
Joel Dennerley (Australia’s goalkeeper)
"We won thanks to a good defense. The opponents were not amongst the toughest teams to play against. We have, however, to improve our offensive game: we missed several opportunities".
Game 18: ITALY 5- HUNGARY 10 / (1-3,1-2; 1-3,2-2)
HUNGARY: Viktor NAGY (GK), Miklos GOR-NAGY (1), Norbert MADARAS (2), Balasz ERDELYI , Marton VAMOS, Norbert HOSNYASKY (1), Ferenc SALAMON (1) , Daniel ANGYAL (1), Daniel VARGA © (1), Denes VARGA (2), Toni NEMET, Balazs HARAI (1), Attila DECKER (GK). Head Coach: Tibor BENEDEK.
ITALY: Stefano TEMPESTI (GK) ©, Francesco DI FULVIO, Alessandro VELOTTO, Pietro FIGLIOLI, Alex GIORGETTI , Andrea FONDELLI (1), Nicholas PRESCIUTTI, Valentino GALLO (2), Niccolò GITTO, Stefano LUONGO, Matteo AICARDI, Fabio BARALDI (1), Marco DEL LUNGO (GK). Head Coach: Alessandro CAMPAGNA.
REFEREES: Doriel TERPENKA (CAN), Joe PEILA (USA) FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR
The confrontation between Hungary, the world champion from Barcelona 2013, and Italy, the Olympic silver medalist from London 2012, this time was for a less ambitious fifth place.
Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
The Magyars seemed more focused while the Italian looked tired, not so much motivated, certainly not brilliant.
Italy paid for the mistakes in extra player (3/14), and also for the mental and physical tiredness accumulated in the previous days.
In the first quarter 3 action goals boosted Hungary’s hopes of winning the game while Italy badly missed some great opportunities on extra player..
The first goal was scored by Denes Vargas, two minutes after the start. After few seconds Italy had the chance to tie but Figlioli missed a penalty (Nagy saved).
A minute later the Magyars doubled with Angyal on a lethal counterattack. Hungay up two goals at half time in the first period. Italy missed a new incredible opportunity with two men up. Hungary’s widened the gap to three goals when Angyal scored his second.
Italy’s first goal came from Gallo, almost at the expiration of the period (3-1).
One minute 17 seconds inside the second quarter Denes Vargas doubled his tally shooting from the long distance (10 meters): a missile that surprised Italy’s veteran goalie Tempesti (4-1).
Italy’s center Baraldi scored from2-meter on a back shot at half of the second period.
Hungary went up three goals soon after when its center Hosnyansky scored also from 2 meters. 5-2 the score at half time.
On the opening of the 3rd quarter Italy had one more opportunity on extra player (Hosnyansky was excluded). Instead, nearly to minutes inside the quarter Hungary’s captain Daniel Varga scored on counter attack, increasing the gap to four goals (6-2). An action goal from Fondelli was answered by Salomon, also on action (3-7). Hungary’s number 3, the left hander Madaras, scored his first on action to bring the difference to five goals. 8-3.
Hungary lost his mighty center forward Hosnyasky for three major fouls.
4th Q. An early goal of Baraldi from the center was answered by two more goals of Hungary, with Gor-Nagy on man-up and Madaras on action (4-10).
At half time in the last quarter Italy’s Figlioli was shown a red a card for protests.
Gallo scored his second goal on action from outside at less than a minute from the conclusion of the period.
Hungary won with 10 goals, the double of those scored by Italy (5).
Alessandro Campagna (Italy’s coach): "In five days we played against teams physically strong and this is not easy: this afternoon we paid for all the efforts of the previous days. We were not cynical in offensive actions because during the tournament we worked very hard to get in the best shape at the world championships, in Kazan. However I have received signals extremely encouraging by my team".
Daniel Varga (Hungary’s captain): "I am satisfied with our game. We played together and well. We are sorry we did not reached the semifinals".
Tibor Benedek (Hungary’s coach): "It was a difficult match, because the team was demoralized for not making the semifinals”. Tomorrow against Australia we will play at our best to bring home victory".
Game 19: BRAZIL 9-SERBIA 13 / (3-4, 1-1; 2-5, 3-3)
BRAZIL: Vinicius ANTONELLI (GK), Jonas CRIVELLA (1), Guilherme GOMES (2), Ives ALONSO, Paulo SALEMI, Bernardo GOMES (1), Adrian DELGADO (1), Felipe SANTOS (1), Bernardo ROCHA, Felipe PERRONE (2), Gustavo GUIMARAES (1), Josip VRLIC, Thye BEZERRA (GK). Head Coach: Ratko RUDIC.
SERBIA: Gojko PIJETLOVIC (GK), Dusan MANDIC (2), Zivko GOCIC © (1), Sava RANDELOVIC (1), Milos CUK, Dusko PIJETLOVIC (2), Slobodan NIKIC, Milan ALEKSIC (2), Nikola JAKSIC, Filip FILIPOVIC (2), Andrija PRLAINOIVC (1), Stefan MITROVIC (2), Branislav MITROVIC (GK). Head Coach: Dejan SAVIC
REFEREES: Peter MOLNAR (HUN), Daniel FLAHIVE (AUS) / FINA DELEGATE: Koshrow AMINI, Takeshi INOUE
Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
In the first of the two matches due to designate the finalists for the gold medal, Serbia reported a predictable victory against Brazil. But the South Americans were not flattened by the mighty Balkan powerhouse. On the contrary they staged an effective opposition throughout the game.
1st Q. Serbia went all out and scored two early goals with Aleksic and Filipovic, followed up by an action goal from Mandic. It seemed that Serbia would bury Brazil under an avalanche, instead Rudic’s team confirmed the excellent impression of the previous days and reacted without fear. However the superior standing of Serbia allowed coach Savic’s team to be always in control of the game, always in the lead, and, eventually, to win the match and advance to the gold medal final with no major worries to report.
Delgado and Guilherme Gomes closed on, from 0-3 to 2-3. Then Gocic scored again for Serbia while Brazil answered with a goal from Crivella. The score of the end of the first period was 3-4 for Serbia. Six out of seven goals were score on extra player.
In the 2nd quarter Randelovic scored on man-up. His goal was answered by Bernardo Gomes who scored from 5 meters with 6 seconds to the end of the period. The split score of the period was 1-1, 4-5 at half time. Brazil down just one goal.
A minute and half inside the 3rd period Prlainovic put Serbia two up wih an action goal, but Brazil’s captain Perrone reacted with on a counter attack after receiving a nice pass from Salemi (who has also an Italian passport).
Stefan Mitrovic reset the 2-goal gap on extra player. Soon after Dusko Pijetlovic scored his first goal from the center (8-5, the decisive break) immediately answered by Perrone’ second goal from 5 meters (6-8). Serbia went up 3-goal again when Filipovic converted a penalty (6-9). Mandic ‘s second goal on extra player sent the teams to the last interval on the score of 6-10 ( Serbia up 4 goals).
In the last quarter in between two Serbian goals from the center, with Pijetlovic and Alecsis there was a goal from Guilherme Gomes on extra player (7-11). The nicest goal was scored by Guimaraes, 3 seconds inside the last minute on a timed, fast and spectacular breakaway action. With 31seconds to go Mitrovic scored again on extra player. The last goal came from Brazil, again with Guilherme Gomes who netted from 5 meters. Final score 9-13.
For Serbia 7 goals on extra player, one on a penalty, 2 on action and 3 from the centre; for Brazil 3 on superiority, 3 from 5 meters, 2 on counter attacks and one action goal.
Paulo Salemi (Brazil): "Our opponents were played stronger than us and there were some doubtfull decision by the referees. We will enter the match for the third place more determined and with more will to win".
Slobodan Nikic (Serbia): "This was a very important match. We will play the final and we want the first place; I hope we will play against Croatia".
Dejan Savic (Serbia’s coach): "I am not completely satisfied by our match; however, in the semifinals, only the result matters. Tomorrow, in order to win, we will have to play much better. We want to win the World League also to obtain the first Olympic pass available".
Game 20: CROATIA 11-USA 6 / (2-2, 3-2; 2-0, 4-2)
CROATIA: Josip PAVIC, Damir BURIC (1), Antonio PETKOVIC (2), Luka LONCAR, Maro JOKOVIC (2), Luka BUKIC (1), Ante VUKICEVIC (1), Andro BUSLJE, Sandro SUKNO (2), Fran PASKVALIN, Andelo SETKA (1), Paulo OBRADOVIC (1), Marko BIJAC. Head Coach: Ivica TUCAK
UNITED STATES: Merrill MOSES (GK), Connor VIRJEE, Alex OBERT, Jackson KIMBELL, Alex ROELSE (1), Luca CUPIDO (1), Josh SAMUELS (1), Tony AZEVEDO © (2), Alex BOWEN (1), Bret BONANNI, Jesse SMITH, John MANN, Mc Quin BARON (GK). Head Coach: Dejan UDOVICIC.
REFEREES: Georgios STAVRIDIS (GRE), Alexey KRAPIVIN (RUS) / FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR, John WHITEHOUSE
An exciting match played by both teams at their best. The outcome of the match was difficult to predict as the United States, under Udovicic, have made substantial progresses while the Olympic champions of Croatia, with coach Tucak at the helm, although still working on getting back to their top standard, lived up to their reputation.
The outcome of the first quarter seemed to confirm this analysis. Two early goal from the two number 7, Vukicevic on counter attack for Croatia, Samuels on extra man for the United States, opened the scoreboard. Then a goal from Roelse was answered immediately by Bukic. 2-2.
Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
In the 2nd quarter the first goal came from Croatia’s number 9 Sukno, immediately answered by Cupido, USA’s number 6, both on extra man (3-3).
Setka put Croatia up one goal also on extra player. So far 3/5 for Croatia, 2/4 for the USA on extra player. USA’s captain Tony Azevedo scored his customary, crucial, goal to tie 4-4.
Petkovic sent Croatia’s up one goal with five seconds to half time. 5-4 for Croatia.
In the 3rd quarter Croatia scored two action goals, the first with Jokovic, the second with Obradovic.
In the last quarter, after 16 minutes without netting the ball, the USA scored again with Azevedo, on man up.
Croatia’s reaction was implacable, with two goals scored respectively from Sukno on man up and Buric on action. Then a goal from Petkovic from 5 meters was answered immediately by Bowen, also from 5 meters (10-6). The last goal came from Jokovic, on action. Croatia won by a wide edge, 11-6.
Ivica Tucak (Croatia’s coach): "We have arrived in final with merit. We had controlled the match totaly. In the first two periods we wrong some shot, then we had played fluently".
Luca Cupido (USA)
"They didn't win the match. We have lost. We had failed a lot of extra player, while in man down we wrong often. We made mistakes in defense".
Gold will go to the Balkans, bronze to Americas. Following the results of the semifinals Serbia and Croatia will play the final for the first place while Brazil and the United States will play the match for the third place.
Under the helm of two top coaches, both from the former Yugoslavia – Ratko Rudic (Croatia) and Dejan Udovicic (Serbia) – Brazil and the United States have improved and become more competitive.
A final between Serbia and Croatia was among the predictable options. Not so much the final for the bronze medal between Brazil and the United States. In fact everybody was expecting Hungary and Italy to be among the top four but both teams, still in the middle of the preparation for the World Championships, did not perform at their best. The winner takes it all: the gold medal, the Olympic qualification and the 100,000 dollar FINA prize money.
For the 5th place Australia will play Hungary while China, the only team with no victories, will face Italy for the 7th place in the last day of the tournament.
Under the helm of two top coaches, both from the former Yugoslavia – Ratko Rudic (Croatia) and Dejan Udovicic (Serbia) – Brazil and the United States have improved and become more competitive.
A final between Serbia and Croatia was among the predictable options. Not so much the final for the bronze medal between Brazil and the United States. In fact everybody was expecting Hungary and Italy to be among the top four but both teams, still in the middle of the preparation for the World Championships, did not perform at their best. The winner takes it all: the gold medal, the Olympic qualification and the 100,000 dollar FINA prize money.
For the 5th place Australia will play Hungary while China, the only team with no victories, will face Italy for the 7th place in the last day of the tournament.
Prize money for the Super Final • 1st Place 100’000.- USD • 2nd Place 70’000.- USD • 3rd Place 50’000.- USD • 4th Place 35’000.- USD • 5th Place 30’000.- USD • 6th Place 25’000.- USD • 7th Place 20’000.- USD • 8th Place 15’000.- USD
Schedule of Finals/Sunday, 28th June 2015
7th place: China-Italy at 4:00 pm
5th place: Australia-Hungary at 5:20 pm
3rd place/bronze medal: Brazil-USA at 6:40 pm
1st place/gold medal: Serbia-Croatia at 8:00 pm
7th place: China-Italy at 4:00 pm
5th place: Australia-Hungary at 5:20 pm
3rd place/bronze medal: Brazil-USA at 6:40 pm
1st place/gold medal: Serbia-Croatia at 8:00 pm
Semifinals Report
GAME 17: AUSTRALIA - CHINA: 13-3 (5-1, 2-1; 3-1,3-0)
AUSTRALIA: Joel DENNERLY (GK), Richard CAMPBELL (2), George FORD, John COTTERILL (1), Nathan POWER (1), Jarrod GILCHRIST (2), Aidan ROACH (1), Aaron YOUNGER, Joel SWIFT (1), Martin TYLER (1), Rhys HOWDEN (1), William MILLER (3), James CLARK (GK). Head Coach: Elvis FATOVIC.
CHINA: Honghui WU (GK), Feihu TAN, Zhangxin HU, Tao DONG, Wenhui LU, Li LI (1), Zhongxian CHEN (1), Liang GU, Ze Kai XIE, Jinghao CHEN (1), Chufeng ZHANG, Nianxiang LIANG (), Zhiwei LIANG (GK). Head Coach: Paolo MALARA.
REFEREES: Andre DESTER (BRA), Miroslav VLASIC (CRO) FINA DELEGATE: Khosrow AMINI
Australia fast breaks and defensive pressing created more than a problem to the Chinese side, especially in the first quarter when the Asian players seemed to be caught by surprise and the Aussies scored five times.
In the second quarter the Chinese appeared to have listened the instructions of coach Paolo Malara who was asking for more discipline and a more dynamic style of play. In this period the Australians scored 2 goals, China 1. At half time the score was 7-2 for the team in white cap.
CHINA: Honghui WU (GK), Feihu TAN, Zhangxin HU, Tao DONG, Wenhui LU, Li LI (1), Zhongxian CHEN (1), Liang GU, Ze Kai XIE, Jinghao CHEN (1), Chufeng ZHANG, Nianxiang LIANG (), Zhiwei LIANG (GK). Head Coach: Paolo MALARA.
REFEREES: Andre DESTER (BRA), Miroslav VLASIC (CRO) FINA DELEGATE: Khosrow AMINI
Australia fast breaks and defensive pressing created more than a problem to the Chinese side, especially in the first quarter when the Asian players seemed to be caught by surprise and the Aussies scored five times.
In the second quarter the Chinese appeared to have listened the instructions of coach Paolo Malara who was asking for more discipline and a more dynamic style of play. In this period the Australians scored 2 goals, China 1. At half time the score was 7-2 for the team in white cap.
Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
The 3rd quarter developed similarly to the previous one, with the Aussies scoring three goals and the Chinese one. The score before the last quarter was 10-3 for the Australians.
The 4th quarter opened with two consecutive goals from Australia #12 Miller. The divide between the contenders grew to nine goals (12-3). Campbell sealed the match with his second goal. Final score 13-3, a difference of 10 goals.
Australia scored with five nine players, the result of an excellent collective work of the team coached by Elvis Fatovic. The top scorer was Miller, with three goals.
Paolo Malara (China’s coach): "We expected this kind of results. We are proud to represent Asia and to be amongst the finalists of the tournament. We are a young team and it is very important for us to grow and to make experience. I am happy of the offensive game we played. On the other hand, we made too many mistakes in defense; you always pay for these mistakes when you play against high level teams".
Joel Dennerley (Australia’s goalkeeper)
"We won thanks to a good defense. The opponents were not amongst the toughest teams to play against. We have, however, to improve our offensive game: we missed several opportunities".
Game 18: ITALY 5- HUNGARY 10 / (1-3,1-2; 1-3,2-2)
"We won thanks to a good defense. The opponents were not amongst the toughest teams to play against. We have, however, to improve our offensive game: we missed several opportunities".
Game 18: ITALY 5- HUNGARY 10 / (1-3,1-2; 1-3,2-2)
HUNGARY: Viktor NAGY (GK), Miklos GOR-NAGY (1), Norbert MADARAS (2), Balasz ERDELYI , Marton VAMOS, Norbert HOSNYASKY (1), Ferenc SALAMON (1) , Daniel ANGYAL (1), Daniel VARGA © (1), Denes VARGA (2), Toni NEMET, Balazs HARAI (1), Attila DECKER (GK). Head Coach: Tibor BENEDEK.
ITALY: Stefano TEMPESTI (GK) ©, Francesco DI FULVIO, Alessandro VELOTTO, Pietro FIGLIOLI, Alex GIORGETTI , Andrea FONDELLI (1), Nicholas PRESCIUTTI, Valentino GALLO (2), Niccolò GITTO, Stefano LUONGO, Matteo AICARDI, Fabio BARALDI (1), Marco DEL LUNGO (GK). Head Coach: Alessandro CAMPAGNA.
REFEREES: Doriel TERPENKA (CAN), Joe PEILA (USA) FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR
The confrontation between Hungary, the world champion from Barcelona 2013, and Italy, the Olympic silver medalist from London 2012, this time was for a less ambitious fifth place.
The confrontation between Hungary, the world champion from Barcelona 2013, and Italy, the Olympic silver medalist from London 2012, this time was for a less ambitious fifth place.
Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
The Magyars seemed more focused while the Italian looked tired, not so much motivated, certainly not brilliant.
Italy paid for the mistakes in extra player (3/14), and also for the mental and physical tiredness accumulated in the previous days.
In the first quarter 3 action goals boosted Hungary’s hopes of winning the game while Italy badly missed some great opportunities on extra player..
Italy paid for the mistakes in extra player (3/14), and also for the mental and physical tiredness accumulated in the previous days.
In the first quarter 3 action goals boosted Hungary’s hopes of winning the game while Italy badly missed some great opportunities on extra player..
The first goal was scored by Denes Vargas, two minutes after the start. After few seconds Italy had the chance to tie but Figlioli missed a penalty (Nagy saved).
A minute later the Magyars doubled with Angyal on a lethal counterattack. Hungay up two goals at half time in the first period. Italy missed a new incredible opportunity with two men up. Hungary’s widened the gap to three goals when Angyal scored his second.
A minute later the Magyars doubled with Angyal on a lethal counterattack. Hungay up two goals at half time in the first period. Italy missed a new incredible opportunity with two men up. Hungary’s widened the gap to three goals when Angyal scored his second.
Italy’s first goal came from Gallo, almost at the expiration of the period (3-1).
One minute 17 seconds inside the second quarter Denes Vargas doubled his tally shooting from the long distance (10 meters): a missile that surprised Italy’s veteran goalie Tempesti (4-1).
One minute 17 seconds inside the second quarter Denes Vargas doubled his tally shooting from the long distance (10 meters): a missile that surprised Italy’s veteran goalie Tempesti (4-1).
Italy’s center Baraldi scored from2-meter on a back shot at half of the second period.
Hungary went up three goals soon after when its center Hosnyansky scored also from 2 meters. 5-2 the score at half time.
On the opening of the 3rd quarter Italy had one more opportunity on extra player (Hosnyansky was excluded). Instead, nearly to minutes inside the quarter Hungary’s captain Daniel Varga scored on counter attack, increasing the gap to four goals (6-2). An action goal from Fondelli was answered by Salomon, also on action (3-7). Hungary’s number 3, the left hander Madaras, scored his first on action to bring the difference to five goals. 8-3.
Hungary lost his mighty center forward Hosnyasky for three major fouls.
Hungary went up three goals soon after when its center Hosnyansky scored also from 2 meters. 5-2 the score at half time.
On the opening of the 3rd quarter Italy had one more opportunity on extra player (Hosnyansky was excluded). Instead, nearly to minutes inside the quarter Hungary’s captain Daniel Varga scored on counter attack, increasing the gap to four goals (6-2). An action goal from Fondelli was answered by Salomon, also on action (3-7). Hungary’s number 3, the left hander Madaras, scored his first on action to bring the difference to five goals. 8-3.
Hungary lost his mighty center forward Hosnyasky for three major fouls.
4th Q. An early goal of Baraldi from the center was answered by two more goals of Hungary, with Gor-Nagy on man-up and Madaras on action (4-10).
At half time in the last quarter Italy’s Figlioli was shown a red a card for protests.
Gallo scored his second goal on action from outside at less than a minute from the conclusion of the period.
Hungary won with 10 goals, the double of those scored by Italy (5).
Alessandro Campagna (Italy’s coach): "In five days we played against teams physically strong and this is not easy: this afternoon we paid for all the efforts of the previous days. We were not cynical in offensive actions because during the tournament we worked very hard to get in the best shape at the world championships, in Kazan. However I have received signals extremely encouraging by my team".
Gallo scored his second goal on action from outside at less than a minute from the conclusion of the period.
Hungary won with 10 goals, the double of those scored by Italy (5).
Alessandro Campagna (Italy’s coach): "In five days we played against teams physically strong and this is not easy: this afternoon we paid for all the efforts of the previous days. We were not cynical in offensive actions because during the tournament we worked very hard to get in the best shape at the world championships, in Kazan. However I have received signals extremely encouraging by my team".
Daniel Varga (Hungary’s captain): "I am satisfied with our game. We played together and well. We are sorry we did not reached the semifinals".
Tibor Benedek (Hungary’s coach): "It was a difficult match, because the team was demoralized for not making the semifinals”. Tomorrow against Australia we will play at our best to bring home victory".
Game 19: BRAZIL 9-SERBIA 13 / (3-4, 1-1; 2-5, 3-3)
BRAZIL: Vinicius ANTONELLI (GK), Jonas CRIVELLA (1), Guilherme GOMES (2), Ives ALONSO, Paulo SALEMI, Bernardo GOMES (1), Adrian DELGADO (1), Felipe SANTOS (1), Bernardo ROCHA, Felipe PERRONE (2), Gustavo GUIMARAES (1), Josip VRLIC, Thye BEZERRA (GK). Head Coach: Ratko RUDIC.
SERBIA: Gojko PIJETLOVIC (GK), Dusan MANDIC (2), Zivko GOCIC © (1), Sava RANDELOVIC (1), Milos CUK, Dusko PIJETLOVIC (2), Slobodan NIKIC, Milan ALEKSIC (2), Nikola JAKSIC, Filip FILIPOVIC (2), Andrija PRLAINOIVC (1), Stefan MITROVIC (2), Branislav MITROVIC (GK). Head Coach: Dejan SAVIC
REFEREES: Peter MOLNAR (HUN), Daniel FLAHIVE (AUS) / FINA DELEGATE: Koshrow AMINI, Takeshi INOUE
REFEREES: Peter MOLNAR (HUN), Daniel FLAHIVE (AUS) / FINA DELEGATE: Koshrow AMINI, Takeshi INOUE
Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
In the first of the two matches due to designate the finalists for the gold medal, Serbia reported a predictable victory against Brazil. But the South Americans were not flattened by the mighty Balkan powerhouse. On the contrary they staged an effective opposition throughout the game.
1st Q. Serbia went all out and scored two early goals with Aleksic and Filipovic, followed up by an action goal from Mandic. It seemed that Serbia would bury Brazil under an avalanche, instead Rudic’s team confirmed the excellent impression of the previous days and reacted without fear. However the superior standing of Serbia allowed coach Savic’s team to be always in control of the game, always in the lead, and, eventually, to win the match and advance to the gold medal final with no major worries to report.
Delgado and Guilherme Gomes closed on, from 0-3 to 2-3. Then Gocic scored again for Serbia while Brazil answered with a goal from Crivella. The score of the end of the first period was 3-4 for Serbia. Six out of seven goals were score on extra player.
In the 2nd quarter Randelovic scored on man-up. His goal was answered by Bernardo Gomes who scored from 5 meters with 6 seconds to the end of the period. The split score of the period was 1-1, 4-5 at half time. Brazil down just one goal.
A minute and half inside the 3rd period Prlainovic put Serbia two up wih an action goal, but Brazil’s captain Perrone reacted with on a counter attack after receiving a nice pass from Salemi (who has also an Italian passport).
Stefan Mitrovic reset the 2-goal gap on extra player. Soon after Dusko Pijetlovic scored his first goal from the center (8-5, the decisive break) immediately answered by Perrone’ second goal from 5 meters (6-8). Serbia went up 3-goal again when Filipovic converted a penalty (6-9). Mandic ‘s second goal on extra player sent the teams to the last interval on the score of 6-10 ( Serbia up 4 goals).
Delgado and Guilherme Gomes closed on, from 0-3 to 2-3. Then Gocic scored again for Serbia while Brazil answered with a goal from Crivella. The score of the end of the first period was 3-4 for Serbia. Six out of seven goals were score on extra player.
In the 2nd quarter Randelovic scored on man-up. His goal was answered by Bernardo Gomes who scored from 5 meters with 6 seconds to the end of the period. The split score of the period was 1-1, 4-5 at half time. Brazil down just one goal.
A minute and half inside the 3rd period Prlainovic put Serbia two up wih an action goal, but Brazil’s captain Perrone reacted with on a counter attack after receiving a nice pass from Salemi (who has also an Italian passport).
Stefan Mitrovic reset the 2-goal gap on extra player. Soon after Dusko Pijetlovic scored his first goal from the center (8-5, the decisive break) immediately answered by Perrone’ second goal from 5 meters (6-8). Serbia went up 3-goal again when Filipovic converted a penalty (6-9). Mandic ‘s second goal on extra player sent the teams to the last interval on the score of 6-10 ( Serbia up 4 goals).
In the last quarter in between two Serbian goals from the center, with Pijetlovic and Alecsis there was a goal from Guilherme Gomes on extra player (7-11). The nicest goal was scored by Guimaraes, 3 seconds inside the last minute on a timed, fast and spectacular breakaway action. With 31seconds to go Mitrovic scored again on extra player. The last goal came from Brazil, again with Guilherme Gomes who netted from 5 meters. Final score 9-13.
For Serbia 7 goals on extra player, one on a penalty, 2 on action and 3 from the centre; for Brazil 3 on superiority, 3 from 5 meters, 2 on counter attacks and one action goal.
Paulo Salemi (Brazil): "Our opponents were played stronger than us and there were some doubtfull decision by the referees. We will enter the match for the third place more determined and with more will to win".
Slobodan Nikic (Serbia): "This was a very important match. We will play the final and we want the first place; I hope we will play against Croatia".
For Serbia 7 goals on extra player, one on a penalty, 2 on action and 3 from the centre; for Brazil 3 on superiority, 3 from 5 meters, 2 on counter attacks and one action goal.
Paulo Salemi (Brazil): "Our opponents were played stronger than us and there were some doubtfull decision by the referees. We will enter the match for the third place more determined and with more will to win".
Slobodan Nikic (Serbia): "This was a very important match. We will play the final and we want the first place; I hope we will play against Croatia".
Dejan Savic (Serbia’s coach): "I am not completely satisfied by our match; however, in the semifinals, only the result matters. Tomorrow, in order to win, we will have to play much better. We want to win the World League also to obtain the first Olympic pass available".
Game 20: CROATIA 11-USA 6 / (2-2, 3-2; 2-0, 4-2)
CROATIA: Josip PAVIC, Damir BURIC (1), Antonio PETKOVIC (2), Luka LONCAR, Maro JOKOVIC (2), Luka BUKIC (1), Ante VUKICEVIC (1), Andro BUSLJE, Sandro SUKNO (2), Fran PASKVALIN, Andelo SETKA (1), Paulo OBRADOVIC (1), Marko BIJAC. Head Coach: Ivica TUCAK
UNITED STATES: Merrill MOSES (GK), Connor VIRJEE, Alex OBERT, Jackson KIMBELL, Alex ROELSE (1), Luca CUPIDO (1), Josh SAMUELS (1), Tony AZEVEDO © (2), Alex BOWEN (1), Bret BONANNI, Jesse SMITH, John MANN, Mc Quin BARON (GK). Head Coach: Dejan UDOVICIC.
REFEREES: Georgios STAVRIDIS (GRE), Alexey KRAPIVIN (RUS) / FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR, John WHITEHOUSE
An exciting match played by both teams at their best. The outcome of the match was difficult to predict as the United States, under Udovicic, have made substantial progresses while the Olympic champions of Croatia, with coach Tucak at the helm, although still working on getting back to their top standard, lived up to their reputation.
The outcome of the first quarter seemed to confirm this analysis. Two early goal from the two number 7, Vukicevic on counter attack for Croatia, Samuels on extra man for the United States, opened the scoreboard. Then a goal from Roelse was answered immediately by Bukic. 2-2.
REFEREES: Georgios STAVRIDIS (GRE), Alexey KRAPIVIN (RUS) / FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR, John WHITEHOUSE
An exciting match played by both teams at their best. The outcome of the match was difficult to predict as the United States, under Udovicic, have made substantial progresses while the Olympic champions of Croatia, with coach Tucak at the helm, although still working on getting back to their top standard, lived up to their reputation.
The outcome of the first quarter seemed to confirm this analysis. Two early goal from the two number 7, Vukicevic on counter attack for Croatia, Samuels on extra man for the United States, opened the scoreboard. Then a goal from Roelse was answered immediately by Bukic. 2-2.
Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
In the 2nd quarter the first goal came from Croatia’s number 9 Sukno, immediately answered by Cupido, USA’s number 6, both on extra man (3-3).
Setka put Croatia up one goal also on extra player. So far 3/5 for Croatia, 2/4 for the USA on extra player. USA’s captain Tony Azevedo scored his customary, crucial, goal to tie 4-4.
Petkovic sent Croatia’s up one goal with five seconds to half time. 5-4 for Croatia.
In the 3rd quarter Croatia scored two action goals, the first with Jokovic, the second with Obradovic.
In the last quarter, after 16 minutes without netting the ball, the USA scored again with Azevedo, on man up.
Croatia’s reaction was implacable, with two goals scored respectively from Sukno on man up and Buric on action. Then a goal from Petkovic from 5 meters was answered immediately by Bowen, also from 5 meters (10-6). The last goal came from Jokovic, on action. Croatia won by a wide edge, 11-6.
Ivica Tucak (Croatia’s coach): "We have arrived in final with merit. We had controlled the match totaly. In the first two periods we wrong some shot, then we had played fluently".
In the 3rd quarter Croatia scored two action goals, the first with Jokovic, the second with Obradovic.
In the last quarter, after 16 minutes without netting the ball, the USA scored again with Azevedo, on man up.
Croatia’s reaction was implacable, with two goals scored respectively from Sukno on man up and Buric on action. Then a goal from Petkovic from 5 meters was answered immediately by Bowen, also from 5 meters (10-6). The last goal came from Jokovic, on action. Croatia won by a wide edge, 11-6.
Ivica Tucak (Croatia’s coach): "We have arrived in final with merit. We had controlled the match totaly. In the first two periods we wrong some shot, then we had played fluently".
Luca Cupido (USA)
"They didn't win the match. We have lost. We had failed a lot of extra player, while in man down we wrong often. We made mistakes in defense".
"They didn't win the match. We have lost. We had failed a lot of extra player, while in man down we wrong often. We made mistakes in defense".
Serbia, Croatia to play for Rio 2016 berth - Super Final day 5
Last year's semifinalists Australia will play for 5th place in this year's edition of the World League. The Aussie Sharks rolled past China 13-3 in Saturday's 5th-8th place semifinal match-up to set up a meeting with either Hungary or Super Final hosts Italy for 5th place. Australia quikcly made work of the Chinese team by either shooting well from outside as well as finishing several counter attack opportunities. While allowing just three goals the entire match a team effort on the offensive end, as George Ford was the only field player not to score in this one, proved to be simply too much for China to handle.
Opponents in that match-up will be last year's finalists Hungary who outplayed hosts Italy in the second game on Saturday: 5-10. The Hungarian were clearly more ready to play and quickly established a seemingly comfortable advantage. The Italian defence, usually the team's stronghold, was unable to keep the Magyars from scoring while on offence, the sharpness in shooting displayed so often by several Italian team members, simply wasn't there. More than once if they managed to get around the block for an attempt on goal, goalkeeper Viktor Nagy was on the spot to make a couple of nice saves. Meanwhile Hungary continued to extend their lead and in a pale-looking final period both teams settled for the outcome as Hungary will now play for 5th place while Italy, in front of the home crowd, will have to avoid a last-place finish by facing China on Sunday.
Not very surprisingly defending champions Serbia were the first to reach the final of the 2015 edition. In a solid performance in the semifinals Brazil was outplayed in the second half, just enough to emerge victorious with a 4-goal advantage: 9-13. Brazil's effort went quite well, especially in the first half where the Brazilian side could keep up nicely with the favourite Serbs. They jumped out to 2-goal leads on double ocassions but Brazil was right there to cut the deficit back to one, also at half-time as Serbia led 4-5. The second half was a different story though. Here the Serbian superiority became more obvious with their stellar defence as the basis. It became even harder for Brazil to score while on the other end Serbia's balanced attack was on a roll as they jumped out to a 6-11 lead early in the final period. That more or less made the decision. The Ratko Rudic coached Brazilians went on to score three more goals but saw Serbia responding twice as they clearly held on for the victory that will put them in the final once again. The 8-time and reigning champions will be up against Croatia on Sunday for a spot at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The highly anticipated final was set up on Saturday as Croatia used a patient game and superior second half to overcome a strong USA team in the semifinals: 11-6. The first half looked rather interesting and well balanced as USA head coach Dejan Udovicic had drawn up a defensive plan that worked. Croatia struggled to create clear chances but on the other end saw USA having to work as hard to creat their opportunities. Thanks to a hit with just seconds remaining in the first half by Antonio Petkovic, Croatia managed to take a slim lead heading into the second half: 5-4. There however things began to look different. USA were virtually shut down in the third period which took almos six minutes before seeing the first goal being scored, by Croatia's lefthander Maro Jokovic. And after Paulo Obradovic beat two defenders and goalie Merill Moses for his only goal of the game, Croatia all of a sudden had taken a 7-4 lead with just one more quarter to be played. The difference proved decisive despite USA captain Tony Azevedo scoring the 7-5 goal with still 6 minutes to go in fourth period. Sandro Sukno was quick to reply for Croatia scoring from outside and after Damir Buric did so too, on a deflected attempt, the game was more or less played with a 9-5 score and 4 minutes to play. Goals were exchanged in the final minutes but Croatia's win and final berth were never in danger anymore. Now the two heavy tournament favourites will go head to head in a big final of the 2015 World League on Sunday in Bergamo. For a spot at the 2016 Olympic and $100,000 prize money.
2015 FINA Men's World League Super Final
Bergamo, Italy
Schedule and results
Saturday, 27 June
Australia (L13) vs. China (L16) 13-3 (5-1, 2-1, 3-1, 3-0) - game 17
Australia scorers: Billy Miller 3, Richie Campbell 2, Jarrod Gilchrist 2, Johnno Cotterill, Nathan Power, Aidan Roach, Joel Swift, Tyler Martin, Rhys Howden.
China scorers: Li Li, Zhongxian Chen, Jinghao Chen.
Italy (L14) vs. Hungary (L15) 5-10 (1-3, 1-2, 1-3, 2-2) - game 18
Italy scorers: Valentino Gallo 2, Fabio Baraldi 2, Andrea Fondelli.
Hungary scorers: Norbert Madaras 2, Denes Varga 2, Miklos Gor-Nagy, Norbert Hosnyanszky, Ferenc Salamon, Daniel Angyal, Daniel Varga, Balazs Harai.
Brazil (W13) vs. Serbia (W16) 9-13 (3-4, 1-1, 2-5, 3-3) - game 19
Brazil scorers: Guilherme Gomes 2, Felipe Perrone 2, Jonas Crivella, Bernardo Gomes, Adria Delgado, Felipe Santos, Gustavo Guimaraes.
Serbia scorers: Dusan Mandic 2, Dusko Pijetlovic 2, Milan Aleksic 2, Filip Filipovic 2, Stefan Mitrovic 2, Zivko Gocic, Sava Randjelovic, Andrija Prlainovic.
Croatia (W14) vs. USA (W15) 11-6 (2-2, 3-2, 2-0, 4-2) - game 20
Croatia scorers: Antonio Petkovic 2, Sandro Sukno 2, Damir Buric, Luka Bukic, Ante Vukicevic, Andelo Setka, Paulo Obradovic.
USA scorers: Tony Azevedo 2, Alex Roelse, Luca Cupido, Josh Samuels, Alex Bowen.
Sunday, 28 June
16.00: China (L17) vs. Italy (L18) - 7th/8th place
17.20: Australia (W17) vs. Hungary (W18) - 5th/6th place
18.40: Brazil (L19) vs. USA (L20) - bronze medal
20.00: Serbia (W19) vs. Croatia (W20) - final
N.b.: time mentioned is local time.
Tournament winner earns berth for 2016 Olympic Games.
Last year's semifinalists Australia will play for 5th place in this year's edition of the World League. The Aussie Sharks rolled past China 13-3 in Saturday's 5th-8th place semifinal match-up to set up a meeting with either Hungary or Super Final hosts Italy for 5th place. Australia quikcly made work of the Chinese team by either shooting well from outside as well as finishing several counter attack opportunities. While allowing just three goals the entire match a team effort on the offensive end, as George Ford was the only field player not to score in this one, proved to be simply too much for China to handle.
Opponents in that match-up will be last year's finalists Hungary who outplayed hosts Italy in the second game on Saturday: 5-10. The Hungarian were clearly more ready to play and quickly established a seemingly comfortable advantage. The Italian defence, usually the team's stronghold, was unable to keep the Magyars from scoring while on offence, the sharpness in shooting displayed so often by several Italian team members, simply wasn't there. More than once if they managed to get around the block for an attempt on goal, goalkeeper Viktor Nagy was on the spot to make a couple of nice saves. Meanwhile Hungary continued to extend their lead and in a pale-looking final period both teams settled for the outcome as Hungary will now play for 5th place while Italy, in front of the home crowd, will have to avoid a last-place finish by facing China on Sunday.
Not very surprisingly defending champions Serbia were the first to reach the final of the 2015 edition. In a solid performance in the semifinals Brazil was outplayed in the second half, just enough to emerge victorious with a 4-goal advantage: 9-13. Brazil's effort went quite well, especially in the first half where the Brazilian side could keep up nicely with the favourite Serbs. They jumped out to 2-goal leads on double ocassions but Brazil was right there to cut the deficit back to one, also at half-time as Serbia led 4-5. The second half was a different story though. Here the Serbian superiority became more obvious with their stellar defence as the basis. It became even harder for Brazil to score while on the other end Serbia's balanced attack was on a roll as they jumped out to a 6-11 lead early in the final period. That more or less made the decision. The Ratko Rudic coached Brazilians went on to score three more goals but saw Serbia responding twice as they clearly held on for the victory that will put them in the final once again. The 8-time and reigning champions will be up against Croatia on Sunday for a spot at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The highly anticipated final was set up on Saturday as Croatia used a patient game and superior second half to overcome a strong USA team in the semifinals: 11-6. The first half looked rather interesting and well balanced as USA head coach Dejan Udovicic had drawn up a defensive plan that worked. Croatia struggled to create clear chances but on the other end saw USA having to work as hard to creat their opportunities. Thanks to a hit with just seconds remaining in the first half by Antonio Petkovic, Croatia managed to take a slim lead heading into the second half: 5-4. There however things began to look different. USA were virtually shut down in the third period which took almos six minutes before seeing the first goal being scored, by Croatia's lefthander Maro Jokovic. And after Paulo Obradovic beat two defenders and goalie Merill Moses for his only goal of the game, Croatia all of a sudden had taken a 7-4 lead with just one more quarter to be played. The difference proved decisive despite USA captain Tony Azevedo scoring the 7-5 goal with still 6 minutes to go in fourth period. Sandro Sukno was quick to reply for Croatia scoring from outside and after Damir Buric did so too, on a deflected attempt, the game was more or less played with a 9-5 score and 4 minutes to play. Goals were exchanged in the final minutes but Croatia's win and final berth were never in danger anymore. Now the two heavy tournament favourites will go head to head in a big final of the 2015 World League on Sunday in Bergamo. For a spot at the 2016 Olympic and $100,000 prize money.
2015 FINA Men's World League Super Final
Bergamo, Italy
Schedule and results
Saturday, 27 June
Australia (L13) vs. China (L16) 13-3 (5-1, 2-1, 3-1, 3-0) - game 17
Australia scorers: Billy Miller 3, Richie Campbell 2, Jarrod Gilchrist 2, Johnno Cotterill, Nathan Power, Aidan Roach, Joel Swift, Tyler Martin, Rhys Howden.
China scorers: Li Li, Zhongxian Chen, Jinghao Chen.
Italy (L14) vs. Hungary (L15) 5-10 (1-3, 1-2, 1-3, 2-2) - game 18
Italy scorers: Valentino Gallo 2, Fabio Baraldi 2, Andrea Fondelli.
Hungary scorers: Norbert Madaras 2, Denes Varga 2, Miklos Gor-Nagy, Norbert Hosnyanszky, Ferenc Salamon, Daniel Angyal, Daniel Varga, Balazs Harai.
Brazil (W13) vs. Serbia (W16) 9-13 (3-4, 1-1, 2-5, 3-3) - game 19
Brazil scorers: Guilherme Gomes 2, Felipe Perrone 2, Jonas Crivella, Bernardo Gomes, Adria Delgado, Felipe Santos, Gustavo Guimaraes.
Serbia scorers: Dusan Mandic 2, Dusko Pijetlovic 2, Milan Aleksic 2, Filip Filipovic 2, Stefan Mitrovic 2, Zivko Gocic, Sava Randjelovic, Andrija Prlainovic.
Croatia (W14) vs. USA (W15) 11-6 (2-2, 3-2, 2-0, 4-2) - game 20
Croatia scorers: Antonio Petkovic 2, Sandro Sukno 2, Damir Buric, Luka Bukic, Ante Vukicevic, Andelo Setka, Paulo Obradovic.
USA scorers: Tony Azevedo 2, Alex Roelse, Luca Cupido, Josh Samuels, Alex Bowen.
Sunday, 28 June
16.00: China (L17) vs. Italy (L18) - 7th/8th place
17.20: Australia (W17) vs. Hungary (W18) - 5th/6th place
18.40: Brazil (L19) vs. USA (L20) - bronze medal
20.00: Serbia (W19) vs. Croatia (W20) - final
N.b.: time mentioned is local time.
Tournament winner earns berth for 2016 Olympic Games.
Opponents in that match-up will be last year's finalists Hungary who outplayed hosts Italy in the second game on Saturday: 5-10. The Hungarian were clearly more ready to play and quickly established a seemingly comfortable advantage. The Italian defence, usually the team's stronghold, was unable to keep the Magyars from scoring while on offence, the sharpness in shooting displayed so often by several Italian team members, simply wasn't there. More than once if they managed to get around the block for an attempt on goal, goalkeeper Viktor Nagy was on the spot to make a couple of nice saves. Meanwhile Hungary continued to extend their lead and in a pale-looking final period both teams settled for the outcome as Hungary will now play for 5th place while Italy, in front of the home crowd, will have to avoid a last-place finish by facing China on Sunday.
Not very surprisingly defending champions Serbia were the first to reach the final of the 2015 edition. In a solid performance in the semifinals Brazil was outplayed in the second half, just enough to emerge victorious with a 4-goal advantage: 9-13. Brazil's effort went quite well, especially in the first half where the Brazilian side could keep up nicely with the favourite Serbs. They jumped out to 2-goal leads on double ocassions but Brazil was right there to cut the deficit back to one, also at half-time as Serbia led 4-5. The second half was a different story though. Here the Serbian superiority became more obvious with their stellar defence as the basis. It became even harder for Brazil to score while on the other end Serbia's balanced attack was on a roll as they jumped out to a 6-11 lead early in the final period. That more or less made the decision. The Ratko Rudic coached Brazilians went on to score three more goals but saw Serbia responding twice as they clearly held on for the victory that will put them in the final once again. The 8-time and reigning champions will be up against Croatia on Sunday for a spot at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The highly anticipated final was set up on Saturday as Croatia used a patient game and superior second half to overcome a strong USA team in the semifinals: 11-6. The first half looked rather interesting and well balanced as USA head coach Dejan Udovicic had drawn up a defensive plan that worked. Croatia struggled to create clear chances but on the other end saw USA having to work as hard to creat their opportunities. Thanks to a hit with just seconds remaining in the first half by Antonio Petkovic, Croatia managed to take a slim lead heading into the second half: 5-4. There however things began to look different. USA were virtually shut down in the third period which took almos six minutes before seeing the first goal being scored, by Croatia's lefthander Maro Jokovic. And after Paulo Obradovic beat two defenders and goalie Merill Moses for his only goal of the game, Croatia all of a sudden had taken a 7-4 lead with just one more quarter to be played. The difference proved decisive despite USA captain Tony Azevedo scoring the 7-5 goal with still 6 minutes to go in fourth period. Sandro Sukno was quick to reply for Croatia scoring from outside and after Damir Buric did so too, on a deflected attempt, the game was more or less played with a 9-5 score and 4 minutes to play. Goals were exchanged in the final minutes but Croatia's win and final berth were never in danger anymore. Now the two heavy tournament favourites will go head to head in a big final of the 2015 World League on Sunday in Bergamo. For a spot at the 2016 Olympic and $100,000 prize money.
2015 FINA Men's World League Super Final
Bergamo, Italy
Schedule and results
Saturday, 27 June
Australia (L13) vs. China (L16) 13-3 (5-1, 2-1, 3-1, 3-0) - game 17
Australia scorers: Billy Miller 3, Richie Campbell 2, Jarrod Gilchrist 2, Johnno Cotterill, Nathan Power, Aidan Roach, Joel Swift, Tyler Martin, Rhys Howden.
China scorers: Li Li, Zhongxian Chen, Jinghao Chen.
Italy (L14) vs. Hungary (L15) 5-10 (1-3, 1-2, 1-3, 2-2) - game 18
Italy scorers: Valentino Gallo 2, Fabio Baraldi 2, Andrea Fondelli.
Hungary scorers: Norbert Madaras 2, Denes Varga 2, Miklos Gor-Nagy, Norbert Hosnyanszky, Ferenc Salamon, Daniel Angyal, Daniel Varga, Balazs Harai.
Brazil (W13) vs. Serbia (W16) 9-13 (3-4, 1-1, 2-5, 3-3) - game 19
Brazil scorers: Guilherme Gomes 2, Felipe Perrone 2, Jonas Crivella, Bernardo Gomes, Adria Delgado, Felipe Santos, Gustavo Guimaraes.
Serbia scorers: Dusan Mandic 2, Dusko Pijetlovic 2, Milan Aleksic 2, Filip Filipovic 2, Stefan Mitrovic 2, Zivko Gocic, Sava Randjelovic, Andrija Prlainovic.
Croatia (W14) vs. USA (W15) 11-6 (2-2, 3-2, 2-0, 4-2) - game 20
Croatia scorers: Antonio Petkovic 2, Sandro Sukno 2, Damir Buric, Luka Bukic, Ante Vukicevic, Andelo Setka, Paulo Obradovic.
USA scorers: Tony Azevedo 2, Alex Roelse, Luca Cupido, Josh Samuels, Alex Bowen.
Sunday, 28 June
16.00: China (L17) vs. Italy (L18) - 7th/8th place
17.20: Australia (W17) vs. Hungary (W18) - 5th/6th place
18.40: Brazil (L19) vs. USA (L20) - bronze medal
20.00: Serbia (W19) vs. Croatia (W20) - final
N.b.: time mentioned is local time.
Tournament winner earns berth for 2016 Olympic Games.
WPWL Men’s Super Final 2015, Bergamo, Day 4: Brazil, Usa,
Croatia And Serbia advance to semifinals
The Quarter Finals took place on the fourth day of the tournament. The day when the Quarter Finals are played is considered the most crucial of the whole tournament: no tactics, no speculation, no compromise. It’s either you or me. I win and go through, you lose and are out of the medal contest.
None of the four games played today was disappointing. Instead the outcome of each of the first three matches was partially unpredictable.
The answer of the field was favorable to Brazil, the United States, Croatia and Serbia. Brazil beat Australia after a hard fought and strenuous math; the United States surprisingly triumphed over Hungary; Croatia prevailed over the home team Italy at the end of a tight match and after penalty shootouts; Serbia dominated over China a match that tasted like a friendly or a common training for them.
Tomorrow the losers will play the semifinals for the fifth place, the winners for the first place.
Schedule of semifinals, 27 June, 2014
Australia-China at 4:00 pm for 5th place
Italy-Hungary at 5:20 pm for 5th place
Brazil-Serbia at 6:40 pm for 1st place
Croatia-United States at 8:00 pm for 1st place
GAME 13: BRAZIL 9– AUSTRALIA 8 / (1-2, 2-2; 4-2, 2-2)
BRAZIL: Vinicius ANTONELLI (GK), Jonas CRIVELLA, Guilherme GOMES (1), Ives ALONSO, Paulo SALEMI, Bernardo GOMES, Adrian DELGADO (2), Felipe SANTOS, Bernardo ROCHA, Felipe PERRONE (3), Gustavo GUIMARAES (1), Josip VRLIC (2), Thye BEZERRA (GK). Head Coach: Ratko RUDIC.
AUSTRALIA: Joel DENNERLY (GK), Richard CAMPBELL, George FORD (1), John COTTERILL (1), Nathan POWER (1), Jarrod GILCHRIST (1), Aidan ROACH, Aaron YOUNGER, Joel SWIFT (2), Martin TYLER (1), Rhys HOWDEN (1), William MILLER, James CLARK (GK). Head Coach: Elvis FATOVIC.
REFEREES: Vojin PUTNIKOVIC (SRB), Georgios STAVRIDIS (GRE) FINA DELEGATE: Takeshi INOUE
This match was a confrontation between two teams of similar strength and characteristics: great mobility, fast swimming and heavy pressing. This explains why for nearly seven minutes both teams were scoreless (also because a couple of goals were disallowed, one per side) and both the final and split scores. The teams tied the 2nd and the 4th quarters (2-2); Australia won the 1st (2-1), Brazil the 3rd (4-2)
After the start Australia took the lead scoring two consecutive action goals, with Gilchrist and Tyler. Brazil’s reaction produced a goal from Vrlic towards the end of the first period, and one from Perrone at 22 seconds inside the second period, when he tied 2-2-for Brazil. The teams continued trading goals until Vrlic tied again (6-6) near the end of the 3rd period and Perrone followed up with his third goal from a 5-meter throw, giving Brazil its first lead (7-6) at 18 seconds to the end of the third period.
Australia’s centre Swift tied (7-7) 17 seconds after the beginning of the last period. Delgado and Guilherme Gomes made the decisive break by 9-7 for Brazil at half time in last period, re-establishing the 2-goal gap. The last goal of the game came from Cotterill at 1:48 from the end of the game: 9-8; Australia stopped just one goal shy of the tie also because in the last half minute Brazil, always inspired by its captain Perrone, the lighthouse of the team, defended the possession of the ball until the final siren.
The Brazilians celebrated this very important win at full, both in the water and on the pool deck. Coach Rudic was totally satisfied.
He told us: “ Australia is a good team and they know how to play but today my players have done everything right: fast rhythm, few mistakes, pressing, great defense. They did not leave too much space to our opponents, instead they showed a great discipline and precision in shooting”.
Felipe Perrone (Brazil’s captain): "This was a great day for us: for the first time ever, we managed to go further than the quarter of final in such a prestigious tournament; with this match, we wrote a new page in the history of Brazilian water polo. It was a tough and important match; we played very concentrated from the very first minute and reached our goal".
Elvis Fatovic (Australia’s coach): "Brazil deserved to win. I asked my players to be very concentrated, especially in defense but their level of attention was low. Both teams made numerous mistakes".
Joel Dennerley (Australia’s goalkeeper): "We knew this was not going to be an easy match; Brazil confirmed itself as the revelation of the tournament. Unfortunately we made too many mistakes".
Game 15: HUNGARY 7-USA 8 / (0-2, 3-1; 3-3, 1-2)
HUNGARY: Viktor NAGY (GK), Miklos GOR-NAGY, Norbert MADARAS (2), Balasz ERDELYI (1), Marton VAMOS, Norbert HOSNYASKY, Ferenc SALAMON (1), Daniel ANGYAL, Daniel VARGA ©, Denes VARGA (2), Toni NEMET, Balazs HARAI (1), Attila DECKER (GK). Head Coach: Tibor BENEDEK.
UNITED STATES: Merrill MOSES (GK), Connor VIRJEE, Alex OBERT, Jackson KIMBELL, Alex ROELSE, Luca CUPIDO (1), Josh SAMUELS (1), Tony AZEVEDO © (3), Alex BOWEN (1), Bret BONANNI (1), Jesse SMITH, John MANN (1), Mc Quin BARON (GK). Head Coach: Dejan UDOVICIC.
REFEREES: Filippo GOMEZ (ITA), Anlong MENG (CHN) FINA DELEGATE: John WHITEHOUSE
The penalty converted by captain Tony Azevedo at 2 seconds from the end enabled the United States to defeat Hungary and conquer the semifinals for the first place. For the USA it was the first win in four matches. The match was decided in the last minute by two penalties: the first one converted by Denes Varga (7-7); the second one, decisive, by Azevedo (8-7).
After two initial thundering throws that shook the posts, Hungary suffered the first goal of the match on a extra player goal from Azevedo.
At 38seconds to the end of the 1st period the USA scored again with Bonanni, on penalty, leading 2- 0 after the first eight minutes.
Was it Hungary’s turn to score? Not yet. Instead the USA’s number 7 Samuels scored the 3rd goal nearly 3:18 minutes inside the 2nd quarter. Eventually the first goal from Hungary came after 11:22 minutes from the beginning of the game with Harai on extra player. Hungary followed up and tied (3-3) with two goals from 5 meters scored respectively by Denes Vargas and Salamon.
In the 3rd quarter an extra goal from USA’s number 6 Cupido was answered by an action goal from Madaras followed up less than a minute later by a goal from Erdely on man-up and the second goal from Madaras from 5 meters. At his point Hungary was 2 goals ahead and seemed to be on the right path for victory. It wasn’t so. The USA answered with an action goal from their center, John Mann (a player with a great international experience also at club level: he played in Serbia for the Red Star, in France for Marseille and in Spain for Barceloneta, winning national titles everywhere), and a 5-meter goal from Azevedo. The 3rd period ended on 6-6.
The Magyars seemed disturbed by the high rhythm of the Americans and nervously tried to take in their hands the reins of the game. Certainly they did not expect such a strong challenge from the USA.In the 4th period Bowen put the USA up one again through an action goal answered by Denes Varga who converted a penalty. It was a new tie, on 7-7.
Hungary had two players excluded for the rest of the game, Hosnyansky and Erdelyi.
They managed it nylon penalty allowed when there are only 50 seconds to the end.
In the last minute the USA have the ball and insist. Vamos commits a major foul on Cupido and the USA are allowed a penalty, great opportunity for scoring the winning goal. Azevedo was ready for the execution but Vamos disturbed him and was red carded. Azevedo did not miss the opportunity and converted: 7-8 for the USA. Game over, curtains down and opposite sentiments of coaches and players of the two teams. Moses, the USA goalie, contributed to the unpredictable victory of his team with some great saves, including one, decisive, which denied Denes Varga a goal on a penalty shot in the second quarter.
Dejan Udovicic (USA’s coach): "We are the youngest team in the tournament. Winning against the world champions, who have more experience than us, means a lot to us".
Alex Obert (USA): "We played as a team, much better than usual. We have to keep playing like today".
Tibor Benedek (Hungary’s coach): "We knew USA were a tough team. It was a very tense match. We lost our last chance of winning with the penalty allowed to the USA".
Game 14: CROATIA 14 – ITALY 12 / (10-10 after regular time; 3-1, 2-5; 3-0; 2-4) (4-2 after penalty shootouts)
CROATIA: Josip PAVIC, Damir BURIC, Antonio PETKOVIC, Luka LONCAR (2), Maro JOKOVIC (1), Luka BUKIC, Ante VUKICEVIC, Andro BUSLJE (2), Sandro SUKNO (3), Fran PASKVALIN, Andelo SETKA (1), Paulo OBRADOVIC (1), Marko BIJAC. Head Coach: Ivica TUCAK
ITALY: Stefano TEMPESTI (GK) ©, Francesco DI FULVIO (3), Alessandro VELOTTO, Pietro FIGLIOLI, Alex GIORGETTI (2), Andrea FONDELLI, Nicholas PRESCIUTTI, Valentino GALLO (1), Niccolò GITTO, Stefano LUONGO (2), Matteo AICARDI (1), Fabio BARALDI (1), Marco DEL LUNGO (GK). Head Coach: Alessandro CAMPAGNA.
Goals on penalty shootouts: for Croatia Jokovic, Petkovic, Setka, Vukicevic; for Italy Luongo and Presciutti.
REFEREES: Adrian ALEXANDRESCU (ROU), Alexey KRAPIVIN (RUS) FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR
It was an exciting match between two teams that know each other very well. It could be resolved only through penalty shots as the regular time ended with a 10-10 tie. Both teams tried hardly to win, and each team had his good moments. Croatia had a better start but Italy managed to be always in the game thanks to the great character of its players. Croatia took immediately command of the operations, focused, determined, well organized and precise. Jokovic scored the first goal on a penalty, Sukno doubled on extra man. Italy answered with an action goal from Luongo. But the Italians lacked some discipline and coach Campagna lost his voice trying to give them the right directions. While the Croats added up with an extra player goal from Obradovic (3-1) Italy’s second goal came only past the half of the 2nd period, from Giorgetti, also on man-up (3-2). Then Buslje and Baraldi scored an action goal each until Di Fulvio tied for Italy with a man-up goal (4-4). Italy goes up one goal with Gallo who scored from 5 meters; so did Sukno a few second later, scoring his second goal, also from 5 meters (5-5). The match went on till the end on this plot. Croatia’s star Sukno and Italy’s young talent Di Fulvio were the top scorers of the game with 3 goals each.
Penalty shootouts were required to resolve the tie at 10-10.
For Italy Luongo and Presciutti converted their penalties while the throws of Gallo and Di Fulvio were saved by Pavic. For Croatia the goals were scored by Jokovic, Petkovic, Setka and Vukicevic. On 4-2 for Croatia no further penalty was required.
Damir Buric (Croatia): "It is never easy to play against Italy. The Italian players were able to recover from out first advantage. The match was particularly tough. We did not play the perfect match: if we had done so, we could have avoided the penalties".
Alessandro Campagna (Italy - coach)
"I am very happy about the way my team played. I have nothing to be angry about with my players; instead, I have to thank them because they played with the heart. It was a highly spectacular match".
Game 16: CHINA 10-SERBIA 25 / (5-6, 0-7; 3-5, 1-7)
SERBIA: Gojko PIJETLOVIC (GK), Dusan MANDIC (3), Zivko GOCIC © (2), Sava RANDELOVIC (1), Milos CUK (1), Dusko PIJETLOVIC (3), Slobodan NIKIC (5), Milan ALEKSIC (2), Nikola JAKSIC (2), Filip FILIPOVIC (1), Andrija PRLAINOIVC (2), Stefan MITROVIC (3), Branislav MITROVIC (GK). Head Coach: Dejan SAVIC
CHINA: Honghui WU (GK), Feihu TAN (1), Zhangxin HU (1), Tao DONG (4), Wenhui LU, Li LI (1), Zhongxian CHEN, Liang GU (1), Ze Kai XIE, Jinghao CHEN, Chufeng ZHANG, Nianxiang LIANG (2), Zhiwei LIANG (GK). Head Coach: Paolo MALARA.
REFEREES: Doriel TERPENKA (CAN), Andre DESTER (BRA)
FINA DELEGATE: Khosrow AMINI
For Serbia this match meant no more than a friendly or a common training match; for China it was one more opportunity for measuring themselves with a top team, the favorite for the final victory in this Super Final. However, in the first quarter the Chinese managed to score 5 goals: too many for Serbia’s coach Dejan Savic, who decided to substitute the goalkeeper Gojko Pijetlovic with the second one Branislav Mitrovic. China’s coach Paolo Malara too choose to field from the start the second goalie Zhiwei Liang. Nikic for Serbia (5 goals) and Dong for China (4) were the top scores.
Branislav Mitrovic (Serbia): "It was an easy match, now we will prepare for the game against Brazil".
Dejan Savic (Serbia’s coach): "The result tells already that this was, an easy match for us. To tell the truth, in the first two periods we were too relaxed. Now, we will think at the match against Brazil, who demonstrated really a lot in this tournament. We will have to be very careful".
Paolo Malara (China’s coach): "We managed to play at the same level of Serbia only in the first period. Then, we made several silly mistakes for which we paid a lot. This tournament was very useful for us, we gained experience".
The Quarter Finals took place on the fourth day of the tournament. The day when the Quarter Finals are played is considered the most crucial of the whole tournament: no tactics, no speculation, no compromise. It’s either you or me. I win and go through, you lose and are out of the medal contest.
None of the four games played today was disappointing. Instead the outcome of each of the first three matches was partially unpredictable.
The answer of the field was favorable to Brazil, the United States, Croatia and Serbia. Brazil beat Australia after a hard fought and strenuous math; the United States surprisingly triumphed over Hungary; Croatia prevailed over the home team Italy at the end of a tight match and after penalty shootouts; Serbia dominated over China a match that tasted like a friendly or a common training for them.
None of the four games played today was disappointing. Instead the outcome of each of the first three matches was partially unpredictable.
The answer of the field was favorable to Brazil, the United States, Croatia and Serbia. Brazil beat Australia after a hard fought and strenuous math; the United States surprisingly triumphed over Hungary; Croatia prevailed over the home team Italy at the end of a tight match and after penalty shootouts; Serbia dominated over China a match that tasted like a friendly or a common training for them.
Tomorrow the losers will play the semifinals for the fifth place, the winners for the first place.
Schedule of semifinals, 27 June, 2014
Australia-China at 4:00 pm for 5th place
Italy-Hungary at 5:20 pm for 5th place
Brazil-Serbia at 6:40 pm for 1st place
Croatia-United States at 8:00 pm for 1st place
GAME 13: BRAZIL 9– AUSTRALIA 8 / (1-2, 2-2; 4-2, 2-2)
Schedule of semifinals, 27 June, 2014
Australia-China at 4:00 pm for 5th place
Italy-Hungary at 5:20 pm for 5th place
Brazil-Serbia at 6:40 pm for 1st place
Croatia-United States at 8:00 pm for 1st place
GAME 13: BRAZIL 9– AUSTRALIA 8 / (1-2, 2-2; 4-2, 2-2)
BRAZIL: Vinicius ANTONELLI (GK), Jonas CRIVELLA, Guilherme GOMES (1), Ives ALONSO, Paulo SALEMI, Bernardo GOMES, Adrian DELGADO (2), Felipe SANTOS, Bernardo ROCHA, Felipe PERRONE (3), Gustavo GUIMARAES (1), Josip VRLIC (2), Thye BEZERRA (GK). Head Coach: Ratko RUDIC.
AUSTRALIA: Joel DENNERLY (GK), Richard CAMPBELL, George FORD (1), John COTTERILL (1), Nathan POWER (1), Jarrod GILCHRIST (1), Aidan ROACH, Aaron YOUNGER, Joel SWIFT (2), Martin TYLER (1), Rhys HOWDEN (1), William MILLER, James CLARK (GK). Head Coach: Elvis FATOVIC.
REFEREES: Vojin PUTNIKOVIC (SRB), Georgios STAVRIDIS (GRE) FINA DELEGATE: Takeshi INOUE
This match was a confrontation between two teams of similar strength and characteristics: great mobility, fast swimming and heavy pressing. This explains why for nearly seven minutes both teams were scoreless (also because a couple of goals were disallowed, one per side) and both the final and split scores. The teams tied the 2nd and the 4th quarters (2-2); Australia won the 1st (2-1), Brazil the 3rd (4-2)
This match was a confrontation between two teams of similar strength and characteristics: great mobility, fast swimming and heavy pressing. This explains why for nearly seven minutes both teams were scoreless (also because a couple of goals were disallowed, one per side) and both the final and split scores. The teams tied the 2nd and the 4th quarters (2-2); Australia won the 1st (2-1), Brazil the 3rd (4-2)
After the start Australia took the lead scoring two consecutive action goals, with Gilchrist and Tyler. Brazil’s reaction produced a goal from Vrlic towards the end of the first period, and one from Perrone at 22 seconds inside the second period, when he tied 2-2-for Brazil. The teams continued trading goals until Vrlic tied again (6-6) near the end of the 3rd period and Perrone followed up with his third goal from a 5-meter throw, giving Brazil its first lead (7-6) at 18 seconds to the end of the third period.
Australia’s centre Swift tied (7-7) 17 seconds after the beginning of the last period. Delgado and Guilherme Gomes made the decisive break by 9-7 for Brazil at half time in last period, re-establishing the 2-goal gap. The last goal of the game came from Cotterill at 1:48 from the end of the game: 9-8; Australia stopped just one goal shy of the tie also because in the last half minute Brazil, always inspired by its captain Perrone, the lighthouse of the team, defended the possession of the ball until the final siren.
The Brazilians celebrated this very important win at full, both in the water and on the pool deck. Coach Rudic was totally satisfied.
Australia’s centre Swift tied (7-7) 17 seconds after the beginning of the last period. Delgado and Guilherme Gomes made the decisive break by 9-7 for Brazil at half time in last period, re-establishing the 2-goal gap. The last goal of the game came from Cotterill at 1:48 from the end of the game: 9-8; Australia stopped just one goal shy of the tie also because in the last half minute Brazil, always inspired by its captain Perrone, the lighthouse of the team, defended the possession of the ball until the final siren.
The Brazilians celebrated this very important win at full, both in the water and on the pool deck. Coach Rudic was totally satisfied.
He told us: “ Australia is a good team and they know how to play but today my players have done everything right: fast rhythm, few mistakes, pressing, great defense. They did not leave too much space to our opponents, instead they showed a great discipline and precision in shooting”.
Felipe Perrone (Brazil’s captain): "This was a great day for us: for the first time ever, we managed to go further than the quarter of final in such a prestigious tournament; with this match, we wrote a new page in the history of Brazilian water polo. It was a tough and important match; we played very concentrated from the very first minute and reached our goal".
Elvis Fatovic (Australia’s coach): "Brazil deserved to win. I asked my players to be very concentrated, especially in defense but their level of attention was low. Both teams made numerous mistakes".
Felipe Perrone (Brazil’s captain): "This was a great day for us: for the first time ever, we managed to go further than the quarter of final in such a prestigious tournament; with this match, we wrote a new page in the history of Brazilian water polo. It was a tough and important match; we played very concentrated from the very first minute and reached our goal".
Elvis Fatovic (Australia’s coach): "Brazil deserved to win. I asked my players to be very concentrated, especially in defense but their level of attention was low. Both teams made numerous mistakes".
Joel Dennerley (Australia’s goalkeeper): "We knew this was not going to be an easy match; Brazil confirmed itself as the revelation of the tournament. Unfortunately we made too many mistakes".
Game 15: HUNGARY 7-USA 8 / (0-2, 3-1; 3-3, 1-2)
Game 15: HUNGARY 7-USA 8 / (0-2, 3-1; 3-3, 1-2)
HUNGARY: Viktor NAGY (GK), Miklos GOR-NAGY, Norbert MADARAS (2), Balasz ERDELYI (1), Marton VAMOS, Norbert HOSNYASKY, Ferenc SALAMON (1), Daniel ANGYAL, Daniel VARGA ©, Denes VARGA (2), Toni NEMET, Balazs HARAI (1), Attila DECKER (GK). Head Coach: Tibor BENEDEK.
UNITED STATES: Merrill MOSES (GK), Connor VIRJEE, Alex OBERT, Jackson KIMBELL, Alex ROELSE, Luca CUPIDO (1), Josh SAMUELS (1), Tony AZEVEDO © (3), Alex BOWEN (1), Bret BONANNI (1), Jesse SMITH, John MANN (1), Mc Quin BARON (GK). Head Coach: Dejan UDOVICIC.
REFEREES: Filippo GOMEZ (ITA), Anlong MENG (CHN) FINA DELEGATE: John WHITEHOUSE
The penalty converted by captain Tony Azevedo at 2 seconds from the end enabled the United States to defeat Hungary and conquer the semifinals for the first place. For the USA it was the first win in four matches. The match was decided in the last minute by two penalties: the first one converted by Denes Varga (7-7); the second one, decisive, by Azevedo (8-7).
After two initial thundering throws that shook the posts, Hungary suffered the first goal of the match on a extra player goal from Azevedo.
At 38seconds to the end of the 1st period the USA scored again with Bonanni, on penalty, leading 2- 0 after the first eight minutes.
After two initial thundering throws that shook the posts, Hungary suffered the first goal of the match on a extra player goal from Azevedo.
At 38seconds to the end of the 1st period the USA scored again with Bonanni, on penalty, leading 2- 0 after the first eight minutes.
Was it Hungary’s turn to score? Not yet. Instead the USA’s number 7 Samuels scored the 3rd goal nearly 3:18 minutes inside the 2nd quarter. Eventually the first goal from Hungary came after 11:22 minutes from the beginning of the game with Harai on extra player. Hungary followed up and tied (3-3) with two goals from 5 meters scored respectively by Denes Vargas and Salamon.
In the 3rd quarter an extra goal from USA’s number 6 Cupido was answered by an action goal from Madaras followed up less than a minute later by a goal from Erdely on man-up and the second goal from Madaras from 5 meters. At his point Hungary was 2 goals ahead and seemed to be on the right path for victory. It wasn’t so. The USA answered with an action goal from their center, John Mann (a player with a great international experience also at club level: he played in Serbia for the Red Star, in France for Marseille and in Spain for Barceloneta, winning national titles everywhere), and a 5-meter goal from Azevedo. The 3rd period ended on 6-6.
In the 3rd quarter an extra goal from USA’s number 6 Cupido was answered by an action goal from Madaras followed up less than a minute later by a goal from Erdely on man-up and the second goal from Madaras from 5 meters. At his point Hungary was 2 goals ahead and seemed to be on the right path for victory. It wasn’t so. The USA answered with an action goal from their center, John Mann (a player with a great international experience also at club level: he played in Serbia for the Red Star, in France for Marseille and in Spain for Barceloneta, winning national titles everywhere), and a 5-meter goal from Azevedo. The 3rd period ended on 6-6.
The Magyars seemed disturbed by the high rhythm of the Americans and nervously tried to take in their hands the reins of the game. Certainly they did not expect such a strong challenge from the USA.In the 4th period Bowen put the USA up one again through an action goal answered by Denes Varga who converted a penalty. It was a new tie, on 7-7.
Hungary had two players excluded for the rest of the game, Hosnyansky and Erdelyi.
Hungary had two players excluded for the rest of the game, Hosnyansky and Erdelyi.
They managed it nylon penalty allowed when there are only 50 seconds to the end.
In the last minute the USA have the ball and insist. Vamos commits a major foul on Cupido and the USA are allowed a penalty, great opportunity for scoring the winning goal. Azevedo was ready for the execution but Vamos disturbed him and was red carded. Azevedo did not miss the opportunity and converted: 7-8 for the USA. Game over, curtains down and opposite sentiments of coaches and players of the two teams. Moses, the USA goalie, contributed to the unpredictable victory of his team with some great saves, including one, decisive, which denied Denes Varga a goal on a penalty shot in the second quarter.
Dejan Udovicic (USA’s coach): "We are the youngest team in the tournament. Winning against the world champions, who have more experience than us, means a lot to us".
Alex Obert (USA): "We played as a team, much better than usual. We have to keep playing like today".
Tibor Benedek (Hungary’s coach): "We knew USA were a tough team. It was a very tense match. We lost our last chance of winning with the penalty allowed to the USA".
Game 14: CROATIA 14 – ITALY 12 / (10-10 after regular time; 3-1, 2-5; 3-0; 2-4) (4-2 after penalty shootouts)
Alex Obert (USA): "We played as a team, much better than usual. We have to keep playing like today".
Tibor Benedek (Hungary’s coach): "We knew USA were a tough team. It was a very tense match. We lost our last chance of winning with the penalty allowed to the USA".
Game 14: CROATIA 14 – ITALY 12 / (10-10 after regular time; 3-1, 2-5; 3-0; 2-4) (4-2 after penalty shootouts)
CROATIA: Josip PAVIC, Damir BURIC, Antonio PETKOVIC, Luka LONCAR (2), Maro JOKOVIC (1), Luka BUKIC, Ante VUKICEVIC, Andro BUSLJE (2), Sandro SUKNO (3), Fran PASKVALIN, Andelo SETKA (1), Paulo OBRADOVIC (1), Marko BIJAC. Head Coach: Ivica TUCAK
ITALY: Stefano TEMPESTI (GK) ©, Francesco DI FULVIO (3), Alessandro VELOTTO, Pietro FIGLIOLI, Alex GIORGETTI (2), Andrea FONDELLI, Nicholas PRESCIUTTI, Valentino GALLO (1), Niccolò GITTO, Stefano LUONGO (2), Matteo AICARDI (1), Fabio BARALDI (1), Marco DEL LUNGO (GK). Head Coach: Alessandro CAMPAGNA.
Goals on penalty shootouts: for Croatia Jokovic, Petkovic, Setka, Vukicevic; for Italy Luongo and Presciutti.
Goals on penalty shootouts: for Croatia Jokovic, Petkovic, Setka, Vukicevic; for Italy Luongo and Presciutti.
REFEREES: Adrian ALEXANDRESCU (ROU), Alexey KRAPIVIN (RUS) FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR
It was an exciting match between two teams that know each other very well. It could be resolved only through penalty shots as the regular time ended with a 10-10 tie. Both teams tried hardly to win, and each team had his good moments. Croatia had a better start but Italy managed to be always in the game thanks to the great character of its players. Croatia took immediately command of the operations, focused, determined, well organized and precise. Jokovic scored the first goal on a penalty, Sukno doubled on extra man. Italy answered with an action goal from Luongo. But the Italians lacked some discipline and coach Campagna lost his voice trying to give them the right directions. While the Croats added up with an extra player goal from Obradovic (3-1) Italy’s second goal came only past the half of the 2nd period, from Giorgetti, also on man-up (3-2). Then Buslje and Baraldi scored an action goal each until Di Fulvio tied for Italy with a man-up goal (4-4). Italy goes up one goal with Gallo who scored from 5 meters; so did Sukno a few second later, scoring his second goal, also from 5 meters (5-5). The match went on till the end on this plot. Croatia’s star Sukno and Italy’s young talent Di Fulvio were the top scorers of the game with 3 goals each.
Penalty shootouts were required to resolve the tie at 10-10.
It was an exciting match between two teams that know each other very well. It could be resolved only through penalty shots as the regular time ended with a 10-10 tie. Both teams tried hardly to win, and each team had his good moments. Croatia had a better start but Italy managed to be always in the game thanks to the great character of its players. Croatia took immediately command of the operations, focused, determined, well organized and precise. Jokovic scored the first goal on a penalty, Sukno doubled on extra man. Italy answered with an action goal from Luongo. But the Italians lacked some discipline and coach Campagna lost his voice trying to give them the right directions. While the Croats added up with an extra player goal from Obradovic (3-1) Italy’s second goal came only past the half of the 2nd period, from Giorgetti, also on man-up (3-2). Then Buslje and Baraldi scored an action goal each until Di Fulvio tied for Italy with a man-up goal (4-4). Italy goes up one goal with Gallo who scored from 5 meters; so did Sukno a few second later, scoring his second goal, also from 5 meters (5-5). The match went on till the end on this plot. Croatia’s star Sukno and Italy’s young talent Di Fulvio were the top scorers of the game with 3 goals each.
Penalty shootouts were required to resolve the tie at 10-10.
For Italy Luongo and Presciutti converted their penalties while the throws of Gallo and Di Fulvio were saved by Pavic. For Croatia the goals were scored by Jokovic, Petkovic, Setka and Vukicevic. On 4-2 for Croatia no further penalty was required.
Damir Buric (Croatia): "It is never easy to play against Italy. The Italian players were able to recover from out first advantage. The match was particularly tough. We did not play the perfect match: if we had done so, we could have avoided the penalties".
Alessandro Campagna (Italy - coach)
Damir Buric (Croatia): "It is never easy to play against Italy. The Italian players were able to recover from out first advantage. The match was particularly tough. We did not play the perfect match: if we had done so, we could have avoided the penalties".
Alessandro Campagna (Italy - coach)
"I am very happy about the way my team played. I have nothing to be angry about with my players; instead, I have to thank them because they played with the heart. It was a highly spectacular match".
Game 16: CHINA 10-SERBIA 25 / (5-6, 0-7; 3-5, 1-7)
SERBIA: Gojko PIJETLOVIC (GK), Dusan MANDIC (3), Zivko GOCIC © (2), Sava RANDELOVIC (1), Milos CUK (1), Dusko PIJETLOVIC (3), Slobodan NIKIC (5), Milan ALEKSIC (2), Nikola JAKSIC (2), Filip FILIPOVIC (1), Andrija PRLAINOIVC (2), Stefan MITROVIC (3), Branislav MITROVIC (GK). Head Coach: Dejan SAVIC
CHINA: Honghui WU (GK), Feihu TAN (1), Zhangxin HU (1), Tao DONG (4), Wenhui LU, Li LI (1), Zhongxian CHEN, Liang GU (1), Ze Kai XIE, Jinghao CHEN, Chufeng ZHANG, Nianxiang LIANG (2), Zhiwei LIANG (GK). Head Coach: Paolo MALARA.
REFEREES: Doriel TERPENKA (CAN), Andre DESTER (BRA)
FINA DELEGATE: Khosrow AMINI
For Serbia this match meant no more than a friendly or a common training match; for China it was one more opportunity for measuring themselves with a top team, the favorite for the final victory in this Super Final. However, in the first quarter the Chinese managed to score 5 goals: too many for Serbia’s coach Dejan Savic, who decided to substitute the goalkeeper Gojko Pijetlovic with the second one Branislav Mitrovic. China’s coach Paolo Malara too choose to field from the start the second goalie Zhiwei Liang. Nikic for Serbia (5 goals) and Dong for China (4) were the top scores.
Branislav Mitrovic (Serbia): "It was an easy match, now we will prepare for the game against Brazil".
Dejan Savic (Serbia’s coach): "The result tells already that this was, an easy match for us. To tell the truth, in the first two periods we were too relaxed. Now, we will think at the match against Brazil, who demonstrated really a lot in this tournament. We will have to be very careful".
Paolo Malara (China’s coach): "We managed to play at the same level of Serbia only in the first period. Then, we made several silly mistakes for which we paid a lot. This tournament was very useful for us, we gained experience".
REFEREES: Doriel TERPENKA (CAN), Andre DESTER (BRA)
FINA DELEGATE: Khosrow AMINI
For Serbia this match meant no more than a friendly or a common training match; for China it was one more opportunity for measuring themselves with a top team, the favorite for the final victory in this Super Final. However, in the first quarter the Chinese managed to score 5 goals: too many for Serbia’s coach Dejan Savic, who decided to substitute the goalkeeper Gojko Pijetlovic with the second one Branislav Mitrovic. China’s coach Paolo Malara too choose to field from the start the second goalie Zhiwei Liang. Nikic for Serbia (5 goals) and Dong for China (4) were the top scores.
Branislav Mitrovic (Serbia): "It was an easy match, now we will prepare for the game against Brazil".
Dejan Savic (Serbia’s coach): "The result tells already that this was, an easy match for us. To tell the truth, in the first two periods we were too relaxed. Now, we will think at the match against Brazil, who demonstrated really a lot in this tournament. We will have to be very careful".
Paolo Malara (China’s coach): "We managed to play at the same level of Serbia only in the first period. Then, we made several silly mistakes for which we paid a lot. This tournament was very useful for us, we gained experience".
USA upsets Hungary to set up Croatia semifinal clash
Brazil rebounded from their tough loss to Hungary on day 3 of the World League Super Final in Bergamo by edging Australia 9-8 to make it to the semifinals posting their best result at the World League final tournament so far. Head coach Ratko Rudic, facing his apprentice and former assistant Elvis Fatovic, had worked out a tactical plan that worked as Australia struggled to cope with the Brazilian defence. Things however looked to have gone their way in the first half as a tight contest was ended with a 3-4 score in favour of the Aussie Sharks after centre-forward Joel Swift scored with 18 seconds remaining in the half. And after Rhys Howden netted one to extend Australia's lead to two, they looked to have taken the first step to a repeat of last year's semifinal appearance.
But Brazil quickly responded and gradually during that third period looked to carry the momentun into their squad with the first real signs of that development being displayed in the final stages of the session after two consecutive goals by Josip Vrlic and Felipe Perrone for the Brazilian side. Swift was there to tie early in the 4th quarter on a fine centre-forward goal but the decision fell in the next phase. Adria Delgado scored one on a man-up for the Ratko Rudic coached squad whose defence remained tight and causing Australia trouble. Even more so after prodigy Guilherme Gomes scored a wide-open attempt in extra man with 4 minutes remaining giving Brazil a 9-7 advantage. Australia head coach Elvis Fatovic called a time-out, launching a final-minutes assault that only resulted in a well-executed man-up play by Johnno Cotterill after beautiful passing by his team, but with just 1.48 remaining. Fierce Brazil defence in the game's final phase saw them hanging on as they secured the close but important victory, now awaiting the winner of the China-Serbia match-up in the semifinals on Saturday.
The upset of the tournament was what followed in Friday's second game. Here USA, after going winless in the group stage, eliminated last year's finalists Hungary from medal contention on a winning penalty shot from captain Tony Azevedo with just 2 seconds remaining as they ended up victorious 8-7. The Hungarians were suffering from a slow start and quickly fell behind 0-2 and in the second period even 0-3 before the first goal of the Magyars was scored. Then the game went on to become more balanced despite Hungary grabbing a 6-4 lead in the third period. It looked to become an 'up and over' situation but USA prevented that by responding with two huge goals, scored by centre-forward John Mann and captain Tony Azevedo. But it did not stopped there. Alex Bowen, with over 5 minutes remaining even got the Americans in the lead again as Hungary struggled on their so far reliable offence. It was not until the final minute that they looked to prevent a possible huge upset as Denes Varga, who had previously missed a penalty shot, this time managed to convert to tie the game at 7-7. It was not enough though as USA called a time-out and in the final possession earned a penalty shot through a Luca Cupido drive. Captain Azevedo stepped up and was not to be denied as he drained the penalty and got Team USA the 8-7 win as just 2 seconds were remaining and Hungary could not score from distance in their final attempt. The Americans will meet either Croatia in the big semifinals on Saturday.
The hosts Italy were eliminated in the third match-up of the day. Croatia, after a strong start, got into a real dogfight with the home team, even had the game winner to be tipped in, in the very last second of the game, but eventually won a shootout series 4-2 on two saves from goalkeeper Josip Pavic to win 14-12 and advance to the semifinals where USA awaits. It was a typical back-and-forth contest between two sides known for their great defence, also displayed during this week in Bergamo. After the strong start by the Croatians, the response by the home side was equally impressive. They turned around the score in the second period to even grab a slim 5-6 lead at half-time. Different sites however in the third session where Croatia grabbed back control and even managed to shut down the Italian offence in a 3-0 display as the Croatians, in less than 4 minutes, re-took the lead: 8-6.
In the second half of the period both teams struggled to score with also goalkeepers Stefano Tempesti (Italy) and Josip Pavic (Croatia) displaying their qualities. It turned out that the fireworks were saved for the game's final phase. Italy scored twice to draw level at 8-8 before Sandro Sukno made it look easy in the next posession scoring on man-up but afterwarsd displaying his dissatisfaction with the refs previous calls which earned him his 3rd personal foul. But after teammate Luka Loncar scored half a minute (3 minutes remaining) giving croatia a 10-8 lead, the Ivica Tucak coached side looked in the driver's seat towards a semifinals berth. Nothing proved decided however as Francesco di Fulvio, again top scorer for Italy, netted his 3rd of the game and after a tense final two minutes, Stefano Luongo was left open just too much with 20 seconds on the clock as he scored in the near corner for the 10-10 tie. Croatia took a time-out and saw they could win it in regulation as Maro Jokovic assisted Fran Paskvalin on the post but his tip-in went off the crossbar as a shootout was to determine the winner. Here Croatia got redemption by remaining 'perfect' while goalkeeper Josip Pavic came up big denying Valentino Gallo and Francesco di Fulvio scoring while the Croats won the series 4-2 and game 14-12.
A bit of an anti-climax it was in Friday's final match. Defending champions Serbia played China and, after a slow start and just 5-6 lead at quarter-time, used the remainder of the contest to cruise and let every field player score. Veteran centre-forward Slobodan Nikic led the charge with 5 goals as the tournament favourites had no trouble securing the expected victory as they set up a surprising semifinal match-up with Brazil after they eliminated Australia earlier.
2015 FINA Men's World League Super Final
Bergamo, Italy
Schedule and results
Friday, 26 June
Brazil (2A) vs. Australia (3B) 9-8 (1-2, 2-2, 4-2, 2-2) - game 13
Brazil scorers: Felipe Perrone 3, Adria Delgado 2, Josip Vrlic 2, Guilhermo Gomes, Gustavo Guimaraes.
Australia scorers: Joel Swift 2, George Ford, Johnno Cotterill, Nathan Power, Jarrod Gilchrist, Tyler Martin, Rhys Howden.
Hungary (1A) vs. United States (4B) 7-8 (0-2, 3-1, 3-3, 1-2) - game 15
Hungary scorers: Norbert Madaras 2, Denes Varga 2, Balazs Erdelyi, Ferenc Salamon, Balazs Harai.
USA scorers: Tony Azevedo 3, Luca Cupido, Josh Samuels, Alex Bowen, Bret Bonanni, John Mann.
Croatia (3A) vs. Italy (2B) 14-12 (3-1, 2-5, 3-0, 2-4; penalties: 4-2) - game 14
Croatia scorers: Sandro Sukno 3, Luka Loncar 2, Andro Buslje 2, Maro Jokovic, Andelo Setka, Paulo Obradovic.
Italy scorers: Francesco di Fulvio 3, Alex Giorgetti 2, Stefano Luongo 2, Valentino Gallo, Matteo Aicardi, Fabio Baraldi.
China (4A) vs. Serbia (1B) 10-25 (5-6, 0-7, 3-5, 1-7) - game 16
China scorers: Tao Dong 3, Nianxiang Liang 2, Feihu Tan, Zhangxin Hu, Li Li, Liang Gu.
Serbia scorers: Slobodan Nikic 5, Dusan Mandic 3, Dusko Pijetlovic 3, Stefan Mitrovic 3, Zivko Gocic 2, Milan Aleksic, Nikola Jaksic 2, Andrija Prlainovic, Sava Randjelovic, Milos Cuk, Filip Filipovic.
Saturday, 27 June
16.00: Australia (L13) vs. China (L16) - game 17
17.20: Italy (L14) vs. Hungary (L15) - game 18
18.40: Brazil (W13) vs. Serbia (W16) - game 19
20.00: Croatia (W14) vs. USA (W15) - game 20
Sunday, 28 June
16.00: L17 vs. L18
17.20: W17 vs. W18
18.40: L19 vs. L20 (bronze medal)
20.00: W19 vs. W20 (final)
N.b.: time mentioned is local time.
Brazil rebounded from their tough loss to Hungary on day 3 of the World League Super Final in Bergamo by edging Australia 9-8 to make it to the semifinals posting their best result at the World League final tournament so far. Head coach Ratko Rudic, facing his apprentice and former assistant Elvis Fatovic, had worked out a tactical plan that worked as Australia struggled to cope with the Brazilian defence. Things however looked to have gone their way in the first half as a tight contest was ended with a 3-4 score in favour of the Aussie Sharks after centre-forward Joel Swift scored with 18 seconds remaining in the half. And after Rhys Howden netted one to extend Australia's lead to two, they looked to have taken the first step to a repeat of last year's semifinal appearance.
But Brazil quickly responded and gradually during that third period looked to carry the momentun into their squad with the first real signs of that development being displayed in the final stages of the session after two consecutive goals by Josip Vrlic and Felipe Perrone for the Brazilian side. Swift was there to tie early in the 4th quarter on a fine centre-forward goal but the decision fell in the next phase. Adria Delgado scored one on a man-up for the Ratko Rudic coached squad whose defence remained tight and causing Australia trouble. Even more so after prodigy Guilherme Gomes scored a wide-open attempt in extra man with 4 minutes remaining giving Brazil a 9-7 advantage. Australia head coach Elvis Fatovic called a time-out, launching a final-minutes assault that only resulted in a well-executed man-up play by Johnno Cotterill after beautiful passing by his team, but with just 1.48 remaining. Fierce Brazil defence in the game's final phase saw them hanging on as they secured the close but important victory, now awaiting the winner of the China-Serbia match-up in the semifinals on Saturday.
The upset of the tournament was what followed in Friday's second game. Here USA, after going winless in the group stage, eliminated last year's finalists Hungary from medal contention on a winning penalty shot from captain Tony Azevedo with just 2 seconds remaining as they ended up victorious 8-7. The Hungarians were suffering from a slow start and quickly fell behind 0-2 and in the second period even 0-3 before the first goal of the Magyars was scored. Then the game went on to become more balanced despite Hungary grabbing a 6-4 lead in the third period. It looked to become an 'up and over' situation but USA prevented that by responding with two huge goals, scored by centre-forward John Mann and captain Tony Azevedo. But it did not stopped there. Alex Bowen, with over 5 minutes remaining even got the Americans in the lead again as Hungary struggled on their so far reliable offence. It was not until the final minute that they looked to prevent a possible huge upset as Denes Varga, who had previously missed a penalty shot, this time managed to convert to tie the game at 7-7. It was not enough though as USA called a time-out and in the final possession earned a penalty shot through a Luca Cupido drive. Captain Azevedo stepped up and was not to be denied as he drained the penalty and got Team USA the 8-7 win as just 2 seconds were remaining and Hungary could not score from distance in their final attempt. The Americans will meet either Croatia in the big semifinals on Saturday.
The hosts Italy were eliminated in the third match-up of the day. Croatia, after a strong start, got into a real dogfight with the home team, even had the game winner to be tipped in, in the very last second of the game, but eventually won a shootout series 4-2 on two saves from goalkeeper Josip Pavic to win 14-12 and advance to the semifinals where USA awaits. It was a typical back-and-forth contest between two sides known for their great defence, also displayed during this week in Bergamo. After the strong start by the Croatians, the response by the home side was equally impressive. They turned around the score in the second period to even grab a slim 5-6 lead at half-time. Different sites however in the third session where Croatia grabbed back control and even managed to shut down the Italian offence in a 3-0 display as the Croatians, in less than 4 minutes, re-took the lead: 8-6.
In the second half of the period both teams struggled to score with also goalkeepers Stefano Tempesti (Italy) and Josip Pavic (Croatia) displaying their qualities. It turned out that the fireworks were saved for the game's final phase. Italy scored twice to draw level at 8-8 before Sandro Sukno made it look easy in the next posession scoring on man-up but afterwarsd displaying his dissatisfaction with the refs previous calls which earned him his 3rd personal foul. But after teammate Luka Loncar scored half a minute (3 minutes remaining) giving croatia a 10-8 lead, the Ivica Tucak coached side looked in the driver's seat towards a semifinals berth. Nothing proved decided however as Francesco di Fulvio, again top scorer for Italy, netted his 3rd of the game and after a tense final two minutes, Stefano Luongo was left open just too much with 20 seconds on the clock as he scored in the near corner for the 10-10 tie. Croatia took a time-out and saw they could win it in regulation as Maro Jokovic assisted Fran Paskvalin on the post but his tip-in went off the crossbar as a shootout was to determine the winner. Here Croatia got redemption by remaining 'perfect' while goalkeeper Josip Pavic came up big denying Valentino Gallo and Francesco di Fulvio scoring while the Croats won the series 4-2 and game 14-12.
A bit of an anti-climax it was in Friday's final match. Defending champions Serbia played China and, after a slow start and just 5-6 lead at quarter-time, used the remainder of the contest to cruise and let every field player score. Veteran centre-forward Slobodan Nikic led the charge with 5 goals as the tournament favourites had no trouble securing the expected victory as they set up a surprising semifinal match-up with Brazil after they eliminated Australia earlier.
2015 FINA Men's World League Super Final
Bergamo, Italy
Schedule and results
Friday, 26 June
Brazil (2A) vs. Australia (3B) 9-8 (1-2, 2-2, 4-2, 2-2) - game 13
Brazil scorers: Felipe Perrone 3, Adria Delgado 2, Josip Vrlic 2, Guilhermo Gomes, Gustavo Guimaraes.
Australia scorers: Joel Swift 2, George Ford, Johnno Cotterill, Nathan Power, Jarrod Gilchrist, Tyler Martin, Rhys Howden.
Hungary (1A) vs. United States (4B) 7-8 (0-2, 3-1, 3-3, 1-2) - game 15
Hungary scorers: Norbert Madaras 2, Denes Varga 2, Balazs Erdelyi, Ferenc Salamon, Balazs Harai.
USA scorers: Tony Azevedo 3, Luca Cupido, Josh Samuels, Alex Bowen, Bret Bonanni, John Mann.
Croatia (3A) vs. Italy (2B) 14-12 (3-1, 2-5, 3-0, 2-4; penalties: 4-2) - game 14
Croatia scorers: Sandro Sukno 3, Luka Loncar 2, Andro Buslje 2, Maro Jokovic, Andelo Setka, Paulo Obradovic.
Italy scorers: Francesco di Fulvio 3, Alex Giorgetti 2, Stefano Luongo 2, Valentino Gallo, Matteo Aicardi, Fabio Baraldi.
China (4A) vs. Serbia (1B) 10-25 (5-6, 0-7, 3-5, 1-7) - game 16
China scorers: Tao Dong 3, Nianxiang Liang 2, Feihu Tan, Zhangxin Hu, Li Li, Liang Gu.
Serbia scorers: Slobodan Nikic 5, Dusan Mandic 3, Dusko Pijetlovic 3, Stefan Mitrovic 3, Zivko Gocic 2, Milan Aleksic, Nikola Jaksic 2, Andrija Prlainovic, Sava Randjelovic, Milos Cuk, Filip Filipovic.
Saturday, 27 June
16.00: Australia (L13) vs. China (L16) - game 17
17.20: Italy (L14) vs. Hungary (L15) - game 18
18.40: Brazil (W13) vs. Serbia (W16) - game 19
20.00: Croatia (W14) vs. USA (W15) - game 20
Sunday, 28 June
16.00: L17 vs. L18
17.20: W17 vs. W18
18.40: L19 vs. L20 (bronze medal)
20.00: W19 vs. W20 (final)
N.b.: time mentioned is local time.
But Brazil quickly responded and gradually during that third period looked to carry the momentun into their squad with the first real signs of that development being displayed in the final stages of the session after two consecutive goals by Josip Vrlic and Felipe Perrone for the Brazilian side. Swift was there to tie early in the 4th quarter on a fine centre-forward goal but the decision fell in the next phase. Adria Delgado scored one on a man-up for the Ratko Rudic coached squad whose defence remained tight and causing Australia trouble. Even more so after prodigy Guilherme Gomes scored a wide-open attempt in extra man with 4 minutes remaining giving Brazil a 9-7 advantage. Australia head coach Elvis Fatovic called a time-out, launching a final-minutes assault that only resulted in a well-executed man-up play by Johnno Cotterill after beautiful passing by his team, but with just 1.48 remaining. Fierce Brazil defence in the game's final phase saw them hanging on as they secured the close but important victory, now awaiting the winner of the China-Serbia match-up in the semifinals on Saturday.
The upset of the tournament was what followed in Friday's second game. Here USA, after going winless in the group stage, eliminated last year's finalists Hungary from medal contention on a winning penalty shot from captain Tony Azevedo with just 2 seconds remaining as they ended up victorious 8-7. The Hungarians were suffering from a slow start and quickly fell behind 0-2 and in the second period even 0-3 before the first goal of the Magyars was scored. Then the game went on to become more balanced despite Hungary grabbing a 6-4 lead in the third period. It looked to become an 'up and over' situation but USA prevented that by responding with two huge goals, scored by centre-forward John Mann and captain Tony Azevedo. But it did not stopped there. Alex Bowen, with over 5 minutes remaining even got the Americans in the lead again as Hungary struggled on their so far reliable offence. It was not until the final minute that they looked to prevent a possible huge upset as Denes Varga, who had previously missed a penalty shot, this time managed to convert to tie the game at 7-7. It was not enough though as USA called a time-out and in the final possession earned a penalty shot through a Luca Cupido drive. Captain Azevedo stepped up and was not to be denied as he drained the penalty and got Team USA the 8-7 win as just 2 seconds were remaining and Hungary could not score from distance in their final attempt. The Americans will meet either Croatia in the big semifinals on Saturday.
The hosts Italy were eliminated in the third match-up of the day. Croatia, after a strong start, got into a real dogfight with the home team, even had the game winner to be tipped in, in the very last second of the game, but eventually won a shootout series 4-2 on two saves from goalkeeper Josip Pavic to win 14-12 and advance to the semifinals where USA awaits. It was a typical back-and-forth contest between two sides known for their great defence, also displayed during this week in Bergamo. After the strong start by the Croatians, the response by the home side was equally impressive. They turned around the score in the second period to even grab a slim 5-6 lead at half-time. Different sites however in the third session where Croatia grabbed back control and even managed to shut down the Italian offence in a 3-0 display as the Croatians, in less than 4 minutes, re-took the lead: 8-6.
In the second half of the period both teams struggled to score with also goalkeepers Stefano Tempesti (Italy) and Josip Pavic (Croatia) displaying their qualities. It turned out that the fireworks were saved for the game's final phase. Italy scored twice to draw level at 8-8 before Sandro Sukno made it look easy in the next posession scoring on man-up but afterwarsd displaying his dissatisfaction with the refs previous calls which earned him his 3rd personal foul. But after teammate Luka Loncar scored half a minute (3 minutes remaining) giving croatia a 10-8 lead, the Ivica Tucak coached side looked in the driver's seat towards a semifinals berth. Nothing proved decided however as Francesco di Fulvio, again top scorer for Italy, netted his 3rd of the game and after a tense final two minutes, Stefano Luongo was left open just too much with 20 seconds on the clock as he scored in the near corner for the 10-10 tie. Croatia took a time-out and saw they could win it in regulation as Maro Jokovic assisted Fran Paskvalin on the post but his tip-in went off the crossbar as a shootout was to determine the winner. Here Croatia got redemption by remaining 'perfect' while goalkeeper Josip Pavic came up big denying Valentino Gallo and Francesco di Fulvio scoring while the Croats won the series 4-2 and game 14-12.
A bit of an anti-climax it was in Friday's final match. Defending champions Serbia played China and, after a slow start and just 5-6 lead at quarter-time, used the remainder of the contest to cruise and let every field player score. Veteran centre-forward Slobodan Nikic led the charge with 5 goals as the tournament favourites had no trouble securing the expected victory as they set up a surprising semifinal match-up with Brazil after they eliminated Australia earlier.
2015 FINA Men's World League Super Final
Bergamo, Italy
Schedule and results
Friday, 26 June
Brazil (2A) vs. Australia (3B) 9-8 (1-2, 2-2, 4-2, 2-2) - game 13
Brazil scorers: Felipe Perrone 3, Adria Delgado 2, Josip Vrlic 2, Guilhermo Gomes, Gustavo Guimaraes.
Australia scorers: Joel Swift 2, George Ford, Johnno Cotterill, Nathan Power, Jarrod Gilchrist, Tyler Martin, Rhys Howden.
Hungary (1A) vs. United States (4B) 7-8 (0-2, 3-1, 3-3, 1-2) - game 15
Hungary scorers: Norbert Madaras 2, Denes Varga 2, Balazs Erdelyi, Ferenc Salamon, Balazs Harai.
USA scorers: Tony Azevedo 3, Luca Cupido, Josh Samuels, Alex Bowen, Bret Bonanni, John Mann.
Croatia (3A) vs. Italy (2B) 14-12 (3-1, 2-5, 3-0, 2-4; penalties: 4-2) - game 14
Croatia scorers: Sandro Sukno 3, Luka Loncar 2, Andro Buslje 2, Maro Jokovic, Andelo Setka, Paulo Obradovic.
Italy scorers: Francesco di Fulvio 3, Alex Giorgetti 2, Stefano Luongo 2, Valentino Gallo, Matteo Aicardi, Fabio Baraldi.
China (4A) vs. Serbia (1B) 10-25 (5-6, 0-7, 3-5, 1-7) - game 16
China scorers: Tao Dong 3, Nianxiang Liang 2, Feihu Tan, Zhangxin Hu, Li Li, Liang Gu.
Serbia scorers: Slobodan Nikic 5, Dusan Mandic 3, Dusko Pijetlovic 3, Stefan Mitrovic 3, Zivko Gocic 2, Milan Aleksic, Nikola Jaksic 2, Andrija Prlainovic, Sava Randjelovic, Milos Cuk, Filip Filipovic.
Saturday, 27 June
16.00: Australia (L13) vs. China (L16) - game 17
17.20: Italy (L14) vs. Hungary (L15) - game 18
18.40: Brazil (W13) vs. Serbia (W16) - game 19
20.00: Croatia (W14) vs. USA (W15) - game 20
Sunday, 28 June
16.00: L17 vs. L18
17.20: W17 vs. W18
18.40: L19 vs. L20 (bronze medal)
20.00: W19 vs. W20 (final)
N.b.: time mentioned is local time.
WPWL Men’s Super Final 2015, Bergamo, Day 3: Third win
for Serbia, second for Hungary, Croatia and Italy
On the third day of the preliminary round Serbia won 12-8 against a tough Australian side and ended Group B only undefeated team with 9 points. In the same Group (B) Italy beat the United States 13-10 and took the second place behind Serbia.
Hungary, who today crushed Brazil, finished on top of Group A, with Brazil in second place.
Second victory for Croatia who beat China on Day 3. The Chinese collected three losses and zero points. The most interesting match of the quarter finals should be between Croatia and Italy, two neighboring nations and traditional rivals.
Rankings after Day 3
Group A: 1. Hungary 9, 2. Brazil 6, 3. Croatia 6, 4. China 0.
Group B: 1. Serbia 9, 2. Italy 6, 3. Australia 3, 4. United States 0.
Program of Quarter Finals: Friday 26th June
2A Brazil-3B Australia at 16:00
1A Hungary-4B United States at 17:20
3A Croatia-2B Italy at 18:40
4A China-1B Serbia at 20:00
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Game 9, Group B: SERBIA 12 – AUSTRALIA 8 / (2-2, 4-3; 3-1, 3-2)
SERBIA: Gojko PIJETLOVIC (GK), Dusan MANDIC (2), Zivko GOCIC ©, Sava RANDELOVIC, Milos CUK (1), Dusko PIJETLOVIC, Slobodan NIKIC (2), Milan ALEKSIC, Nikola JAKSIC, Filip FILIPOVIC (4), Andrija PRLAINOIVC (1), Stefan MITROVIC (2), Branislav MITROVIC (GK). Head Coach: Dejan SAVIC.
AUSTRALIA: Joel DENNERLY (GK), Richard CAMPBELL (1), George FORD, John COTTERILL (1), Nathan POWER, Jarrod GILCHRIST (1), Aidan ROACH, Aaron YOUNGER (1), Joel SWIFT, Martin TYLER, Rhys HOWDEN (1), William MILLER, James CLARK (GK). Head Coach: Elvis FATOVIC.
REFEREES: Adrian ALEXANDRESCU (ROU), Miroslav VLASIC FINA DELEGATE: Takeshi INOUE
SRB vs AUS. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
The score at half time, 6-5 for Serbia, reflected exactly the situation in the pool, with Serbia looking overall stronger and Australia, also a well balanced team, capable of staging a serious opposition.
The team coached by Elvis Fatovic played openly, without any fear, again the mightier Serbia, and in the first half of the game Australia almost managed a tie.
1st Q. The Australians scored first but Serbia took soon command with two consecutive goals but a minute before the expiration of the period Australia’s #8 Younger nicely netted a flying ball received from Roach (2-2).
2nd Q. The teams traded goals, most on extra-player, until the score was 5-5, with Serbia infallible (4 out of 4 x-man opportunities). Close to the expiration of the period Filipovic scored again on x-man. The score at half time was 6-5 (4-3).
3rd Q. Australia’s #12 Miller tied 6-6 on x-man. Then Serbia managed to distance themselves from their opponents with 3 consecutive goals: two from its left handed strikers, Filipovic, on penalty, and Mandic, on x-man. Near the end of the period an action goal from Stefan Mitrovic brought the score to 9-6 (3-1).
4th Q. Australia’s captain Howden scored his second goal with a central throw from outside, narrowing the gap to 2 goals.
Soon after, through a powerful and precise throw, a real blaze, Serbia’s # 10 Filipovic scored his 4th goal in the match and became momentarily the top scorer of the tournament. A couple of minutes later, at half time in the last period, Nikic scored again for Serbia, putting his team up 4 goals: 11-7, game over.
Filipovic who was twice the top scorer in a World League Super Final, in 2011 and 2014, together with team mates Gocic and Nikic has also the record of victories in the World League: he has won this competition 8 times, out of 13 previous editions.
Serbia’s #6 Dusko Pijetlovic was hit in the face and, his nose bleeding, had to leave the water. He protested but was shown a red card.
Dusan Mandic (Serbia): "It was not an easy match, as we were still tired from the match of yesterday evening against Italy. After such a match, resting for 16 hours is not enough. Now we will concentrate on the quarter finals".
James Clark (Australia): "We played a good match, also considering that Serbia is the first team in the pool and the team I believe will win this World League".
Game 10, Group A: HUNGARY 16 – BRAZIL 3 / (3-1, 6-1; 4-1, 3-0)
HUNGARY: Viktor NAGY (GK), Miklos GOR-NAGY, Norbert MADARAS (1), Balasz ERDELYI (2), Marton VAMOS (2), Norbert HOSNYASKY (3), Ferenc SALAMON (3), Daniel ANGYAL, Daniel VARGA © (1), Denes VARGA (2), Toni NEMET, Balazs HARAI (2), Attila DECKER (GK). Head Coach: Tibor BENEDEK.
BRAZIL: Vinicius ANTONELLI (GK), Jonas CRIVELLA, Guilherme GOMES, Ives ALONSO, Paulo SALEMI, Bernardo GOMES, Adrian DELGADO, Felipe SANTOS (1), Bernardo ROCHA, Felipe PERRONE (2), Gustavo GUIMARAES, Josip VRLIC, Thye BEZERRA (GK). Head Coach: Ratko RUDIC.
REFEREES: Alexey KRAPIVIN (RUS), Daniel FLAHIVE (AUS) FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR
HUN vs BRA. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
The first two days told a tale a sparkling Brazil and a not so brilliant Hungary. Impossible to predict that today Hungary would play at his best and would not only shadow its opponents but also bury them under an avalanche of goals: 16 to 3, a difference of 13 goals. Benedek’s team was focused, precise, determined, in a word, was playing at his best: 10 out of 13 the extra man opportunities converted in goals.
No goals for five minutes then both number 10 scored for their respective team: Felipe Perrone, Brazil’s captain, was first; his goal was answered a minute later by Denes Varga with a diagonal throw from the long distance. Hosnyaszky followed up with an extra player goal, delivering the first advantage to Hungary. Salamon stroke again less than a minute before the end of the 1st period. Brazil missed a great opportunity with two extra players at few seconds from the expiration of the period (3-1).
In the 2nd and 3rd quarter the supremacy of Hungary became devastating (13-3; 6-1, 4-1); its players scored seven consecutive goals. The Hungarian side was gradually getting to roll in its usual top level routine, while Brazil appeared less convincing than the first two days. The score at half time tells it all: 9-2 (6-1).
It is worth to note that Hungary beat Brazil who beat Croatia who in turn beat Hungary.
Ratko Rudic (Brazil’s coach): "Our opponents were more prepared than us, also on a psychological level. We are a team that has a way of thinking not up to level yet for this kind of competition. This loss, however, will be very important and will push us to improve ou game".
Felipe Perrone (Brazil): "It was really a bad day for us but we have to remember that they are the champions while we are still at the beginning; so, the difference in goals is not very important at the moment for us. The problem was not only that they were stronger than us but also that we were still tired from the match of yesterday".
Tibor Benedek (Hungary’s coach): "The team played very convincingly. After a lost match, generally you are more nervous and you want to give more. We wanted this win that is fundamental for the quarter of final, when we will really understand the value of today's match. I hope in the next future we will continue following this path".
Balàzs Erdélyi (Hungary):"After we lost yesterday against Croatia, we wanted to make the difference today. Overall we played very well, scoring 16 goals and also the defense played well, with only 3 goals against. After Brazil beat Croatia, we expected our match would be tough but we played really well and won".
Game 11, Group A: CHINA 4 – CROATIA 14 / (1-3, 0-4; 2-3; 1-4)
CHINA: Honghui WU (GK), Feihu TAN (2), Zhangxin HU, Tao DONG (1), Wenhui LU, Li LI, Zhongxian CHEN, Liang GU, Ze Kai XIE, Jinghao CHEN, Chufeng ZHANG, Nianxiang LIANG (1), Zhiwei LIANG (GK). Head Coach: Paolo MALARA.
CROATIA: Josip PAVIC, Damir BURIC, Antonio PETKOVIC (2), Luka LONCAR (1), Maro JOKOVIC (1), Luka BUKIC (1), Ante VUKICEVIC (2), Andro BUSLJE (1), Sandro SUKNO (2), Fran PASKVALIN, Andelo SETKA (1), Paulo OBRADOVIC (3), Marko BIJAC. Head Coach: Ivica TUCAK.
REFEREES: Filippo GOMEZ (ITA), Joe PEILA (USA) FINA DELEGATE: John WHITEHOUSE China-Croatia (group A) 4-14
CHN vs CRO. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
It was a one way game, played at low rhythm. Croatia was in absolute command of the game and did not need to push hard to crush the combative Chinese team, resigned to the inevitable defeat. The 10-goal difference seemed a logical consequence of what the teams had offered during the 32 minutes of effective play.
Nine different players scored goals for Croatia. Number 12 Obradovic was the top scorer with three goals. Petkovic and Sukno scored 2 goals each. For China the only multiple scorer was Tan, also with 2 goals.
For Croatia it was the second consecutive win, for China the third loss in three matches.
Damir Buric (Croatia): "It was a relatively easy game. We have great respect for our opponents but we do not fear anyone. At this time, it is premature to talk about the final, we only know that we are playing to get there".
Paolo Malara (China’ coach): "We have continued to repeat the same mistakes of the previous games, and we must try not to commit them again. In addition, we have some players who remained in China, and their absence was felt."
Game 12, Group B: UNITED STATES 10 – ITALY 13 / (3-3, 0-4; 3-2, 4-4)
UNITED STATES: Merrill MOSES (GK), Connor VIRJEE (1), Alex OBERT, Jackson KIMBELL, Alex ROELSE(1), Luca CUPIDO(1), Josh SAMUELS (2), Tony AZEVEDO © (2), Alex BOWEN (1), Bret BONANNI (1), Jesse SMITH, John MANN (1), Mc Quin BARON (GK). Head Coach: Dejan UDOVICIC.
ITALY: Stefano TEMPESTI (GK) ©, Francesco DI FULVIO (3), Alessandro VELOTTO, Pietro FIGLIOLI (3), Alex GIORGETTI, Andrea FONDELLI, Nicholas PRESCIUTTI, Valentino GALLO (3), Niccolò GITTO (1), Stefano LUONGO (2), Matteo AICARDI (1), Fabio BARALDI, Marco DEL LUNGO (GK). Head Coach: Alessandro CAMPAGNA.
REFEREES: Georgios STAVRIDIS (GRE), Peter MOLNAR (HUN) FINA DELEGATE: Koshrow AMINI
USA vs ITA. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
It was a brilliant game, well played. The teams played at the same level in both the first and the last quarter, both tied respectively at 3-3 and 4-4. The Italians were more brilliant in the central periods, and sharper shooters.
1st Q. 21 seconds after the first whistle Italy’s #2 Di Fulvio scored an action goal from the distance. His goal was answered less than half a minute later by the USA center forward Bonanni, also on action. Figlioli on extra man brought Italy ahead again. Then came a goal from Virjee who tied 2-2. Italy center Aicardi brought Italy up again but Bowen tied again for the USA (3-3).
2°Q. A mistake of the American defense opened highways for Italy’s Gallo who, alone in front of the USA posts, scored an action goal, the 4th for Italy. The USA answered with Samuels on penalty (4-3). Then Di Fulvio scored again on a counter attack pushing Italy up 2 goals. Figlioli and Luongo followed up with a goal each. At half time Italy was 4 goals up (3-7).
3rd Q. Italy’s number 7 Valentino Gallo scored both the last goal of the 2nd period and the first of the 3rd period. After13 minutes and a half from the previous USA goal Roelse scored again while Samuels followed up (5-8).
Hat trick for Di Fulvio who grabbed a ball lost by the Americans and shoot from two metres (5-9). Bonanni scored his second goal on a 2-men up situation: 3-2 for the USA in the 3rd period, 6-9 the score before going into the last period.
4th Q. An early goal from Luongo put Italy in the comfort zone. Cupido reestablished the 3-goal gap (7-10). Third goal for Figlioli (7-11) followed by a goal from Gitto (7-12). Two consecutive goals from the USA’s captain Tony Azevedo narrowed the gap to 3 goals (9-12). Third goal and hat trick also for Gallo (9-13). USA’s Mann signed the last goal of the match. 13-10 for Italy.
Between the Italia posts made his debut the goalkeeper Marco Del Lungo who successfully substituted Tempesti for much time between the posts.
John Mann (USA): "Though we made some mistakes, we played a good match and kept fighting till the very end. I am satisfied as we are progressing in our game. I am looking forward for the match tomorrow".
Dejan Udovicic (USA’s coach): "It is never easy to play against Italy and, furthermore, in their own pool. We are the youngest team in the competition and we need more experience. We played well the first and the third period but we made some childish mistakes in the match. Nevertheless, I am satisfied the way my team played as we are improving. I think we will soon become one of the strongest teams and one of the toughest to play against".
Alessandro Campagna (Italy’s coach): "We played three tough matches against three great teams, taking home our points. Now we have three more tough days ahead of us. We hope we will go forward as far as possible".
Alex Giorgetti (Italy): "We were sure we could win this match but, to do that, we needed to impose our game and we did it throughout the entire match, without getting too tired, in order to save energies. Tomorrow we will play against Croatia that is a team we like a lot to play against because we have been fighting against them for years”.
On the third day of the preliminary round Serbia won 12-8 against a tough Australian side and ended Group B only undefeated team with 9 points. In the same Group (B) Italy beat the United States 13-10 and took the second place behind Serbia.
Hungary, who today crushed Brazil, finished on top of Group A, with Brazil in second place.
Second victory for Croatia who beat China on Day 3. The Chinese collected three losses and zero points. The most interesting match of the quarter finals should be between Croatia and Italy, two neighboring nations and traditional rivals.
Rankings after Day 3
Group A: 1. Hungary 9, 2. Brazil 6, 3. Croatia 6, 4. China 0.
Group B: 1. Serbia 9, 2. Italy 6, 3. Australia 3, 4. United States 0.
Group B: 1. Serbia 9, 2. Italy 6, 3. Australia 3, 4. United States 0.
Program of Quarter Finals: Friday 26th June
2A Brazil-3B Australia at 16:00
1A Hungary-4B United States at 17:20
3A Croatia-2B Italy at 18:40
4A China-1B Serbia at 20:00
1A Hungary-4B United States at 17:20
3A Croatia-2B Italy at 18:40
4A China-1B Serbia at 20:00
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Game 9, Group B: SERBIA 12 – AUSTRALIA 8 / (2-2, 4-3; 3-1, 3-2)
SERBIA: Gojko PIJETLOVIC (GK), Dusan MANDIC (2), Zivko GOCIC ©, Sava RANDELOVIC, Milos CUK (1), Dusko PIJETLOVIC, Slobodan NIKIC (2), Milan ALEKSIC, Nikola JAKSIC, Filip FILIPOVIC (4), Andrija PRLAINOIVC (1), Stefan MITROVIC (2), Branislav MITROVIC (GK). Head Coach: Dejan SAVIC.
AUSTRALIA: Joel DENNERLY (GK), Richard CAMPBELL (1), George FORD, John COTTERILL (1), Nathan POWER, Jarrod GILCHRIST (1), Aidan ROACH, Aaron YOUNGER (1), Joel SWIFT, Martin TYLER, Rhys HOWDEN (1), William MILLER, James CLARK (GK). Head Coach: Elvis FATOVIC.
REFEREES: Adrian ALEXANDRESCU (ROU), Miroslav VLASIC FINA DELEGATE: Takeshi INOUE
SRB vs AUS. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
The score at half time, 6-5 for Serbia, reflected exactly the situation in the pool, with Serbia looking overall stronger and Australia, also a well balanced team, capable of staging a serious opposition.
The team coached by Elvis Fatovic played openly, without any fear, again the mightier Serbia, and in the first half of the game Australia almost managed a tie.
1st Q. The Australians scored first but Serbia took soon command with two consecutive goals but a minute before the expiration of the period Australia’s #8 Younger nicely netted a flying ball received from Roach (2-2).
2nd Q. The teams traded goals, most on extra-player, until the score was 5-5, with Serbia infallible (4 out of 4 x-man opportunities). Close to the expiration of the period Filipovic scored again on x-man. The score at half time was 6-5 (4-3).
3rd Q. Australia’s #12 Miller tied 6-6 on x-man. Then Serbia managed to distance themselves from their opponents with 3 consecutive goals: two from its left handed strikers, Filipovic, on penalty, and Mandic, on x-man. Near the end of the period an action goal from Stefan Mitrovic brought the score to 9-6 (3-1).
4th Q. Australia’s captain Howden scored his second goal with a central throw from outside, narrowing the gap to 2 goals.
Soon after, through a powerful and precise throw, a real blaze, Serbia’s # 10 Filipovic scored his 4th goal in the match and became momentarily the top scorer of the tournament. A couple of minutes later, at half time in the last period, Nikic scored again for Serbia, putting his team up 4 goals: 11-7, game over.
Filipovic who was twice the top scorer in a World League Super Final, in 2011 and 2014, together with team mates Gocic and Nikic has also the record of victories in the World League: he has won this competition 8 times, out of 13 previous editions.
The team coached by Elvis Fatovic played openly, without any fear, again the mightier Serbia, and in the first half of the game Australia almost managed a tie.
1st Q. The Australians scored first but Serbia took soon command with two consecutive goals but a minute before the expiration of the period Australia’s #8 Younger nicely netted a flying ball received from Roach (2-2).
2nd Q. The teams traded goals, most on extra-player, until the score was 5-5, with Serbia infallible (4 out of 4 x-man opportunities). Close to the expiration of the period Filipovic scored again on x-man. The score at half time was 6-5 (4-3).
3rd Q. Australia’s #12 Miller tied 6-6 on x-man. Then Serbia managed to distance themselves from their opponents with 3 consecutive goals: two from its left handed strikers, Filipovic, on penalty, and Mandic, on x-man. Near the end of the period an action goal from Stefan Mitrovic brought the score to 9-6 (3-1).
4th Q. Australia’s captain Howden scored his second goal with a central throw from outside, narrowing the gap to 2 goals.
Soon after, through a powerful and precise throw, a real blaze, Serbia’s # 10 Filipovic scored his 4th goal in the match and became momentarily the top scorer of the tournament. A couple of minutes later, at half time in the last period, Nikic scored again for Serbia, putting his team up 4 goals: 11-7, game over.
Filipovic who was twice the top scorer in a World League Super Final, in 2011 and 2014, together with team mates Gocic and Nikic has also the record of victories in the World League: he has won this competition 8 times, out of 13 previous editions.
Serbia’s #6 Dusko Pijetlovic was hit in the face and, his nose bleeding, had to leave the water. He protested but was shown a red card.
Dusan Mandic (Serbia): "It was not an easy match, as we were still tired from the match of yesterday evening against Italy. After such a match, resting for 16 hours is not enough. Now we will concentrate on the quarter finals".
Dusan Mandic (Serbia): "It was not an easy match, as we were still tired from the match of yesterday evening against Italy. After such a match, resting for 16 hours is not enough. Now we will concentrate on the quarter finals".
James Clark (Australia): "We played a good match, also considering that Serbia is the first team in the pool and the team I believe will win this World League".
Game 10, Group A: HUNGARY 16 – BRAZIL 3 / (3-1, 6-1; 4-1, 3-0)
HUNGARY: Viktor NAGY (GK), Miklos GOR-NAGY, Norbert MADARAS (1), Balasz ERDELYI (2), Marton VAMOS (2), Norbert HOSNYASKY (3), Ferenc SALAMON (3), Daniel ANGYAL, Daniel VARGA © (1), Denes VARGA (2), Toni NEMET, Balazs HARAI (2), Attila DECKER (GK). Head Coach: Tibor BENEDEK.
BRAZIL: Vinicius ANTONELLI (GK), Jonas CRIVELLA, Guilherme GOMES, Ives ALONSO, Paulo SALEMI, Bernardo GOMES, Adrian DELGADO, Felipe SANTOS (1), Bernardo ROCHA, Felipe PERRONE (2), Gustavo GUIMARAES, Josip VRLIC, Thye BEZERRA (GK). Head Coach: Ratko RUDIC.
REFEREES: Alexey KRAPIVIN (RUS), Daniel FLAHIVE (AUS) FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR
REFEREES: Alexey KRAPIVIN (RUS), Daniel FLAHIVE (AUS) FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR
HUN vs BRA. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
The first two days told a tale a sparkling Brazil and a not so brilliant Hungary. Impossible to predict that today Hungary would play at his best and would not only shadow its opponents but also bury them under an avalanche of goals: 16 to 3, a difference of 13 goals. Benedek’s team was focused, precise, determined, in a word, was playing at his best: 10 out of 13 the extra man opportunities converted in goals.
No goals for five minutes then both number 10 scored for their respective team: Felipe Perrone, Brazil’s captain, was first; his goal was answered a minute later by Denes Varga with a diagonal throw from the long distance. Hosnyaszky followed up with an extra player goal, delivering the first advantage to Hungary. Salamon stroke again less than a minute before the end of the 1st period. Brazil missed a great opportunity with two extra players at few seconds from the expiration of the period (3-1).
In the 2nd and 3rd quarter the supremacy of Hungary became devastating (13-3; 6-1, 4-1); its players scored seven consecutive goals. The Hungarian side was gradually getting to roll in its usual top level routine, while Brazil appeared less convincing than the first two days. The score at half time tells it all: 9-2 (6-1).
No goals for five minutes then both number 10 scored for their respective team: Felipe Perrone, Brazil’s captain, was first; his goal was answered a minute later by Denes Varga with a diagonal throw from the long distance. Hosnyaszky followed up with an extra player goal, delivering the first advantage to Hungary. Salamon stroke again less than a minute before the end of the 1st period. Brazil missed a great opportunity with two extra players at few seconds from the expiration of the period (3-1).
In the 2nd and 3rd quarter the supremacy of Hungary became devastating (13-3; 6-1, 4-1); its players scored seven consecutive goals. The Hungarian side was gradually getting to roll in its usual top level routine, while Brazil appeared less convincing than the first two days. The score at half time tells it all: 9-2 (6-1).
It is worth to note that Hungary beat Brazil who beat Croatia who in turn beat Hungary.
Ratko Rudic (Brazil’s coach): "Our opponents were more prepared than us, also on a psychological level. We are a team that has a way of thinking not up to level yet for this kind of competition. This loss, however, will be very important and will push us to improve ou game".
Felipe Perrone (Brazil): "It was really a bad day for us but we have to remember that they are the champions while we are still at the beginning; so, the difference in goals is not very important at the moment for us. The problem was not only that they were stronger than us but also that we were still tired from the match of yesterday".
Felipe Perrone (Brazil): "It was really a bad day for us but we have to remember that they are the champions while we are still at the beginning; so, the difference in goals is not very important at the moment for us. The problem was not only that they were stronger than us but also that we were still tired from the match of yesterday".
Tibor Benedek (Hungary’s coach): "The team played very convincingly. After a lost match, generally you are more nervous and you want to give more. We wanted this win that is fundamental for the quarter of final, when we will really understand the value of today's match. I hope in the next future we will continue following this path".
Balàzs Erdélyi (Hungary):"After we lost yesterday against Croatia, we wanted to make the difference today. Overall we played very well, scoring 16 goals and also the defense played well, with only 3 goals against. After Brazil beat Croatia, we expected our match would be tough but we played really well and won".
Game 11, Group A: CHINA 4 – CROATIA 14 / (1-3, 0-4; 2-3; 1-4)
CHINA: Honghui WU (GK), Feihu TAN (2), Zhangxin HU, Tao DONG (1), Wenhui LU, Li LI, Zhongxian CHEN, Liang GU, Ze Kai XIE, Jinghao CHEN, Chufeng ZHANG, Nianxiang LIANG (1), Zhiwei LIANG (GK). Head Coach: Paolo MALARA.
CROATIA: Josip PAVIC, Damir BURIC, Antonio PETKOVIC (2), Luka LONCAR (1), Maro JOKOVIC (1), Luka BUKIC (1), Ante VUKICEVIC (2), Andro BUSLJE (1), Sandro SUKNO (2), Fran PASKVALIN, Andelo SETKA (1), Paulo OBRADOVIC (3), Marko BIJAC. Head Coach: Ivica TUCAK.
REFEREES: Filippo GOMEZ (ITA), Joe PEILA (USA) FINA DELEGATE: John WHITEHOUSE China-Croatia (group A) 4-14
CHN vs CRO. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
It was a one way game, played at low rhythm. Croatia was in absolute command of the game and did not need to push hard to crush the combative Chinese team, resigned to the inevitable defeat. The 10-goal difference seemed a logical consequence of what the teams had offered during the 32 minutes of effective play.
Nine different players scored goals for Croatia. Number 12 Obradovic was the top scorer with three goals. Petkovic and Sukno scored 2 goals each. For China the only multiple scorer was Tan, also with 2 goals.
For Croatia it was the second consecutive win, for China the third loss in three matches.
Damir Buric (Croatia): "It was a relatively easy game. We have great respect for our opponents but we do not fear anyone. At this time, it is premature to talk about the final, we only know that we are playing to get there".
Nine different players scored goals for Croatia. Number 12 Obradovic was the top scorer with three goals. Petkovic and Sukno scored 2 goals each. For China the only multiple scorer was Tan, also with 2 goals.
For Croatia it was the second consecutive win, for China the third loss in three matches.
Damir Buric (Croatia): "It was a relatively easy game. We have great respect for our opponents but we do not fear anyone. At this time, it is premature to talk about the final, we only know that we are playing to get there".
Paolo Malara (China’ coach): "We have continued to repeat the same mistakes of the previous games, and we must try not to commit them again. In addition, we have some players who remained in China, and their absence was felt."
Game 12, Group B: UNITED STATES 10 – ITALY 13 / (3-3, 0-4; 3-2, 4-4)
UNITED STATES: Merrill MOSES (GK), Connor VIRJEE (1), Alex OBERT, Jackson KIMBELL, Alex ROELSE(1), Luca CUPIDO(1), Josh SAMUELS (2), Tony AZEVEDO © (2), Alex BOWEN (1), Bret BONANNI (1), Jesse SMITH, John MANN (1), Mc Quin BARON (GK). Head Coach: Dejan UDOVICIC.
ITALY: Stefano TEMPESTI (GK) ©, Francesco DI FULVIO (3), Alessandro VELOTTO, Pietro FIGLIOLI (3), Alex GIORGETTI, Andrea FONDELLI, Nicholas PRESCIUTTI, Valentino GALLO (3), Niccolò GITTO (1), Stefano LUONGO (2), Matteo AICARDI (1), Fabio BARALDI, Marco DEL LUNGO (GK). Head Coach: Alessandro CAMPAGNA.
REFEREES: Georgios STAVRIDIS (GRE), Peter MOLNAR (HUN) FINA DELEGATE: Koshrow AMINI
USA vs ITA. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
It was a brilliant game, well played. The teams played at the same level in both the first and the last quarter, both tied respectively at 3-3 and 4-4. The Italians were more brilliant in the central periods, and sharper shooters.
1st Q. 21 seconds after the first whistle Italy’s #2 Di Fulvio scored an action goal from the distance. His goal was answered less than half a minute later by the USA center forward Bonanni, also on action. Figlioli on extra man brought Italy ahead again. Then came a goal from Virjee who tied 2-2. Italy center Aicardi brought Italy up again but Bowen tied again for the USA (3-3).
2°Q. A mistake of the American defense opened highways for Italy’s Gallo who, alone in front of the USA posts, scored an action goal, the 4th for Italy. The USA answered with Samuels on penalty (4-3). Then Di Fulvio scored again on a counter attack pushing Italy up 2 goals. Figlioli and Luongo followed up with a goal each. At half time Italy was 4 goals up (3-7).
3rd Q. Italy’s number 7 Valentino Gallo scored both the last goal of the 2nd period and the first of the 3rd period. After13 minutes and a half from the previous USA goal Roelse scored again while Samuels followed up (5-8).
Hat trick for Di Fulvio who grabbed a ball lost by the Americans and shoot from two metres (5-9). Bonanni scored his second goal on a 2-men up situation: 3-2 for the USA in the 3rd period, 6-9 the score before going into the last period.
4th Q. An early goal from Luongo put Italy in the comfort zone. Cupido reestablished the 3-goal gap (7-10). Third goal for Figlioli (7-11) followed by a goal from Gitto (7-12). Two consecutive goals from the USA’s captain Tony Azevedo narrowed the gap to 3 goals (9-12). Third goal and hat trick also for Gallo (9-13). USA’s Mann signed the last goal of the match. 13-10 for Italy.
1st Q. 21 seconds after the first whistle Italy’s #2 Di Fulvio scored an action goal from the distance. His goal was answered less than half a minute later by the USA center forward Bonanni, also on action. Figlioli on extra man brought Italy ahead again. Then came a goal from Virjee who tied 2-2. Italy center Aicardi brought Italy up again but Bowen tied again for the USA (3-3).
2°Q. A mistake of the American defense opened highways for Italy’s Gallo who, alone in front of the USA posts, scored an action goal, the 4th for Italy. The USA answered with Samuels on penalty (4-3). Then Di Fulvio scored again on a counter attack pushing Italy up 2 goals. Figlioli and Luongo followed up with a goal each. At half time Italy was 4 goals up (3-7).
3rd Q. Italy’s number 7 Valentino Gallo scored both the last goal of the 2nd period and the first of the 3rd period. After13 minutes and a half from the previous USA goal Roelse scored again while Samuels followed up (5-8).
Hat trick for Di Fulvio who grabbed a ball lost by the Americans and shoot from two metres (5-9). Bonanni scored his second goal on a 2-men up situation: 3-2 for the USA in the 3rd period, 6-9 the score before going into the last period.
4th Q. An early goal from Luongo put Italy in the comfort zone. Cupido reestablished the 3-goal gap (7-10). Third goal for Figlioli (7-11) followed by a goal from Gitto (7-12). Two consecutive goals from the USA’s captain Tony Azevedo narrowed the gap to 3 goals (9-12). Third goal and hat trick also for Gallo (9-13). USA’s Mann signed the last goal of the match. 13-10 for Italy.
Between the Italia posts made his debut the goalkeeper Marco Del Lungo who successfully substituted Tempesti for much time between the posts.
John Mann (USA): "Though we made some mistakes, we played a good match and kept fighting till the very end. I am satisfied as we are progressing in our game. I am looking forward for the match tomorrow".
Dejan Udovicic (USA’s coach): "It is never easy to play against Italy and, furthermore, in their own pool. We are the youngest team in the competition and we need more experience. We played well the first and the third period but we made some childish mistakes in the match. Nevertheless, I am satisfied the way my team played as we are improving. I think we will soon become one of the strongest teams and one of the toughest to play against".
Alessandro Campagna (Italy’s coach): "We played three tough matches against three great teams, taking home our points. Now we have three more tough days ahead of us. We hope we will go forward as far as possible".
Alex Giorgetti (Italy): "We were sure we could win this match but, to do that, we needed to impose our game and we did it throughout the entire match, without getting too tired, in order to save energies. Tomorrow we will play against Croatia that is a team we like a lot to play against because we have been fighting against them for years”.
John Mann (USA): "Though we made some mistakes, we played a good match and kept fighting till the very end. I am satisfied as we are progressing in our game. I am looking forward for the match tomorrow".
Dejan Udovicic (USA’s coach): "It is never easy to play against Italy and, furthermore, in their own pool. We are the youngest team in the competition and we need more experience. We played well the first and the third period but we made some childish mistakes in the match. Nevertheless, I am satisfied the way my team played as we are improving. I think we will soon become one of the strongest teams and one of the toughest to play against".
Alessandro Campagna (Italy’s coach): "We played three tough matches against three great teams, taking home our points. Now we have three more tough days ahead of us. We hope we will go forward as far as possible".
Alex Giorgetti (Italy): "We were sure we could win this match but, to do that, we needed to impose our game and we did it throughout the entire match, without getting too tired, in order to save energies. Tomorrow we will play against Croatia that is a team we like a lot to play against because we have been fighting against them for years”.
WPWL Men’s Super Final 2015, Bergamo, Day 2: Brazil and Serbia win again, first win for Croatia and Australia
On the second day of the preliminary round Brazil continued his surprising march crushing China and jumping on top of Group A. Croatia got its first, important, win over another major powerhouse, Hungary.
First victory also for Australia at the end of a spectacular match against the United States, who, like China, suffered they second defeat.
Second win also for Serbia who defeated Italy at the end of an exciting match, whose outcome was uncertain for at least three quarters. Serbia, who, leads Group B , will face Australia on the third day.
Rankings after Day 2
Group A : Brazil 6, Croatia and Hungary 3, China 0.
Group B: Serbia 6, Italy and Australia 3, United States 0.
Game 5, Group A: BRAZIL 15 – CHINA 7 / (3-2, 6-3; 4-1, 2-1)
BRAZIL: Vinicius ANTONELLI (GK), Jonas CRIVELLA, Guilherme GOMES (3), Ives ALONSO (1), Paulo SALEMI, Bernardo GOMES (2), Adrian DELGADO (2), Felipe SANTOS (1), Bernardo ROCHA, Felipe PERRONE (2), Gustavo GUIMARAES (1), Josip VRLIC (3), Thye BEZERRA (GK). Head Coach: Ratko RUDIC.
CHINA: Honghui WU (GK), Feihu TAN, Zhangxin HU, Tao DONG (), Wenhui LU (1), Li LI (1), Zhongxian CHEN, Liang GU, Ze Kai XIE (1), Jinghao CHEN, Chufeng ZHANG (4), Nianxiang LIANG, Zhiwei LIANG (GK). Head Coach: Paolo MALARA.
REFEREES: Vojin PUTNIKOVIC (SRB), Doriel TERPENKA (CAN) FINA DELEGATE: Takeshi INOUE
Game 5, CHN vs BRA. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
Brazil confirmed the good level of play seen in the first day. After their stunning win against Croatia today they heavily defeated China (15-7) with another good performance. The team coached by Ratko Rudic is the big surprise of the tournament. Among the Brazilian players, Guilherme Gomes and Vrlic scored each 3 goals but the top scorer of the match was the Cinese Zhang, with 4 goals. Brazil is surprisingly leading Group A, with 6 points after two matches.
The Brazilian players seem to have well assimilated the lessons of Ratko Rudic: high rhythm, heavy pressing, fast breaks, fine passes, fast circulation of the ball, safe shooting. In addition, they have an extraordinary motivation enhanced by the ambition of behaving well at next year’s home Olympics. The Brazilian team was too strong for the much improved Chinese side, that, however, from his part, has also shown sound fundamentals, both individually and collectively. The team coached by Paolo Malara started well in the first period but was overwhelmed in the central quarters, managing to come up again only in the final propelled by their world class player, as well as their top scorer, Chufeng Zhang.
In the second quarter both teams missed a penalty shot: China was first with Tao Dong whose shot was saved by Brazil’s goalkeeper Vinicius Antonelli; then it was the turn of Brazil with Bernardo Gomes, whose explosive shot hit the bar.
Brazil’s top strikers - Felipe Perrone, Bernardo Gomes and Adrian Delgado - are team mates also in the Spanish club Barceloneta.
Felipe Perrone (Brazil): "It was a tough match for us, as we were still tired from yesterday. As in the first day, we suffered numerous exclusions and we had to waste a lot of energy in defense”.
Paolo Malara (China’s coach): "It was really a tough match, we suffered a lot on the physical side. Brazil, this year, is really a very good team and can reach the final if they manage to defeat Hungary".
Game 6, Group A: HUNGARY 12 – CROATIA 15 / (2-5, 3-4; 3-3, 3-4 )
HUNGARY: Viktor NAGY (GK), Miklos GOR-NAGY, Norbert MADARAS (3), Balasz ERDELYI, Marton VAMOS (3), Norbert HOSNYASKY (3), Ferenc SALAMON, Daniel ANGYAL, Daniel VARGA ©, Denes VARGA (1+1P), Toni NEMET, Balazs HARAI (1), Attila DECKER (GK). Head Coach: Tibor BENEDEK.
CROATIA: Josip PAVIC, Damir BURIC (), Antonio PETKOVIC (3), Luka LONCAR (2), Maro JOKOVIC (3), Luka BUKIC (1), Ante VUKICEVIC (1), Andro BUSLJE (1), Sandro SUKNO (4), Fran PASKVALIN, Andelo SETKA, Paulo OBRADOVIC (), Marko BIJAC. Head Coach: Ivica TUCAK.
REFEREES: Daniel FLAHIVE (AUS), Adrian Alexandrescu (ROU) FINA DELEGATE: Gianni LONZI
Game 6, HUN vs CRO. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
The match between the world champions of Hungary and the Olympic champions of Croatia was both tough and nervous. Already leading 3-0 after two minutes, Croatia won 15-12, thus demonstrating that they had recovered from the unbelievable loss suffered from Brazil yesterday. Their star Sandro Sukno played really well and scored 4 goals. Hungarians were not up to their reputation, not enough precise in shooting during the first part of the match, when the decisive break took place. Three players were excluded for the rest of the match.
The 3 early goals from Croatia – 6’39” Loncar, 5’26” Petkovic, 4’38” Sukno - set the course of the game, and the final outcome.
Hungary’s first goal was scored by Vamos at 2:56. It was followed up by a goal of Madaras from the long distance, at 2:19. Sukno scored the fourth goal for Croatia at 1’27” to the conclusion of the first period. Then came one more goal from Loncar (his second). The score at theend of the first period was 2-5.
18 seconds inside the 2nd quarter Petkovic converted a penalty for Croatia, answered son after by Hungary’s #6 Hosnyansky. Two more penalties were allowed in this period: one for Croatia, missed by Petkovic, the other for Hungary, converted by Denes Vargas. Croatia consolidated its lead with 4 more goals, against 3 of Hungary. At half time the score was 5-9.
In the 3rd quarter the two teams were even and the split score was a tie, 3-3.
The referee Aexandrescu excluded for the rest of the game simultaneously Paskvalin (CRO) and Abgyal (HUN). In the last quarter Croatia prevailed again (3-4).
Tibor Benedek (Hungary’s coach): "We made too many mistakes in handling the ball. Now we will prepare to meet Brazil, we must try to be more relaxed because they proved to be a strong team".
Maro Jokovic (Croatia): "Yesterday against Brazil we played really bad. Today we played much better and we are happy about that. Nevertheless, the defense got too many goals; even against Hungary 11 goals are definitely too many. We need to improve our defense, if we want to reach the final. Today we deserved to win".
Game 7, Group B: AUSTRALIA 10– UNITED STATES 9 / (2-1, 2-0; 2-4, 4-4)
AUSTRALIA: Joel DENNERLY (GK), Richard CAMPBELL, George FORD, John COTTERILL (2), Nathan POWER (1), Jarrod GILCHRIST (1), Aidan ROACH (1), Aaron YOUNGER (4+1P), Joel SWIFT, Martin TYLER, Rhys HOWDEN, William MILLER, James CLARK (GK). Head Coach: Elvis FATOVIC.
UNITED STATES: Merrill MOSES (GK), Connor VIRJEE, Alex OBERT, Jackson KIMBELL, Alex ROELSE, Luca CUPIDO, Josh SAMUELS (1+1P), Tony AZEVEDO © (3+1P), Alex BOWEN (1), Bret BONANNI (2+1P), Jesse SMITH, John MANN, Mc Quin BARON (GK). Head Coach: Dejan UDOVICIC.
REFEREES: Alexey KRAPIVIN (RUS), Anlong MENG (CHN) FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR
Game 7, AUS vs USA. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
It was a fine game, hard fought and spectacular. Between Australia and the United States - both teams are guided by Balkan coaches, respectively Elvis Fatovic and Dejan Udovicic, and have a similar organization of play - a tight match was expected, and so it was.
The team from Down Under went into the game at full force, scoring four goals in the first 4 minutes, through four different players. Instead, in this time, the only lethal striker for the
Americans was captain Tony Azevedo who scored an action goal in the second period and converted a penalty at the beginning of the third period. Then 3 minutes inside the 3rd quarter the USA centre Bret Bonanni scoreD a spectacular goal from 2 metres, with an unusual and curious back shot. He followed up less than minute later on action, tying at 4-4.
The tie was broken 30 seconds later by Younger (5-4) who scored his second goal. A couple of minutes later Cotterill put Australia up 2 goals again.
Samuels narrowed the gap for the USA converting a penalty at about a minute from the conclusion of the 3rd period at the end of which Australia led 6-5.
The 4th quarter was thrilling. After 1’13” Samuels scored his second goal to tie 6-6. About 30 seconds later Younger put Australia up again scoring his third goal: 7-6. Howden made a major foul – his third and he was excluded for the rest of the game – following which a penalty was allowed to the USA: Bonanni converted scoring also his third goal, at 5:33. The score was 7-7. Then started some fireworks with goals of
Roelse for the USA, and Younger who scored two more goals – one on a penalty – for a total of 5, thus becoming the top scorer of the match with 5 goals.
Azevedo scored his third for the USA, who are one goal (9-8) with a minute to go to the end of the match. Game over at 28seconds from the conclusion thanks to a goal of Campbell for Australia. Not finished yet: Bowen (USA) narrows the gap at 19 seconds to the end, but that’s it: 4-4 the score of the last period, indeed hard fought and balanced. Australia wins narrowly 10-9.
The neutral Italian crowd applauded both teams as sign of appreciation for the show.
Tony Azevedo (USA’s captain). "We made may mistakes, both in attack and defense, especially on extra player. We know that the extra player opportunities are the most important part of the game. During the last period we wasted too many chances in attack".
Joel Dennerley (Australia): "We scored many goals in the first two periods. The USA are not an easy opponent. It was a hard game, both physical and technically”.
Game 8, Group B: SERBIA 15– ITALY 11 / (5-2, 3-3; 6-3)
SERBIA: Gojko PIJETLOVIC (GK), Dusan MANDIC (5), Zivko GOCIC © (1), Sava RANDELOVIC, Milos CUK (1), Dusko PIJETLOVIC, Slobodan NIKIC, Milan ALEKSIC, Nikola JAKSIC (1), Filip FILIPOVIC (2), Andrija PRLAINOIVC (1P), Stefan MITROVIC (2), Branislav MITROVIC (GK). Head Coach: Dejan SAVIC.
ITALY: Stefano TEMPESTI (GK) ©, Francesco DI FULVIO (4), Alessandro VELOTTO, Pietro FIGLIOLI (3), Alex GIORGETTI (2), Andrea FONDELLI, Nicholas PRESCIUTTI (1), Valentino GALLO (1), Niccolò GITTO, Stefano LUONGO, Matteo AICARDI (1), Fabio BARALDI, Marco DEL LUNGO (GK). Head Coach: Alessandro CAMPAGNA.
REFEREES: Georgios STAVRIDIS (GRE), Miroslav VLADIC (CRO) FINA DELEGATE: John WHITEHOUSE
Game 8, SRB vs ITA. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
Italy’s march was interrupted by the defeat (15-11) suffered by the European champions of Serbia. The Italians went ahead with Giorgetti after 1'12", then suffered a 4-0 break. They managed to tie 9-9, only in the 4th quarter, with a beautiful goal scored by Aicardi. Then they went down following a triple knockout from Serbia. The match was tense. Italy took the first lead at 6:48 in the 1st quarter with Alex Giorgetti on extra man. His goal was answered 47 seconds later by Milos Cuk (1-1). At 4:27 Filipovic gave Serbia their first lead with a goal on extra-man (2-1). From this moment onward the Balkan team was always in command of the operations. The game lived on a kind of see-saw around the 2-goal gap.
But the efforts of coach Sandro Campagna and the support of the home crowd were not enough.
At 2:42 Nikola Jaksic leaves the field, his nose bleeding, replaced by Zivko Gocic. With 58 seconds to the end Stefan Mitrovic followed up scoring the third goal for Serbia. 3-1. Immediately after Serbia increased the advantage thanks a goal to a backshot from Presciutti at 12 seconds to the end narrows the gap . Six seconds later with 6 second missing Serbia’s #2 Dusan Mandic shoot from the distance and his blaze inflated Tempesti’s goal for the fifth time. 5-2 the score at the end of the first period.
2nd Q.
The second quarter was balanced. At 6:34 Aicardi scored an action goal for Italy (5-3). Then the goal trading between Mandic and Gallo left unchanged the 2-goal gap. Jaksic scored the 7th goal for Serbia, on extra-man, after getting back in the water.
The gap of two goals was reestablished by Giorgetti from the distance but just for a few seconds as Filipovic scored again for Serbia (8-5 at half time). The score of the second period was 3-3.
Italy’s #2 Franceso Di Fulvio scored a couple goals s for a split of 8-6. Soon after two Italian players are excluded and Stefan Mitrovic scored his second goal, 2 men up (9-6).
The 2-goal gap was reestablished once more thanks to Italy’s number 4 Figlioli. 9-7. A blaze from Di Fulvio narrows the gap to just one goal. At the expiration of the 3rd period the score is 9-8 for Serbia. The split score of the 3rd period was 3-1 for Italy.
However, after an early goal from center forward Aicardi, a nice lob shot from 2 meters which resulted in a tie (9-9), the last quarter was a disaster for Italy.
Two minutes after Cuk had put Serbia in the lead again: 10-9. At half time in the last period the talented left handed Mandic blazed again from outside and scored his second goal, probably the winning one. Italy’s reacted with Figlioli’s 3rd goal.(11-10). But Mandic is irresistible and scores his 4th goal. 12-10 for Serbia. Dusko Pijetlovic calls game over scoring his first goal in this match. 13-10 at 2:37 from the end.
Di Fulvio scores again. 13-11. Mandic’s personal triumph was sealed with his 5th goal, a lob shot at 2 minutes from the end. The Italians surrender and Gocic rounds up Serbia’s victory with his first goal.
Alessandro Campagna (Italy’s coach): "We knew that Serbia was a great team and we may have had a bit of awe in the approach to the game. Then we broke up in the second part of the match and we had a great reaction that brought us to 9-9 with the goal of Aicardi in the fourth time. I'm sorry because with a bit of attention the epilogue of the match could have been different: the score is certainly exaggerated”.
Pietro Figlioli (Italy): "We missed in lucidity in attack and this encouraged their counterattacks. They did better in keeping the direction of the match while we were not always able to control the timing of the game. For the next match we are not particularly concerned; our game can adapt to the various teams".
Gojko Pijetlovic (Serbia): "We did very well in attack while we made some mistakes in defense to be corrected for the next matches".
On the second day of the preliminary round Brazil continued his surprising march crushing China and jumping on top of Group A. Croatia got its first, important, win over another major powerhouse, Hungary.
First victory also for Australia at the end of a spectacular match against the United States, who, like China, suffered they second defeat.
Second win also for Serbia who defeated Italy at the end of an exciting match, whose outcome was uncertain for at least three quarters. Serbia, who, leads Group B , will face Australia on the third day.
Rankings after Day 2
Group A : Brazil 6, Croatia and Hungary 3, China 0.
Group B: Serbia 6, Italy and Australia 3, United States 0.
Game 5, Group A: BRAZIL 15 – CHINA 7 / (3-2, 6-3; 4-1, 2-1)
Group B: Serbia 6, Italy and Australia 3, United States 0.
Game 5, Group A: BRAZIL 15 – CHINA 7 / (3-2, 6-3; 4-1, 2-1)
BRAZIL: Vinicius ANTONELLI (GK), Jonas CRIVELLA, Guilherme GOMES (3), Ives ALONSO (1), Paulo SALEMI, Bernardo GOMES (2), Adrian DELGADO (2), Felipe SANTOS (1), Bernardo ROCHA, Felipe PERRONE (2), Gustavo GUIMARAES (1), Josip VRLIC (3), Thye BEZERRA (GK). Head Coach: Ratko RUDIC.
CHINA: Honghui WU (GK), Feihu TAN, Zhangxin HU, Tao DONG (), Wenhui LU (1), Li LI (1), Zhongxian CHEN, Liang GU, Ze Kai XIE (1), Jinghao CHEN, Chufeng ZHANG (4), Nianxiang LIANG, Zhiwei LIANG (GK). Head Coach: Paolo MALARA.
REFEREES: Vojin PUTNIKOVIC (SRB), Doriel TERPENKA (CAN) FINA DELEGATE: Takeshi INOUE
Game 5, CHN vs BRA. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
Brazil confirmed the good level of play seen in the first day. After their stunning win against Croatia today they heavily defeated China (15-7) with another good performance. The team coached by Ratko Rudic is the big surprise of the tournament. Among the Brazilian players, Guilherme Gomes and Vrlic scored each 3 goals but the top scorer of the match was the Cinese Zhang, with 4 goals. Brazil is surprisingly leading Group A, with 6 points after two matches.
The Brazilian players seem to have well assimilated the lessons of Ratko Rudic: high rhythm, heavy pressing, fast breaks, fine passes, fast circulation of the ball, safe shooting. In addition, they have an extraordinary motivation enhanced by the ambition of behaving well at next year’s home Olympics. The Brazilian team was too strong for the much improved Chinese side, that, however, from his part, has also shown sound fundamentals, both individually and collectively. The team coached by Paolo Malara started well in the first period but was overwhelmed in the central quarters, managing to come up again only in the final propelled by their world class player, as well as their top scorer, Chufeng Zhang.
In the second quarter both teams missed a penalty shot: China was first with Tao Dong whose shot was saved by Brazil’s goalkeeper Vinicius Antonelli; then it was the turn of Brazil with Bernardo Gomes, whose explosive shot hit the bar.
Brazil’s top strikers - Felipe Perrone, Bernardo Gomes and Adrian Delgado - are team mates also in the Spanish club Barceloneta.
Felipe Perrone (Brazil): "It was a tough match for us, as we were still tired from yesterday. As in the first day, we suffered numerous exclusions and we had to waste a lot of energy in defense”.
Paolo Malara (China’s coach): "It was really a tough match, we suffered a lot on the physical side. Brazil, this year, is really a very good team and can reach the final if they manage to defeat Hungary".
Game 6, Group A: HUNGARY 12 – CROATIA 15 / (2-5, 3-4; 3-3, 3-4 )
HUNGARY: Viktor NAGY (GK), Miklos GOR-NAGY, Norbert MADARAS (3), Balasz ERDELYI, Marton VAMOS (3), Norbert HOSNYASKY (3), Ferenc SALAMON, Daniel ANGYAL, Daniel VARGA ©, Denes VARGA (1+1P), Toni NEMET, Balazs HARAI (1), Attila DECKER (GK). Head Coach: Tibor BENEDEK.
CROATIA: Josip PAVIC, Damir BURIC (), Antonio PETKOVIC (3), Luka LONCAR (2), Maro JOKOVIC (3), Luka BUKIC (1), Ante VUKICEVIC (1), Andro BUSLJE (1), Sandro SUKNO (4), Fran PASKVALIN, Andelo SETKA, Paulo OBRADOVIC (), Marko BIJAC. Head Coach: Ivica TUCAK.
REFEREES: Daniel FLAHIVE (AUS), Adrian Alexandrescu (ROU) FINA DELEGATE: Gianni LONZI
Game 6, HUN vs CRO. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
The match between the world champions of Hungary and the Olympic champions of Croatia was both tough and nervous. Already leading 3-0 after two minutes, Croatia won 15-12, thus demonstrating that they had recovered from the unbelievable loss suffered from Brazil yesterday. Their star Sandro Sukno played really well and scored 4 goals. Hungarians were not up to their reputation, not enough precise in shooting during the first part of the match, when the decisive break took place. Three players were excluded for the rest of the match.
The 3 early goals from Croatia – 6’39” Loncar, 5’26” Petkovic, 4’38” Sukno - set the course of the game, and the final outcome.
The 3 early goals from Croatia – 6’39” Loncar, 5’26” Petkovic, 4’38” Sukno - set the course of the game, and the final outcome.
Hungary’s first goal was scored by Vamos at 2:56. It was followed up by a goal of Madaras from the long distance, at 2:19. Sukno scored the fourth goal for Croatia at 1’27” to the conclusion of the first period. Then came one more goal from Loncar (his second). The score at theend of the first period was 2-5.
18 seconds inside the 2nd quarter Petkovic converted a penalty for Croatia, answered son after by Hungary’s #6 Hosnyansky. Two more penalties were allowed in this period: one for Croatia, missed by Petkovic, the other for Hungary, converted by Denes Vargas. Croatia consolidated its lead with 4 more goals, against 3 of Hungary. At half time the score was 5-9.
In the 3rd quarter the two teams were even and the split score was a tie, 3-3.
In the 3rd quarter the two teams were even and the split score was a tie, 3-3.
The referee Aexandrescu excluded for the rest of the game simultaneously Paskvalin (CRO) and Abgyal (HUN). In the last quarter Croatia prevailed again (3-4).
Tibor Benedek (Hungary’s coach): "We made too many mistakes in handling the ball. Now we will prepare to meet Brazil, we must try to be more relaxed because they proved to be a strong team".
Maro Jokovic (Croatia): "Yesterday against Brazil we played really bad. Today we played much better and we are happy about that. Nevertheless, the defense got too many goals; even against Hungary 11 goals are definitely too many. We need to improve our defense, if we want to reach the final. Today we deserved to win".
Game 7, Group B: AUSTRALIA 10– UNITED STATES 9 / (2-1, 2-0; 2-4, 4-4)
AUSTRALIA: Joel DENNERLY (GK), Richard CAMPBELL, George FORD, John COTTERILL (2), Nathan POWER (1), Jarrod GILCHRIST (1), Aidan ROACH (1), Aaron YOUNGER (4+1P), Joel SWIFT, Martin TYLER, Rhys HOWDEN, William MILLER, James CLARK (GK). Head Coach: Elvis FATOVIC.
UNITED STATES: Merrill MOSES (GK), Connor VIRJEE, Alex OBERT, Jackson KIMBELL, Alex ROELSE, Luca CUPIDO, Josh SAMUELS (1+1P), Tony AZEVEDO © (3+1P), Alex BOWEN (1), Bret BONANNI (2+1P), Jesse SMITH, John MANN, Mc Quin BARON (GK). Head Coach: Dejan UDOVICIC.
REFEREES: Alexey KRAPIVIN (RUS), Anlong MENG (CHN) FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR
Game 7, AUS vs USA. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
It was a fine game, hard fought and spectacular. Between Australia and the United States - both teams are guided by Balkan coaches, respectively Elvis Fatovic and Dejan Udovicic, and have a similar organization of play - a tight match was expected, and so it was.
The team from Down Under went into the game at full force, scoring four goals in the first 4 minutes, through four different players. Instead, in this time, the only lethal striker for the
Americans was captain Tony Azevedo who scored an action goal in the second period and converted a penalty at the beginning of the third period. Then 3 minutes inside the 3rd quarter the USA centre Bret Bonanni scoreD a spectacular goal from 2 metres, with an unusual and curious back shot. He followed up less than minute later on action, tying at 4-4.
The tie was broken 30 seconds later by Younger (5-4) who scored his second goal. A couple of minutes later Cotterill put Australia up 2 goals again.
Samuels narrowed the gap for the USA converting a penalty at about a minute from the conclusion of the 3rd period at the end of which Australia led 6-5.
Samuels narrowed the gap for the USA converting a penalty at about a minute from the conclusion of the 3rd period at the end of which Australia led 6-5.
The 4th quarter was thrilling. After 1’13” Samuels scored his second goal to tie 6-6. About 30 seconds later Younger put Australia up again scoring his third goal: 7-6. Howden made a major foul – his third and he was excluded for the rest of the game – following which a penalty was allowed to the USA: Bonanni converted scoring also his third goal, at 5:33. The score was 7-7. Then started some fireworks with goals of
Roelse for the USA, and Younger who scored two more goals – one on a penalty – for a total of 5, thus becoming the top scorer of the match with 5 goals.
Azevedo scored his third for the USA, who are one goal (9-8) with a minute to go to the end of the match. Game over at 28seconds from the conclusion thanks to a goal of Campbell for Australia. Not finished yet: Bowen (USA) narrows the gap at 19 seconds to the end, but that’s it: 4-4 the score of the last period, indeed hard fought and balanced. Australia wins narrowly 10-9.
Azevedo scored his third for the USA, who are one goal (9-8) with a minute to go to the end of the match. Game over at 28seconds from the conclusion thanks to a goal of Campbell for Australia. Not finished yet: Bowen (USA) narrows the gap at 19 seconds to the end, but that’s it: 4-4 the score of the last period, indeed hard fought and balanced. Australia wins narrowly 10-9.
The neutral Italian crowd applauded both teams as sign of appreciation for the show.
Tony Azevedo (USA’s captain). "We made may mistakes, both in attack and defense, especially on extra player. We know that the extra player opportunities are the most important part of the game. During the last period we wasted too many chances in attack".
Joel Dennerley (Australia): "We scored many goals in the first two periods. The USA are not an easy opponent. It was a hard game, both physical and technically”.
Game 8, Group B: SERBIA 15– ITALY 11 / (5-2, 3-3; 6-3)
SERBIA: Gojko PIJETLOVIC (GK), Dusan MANDIC (5), Zivko GOCIC © (1), Sava RANDELOVIC, Milos CUK (1), Dusko PIJETLOVIC, Slobodan NIKIC, Milan ALEKSIC, Nikola JAKSIC (1), Filip FILIPOVIC (2), Andrija PRLAINOIVC (1P), Stefan MITROVIC (2), Branislav MITROVIC (GK). Head Coach: Dejan SAVIC.
ITALY: Stefano TEMPESTI (GK) ©, Francesco DI FULVIO (4), Alessandro VELOTTO, Pietro FIGLIOLI (3), Alex GIORGETTI (2), Andrea FONDELLI, Nicholas PRESCIUTTI (1), Valentino GALLO (1), Niccolò GITTO, Stefano LUONGO, Matteo AICARDI (1), Fabio BARALDI, Marco DEL LUNGO (GK). Head Coach: Alessandro CAMPAGNA.
REFEREES: Georgios STAVRIDIS (GRE), Miroslav VLADIC (CRO) FINA DELEGATE: John WHITEHOUSE
Game 8, SRB vs ITA. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
Italy’s march was interrupted by the defeat (15-11) suffered by the European champions of Serbia. The Italians went ahead with Giorgetti after 1'12", then suffered a 4-0 break. They managed to tie 9-9, only in the 4th quarter, with a beautiful goal scored by Aicardi. Then they went down following a triple knockout from Serbia. The match was tense. Italy took the first lead at 6:48 in the 1st quarter with Alex Giorgetti on extra man. His goal was answered 47 seconds later by Milos Cuk (1-1). At 4:27 Filipovic gave Serbia their first lead with a goal on extra-man (2-1). From this moment onward the Balkan team was always in command of the operations. The game lived on a kind of see-saw around the 2-goal gap.
But the efforts of coach Sandro Campagna and the support of the home crowd were not enough.
At 2:42 Nikola Jaksic leaves the field, his nose bleeding, replaced by Zivko Gocic. With 58 seconds to the end Stefan Mitrovic followed up scoring the third goal for Serbia. 3-1. Immediately after Serbia increased the advantage thanks a goal to a backshot from Presciutti at 12 seconds to the end narrows the gap . Six seconds later with 6 second missing Serbia’s #2 Dusan Mandic shoot from the distance and his blaze inflated Tempesti’s goal for the fifth time. 5-2 the score at the end of the first period.
2nd Q.
2nd Q.
The second quarter was balanced. At 6:34 Aicardi scored an action goal for Italy (5-3). Then the goal trading between Mandic and Gallo left unchanged the 2-goal gap. Jaksic scored the 7th goal for Serbia, on extra-man, after getting back in the water.
The gap of two goals was reestablished by Giorgetti from the distance but just for a few seconds as Filipovic scored again for Serbia (8-5 at half time). The score of the second period was 3-3.
Italy’s #2 Franceso Di Fulvio scored a couple goals s for a split of 8-6. Soon after two Italian players are excluded and Stefan Mitrovic scored his second goal, 2 men up (9-6).
The 2-goal gap was reestablished once more thanks to Italy’s number 4 Figlioli. 9-7. A blaze from Di Fulvio narrows the gap to just one goal. At the expiration of the 3rd period the score is 9-8 for Serbia. The split score of the 3rd period was 3-1 for Italy.
The 2-goal gap was reestablished once more thanks to Italy’s number 4 Figlioli. 9-7. A blaze from Di Fulvio narrows the gap to just one goal. At the expiration of the 3rd period the score is 9-8 for Serbia. The split score of the 3rd period was 3-1 for Italy.
However, after an early goal from center forward Aicardi, a nice lob shot from 2 meters which resulted in a tie (9-9), the last quarter was a disaster for Italy.
Two minutes after Cuk had put Serbia in the lead again: 10-9. At half time in the last period the talented left handed Mandic blazed again from outside and scored his second goal, probably the winning one. Italy’s reacted with Figlioli’s 3rd goal.(11-10). But Mandic is irresistible and scores his 4th goal. 12-10 for Serbia. Dusko Pijetlovic calls game over scoring his first goal in this match. 13-10 at 2:37 from the end.
Di Fulvio scores again. 13-11. Mandic’s personal triumph was sealed with his 5th goal, a lob shot at 2 minutes from the end. The Italians surrender and Gocic rounds up Serbia’s victory with his first goal.
Alessandro Campagna (Italy’s coach): "We knew that Serbia was a great team and we may have had a bit of awe in the approach to the game. Then we broke up in the second part of the match and we had a great reaction that brought us to 9-9 with the goal of Aicardi in the fourth time. I'm sorry because with a bit of attention the epilogue of the match could have been different: the score is certainly exaggerated”.
Pietro Figlioli (Italy): "We missed in lucidity in attack and this encouraged their counterattacks. They did better in keeping the direction of the match while we were not always able to control the timing of the game. For the next match we are not particularly concerned; our game can adapt to the various teams".
Gojko Pijetlovic (Serbia): "We did very well in attack while we made some mistakes in defense to be corrected for the next matches".
Gojko Pijetlovic (Serbia): "We did very well in attack while we made some mistakes in defense to be corrected for the next matches".
Serbia remains unbeaten to win group B
Defending World League champions Serbia confirmed their top position in group B by remaining unbeaten in three preliminary round matches, as they defeated Australia 12-8 to kick off action on Thursday in Bergamo. The Aussie Sharks once again proved a worthy opponent but saw the Serbs, where Milan Aleksic returned to action while Nikola Jaksic was benched with a broken nose from yesterday's match against Italy, being just a bit more effective in attack. Australia did not lacked the scoring but struggled to prevent Serbia from doing the same on the other end. Filip Filipovic led all scorers with 4 goals including two straight for the important 6-5 and 7-6 scores in the second and third period. However the 2014 World Player of the Year delivered the dagger netting his 4th of the game from distance with 5 minutes remaining as Serbia gained a 10-7 lead which proved decisive. Serbia now faces group A's number 4 in the crossover round on Friday for a spot in the semifinals.
Hungary made a strong case for the top spot in group A in the following match as they crushed Brazil 16-3 in a one-sided encounter. After a slow start the Hungarians took charge in the second half of the opening period and did not look back. The Brazilians, who had surprised friend and foe by deservedly beating Croatia on day 1 this time could not keep up with last year's runners-up. Norbert Hosnyanszky and Ferenc Salamon led the offence scoring 3 goals each for the Magyars. Felipe Perrone netted 2 of Brazil's 3 goals.
2015 FINA Men's World League Super Final
Bergamo, Italy
Schedule and results
Thursday, 25 June
Serbia vs. Australia 12-8 (2-2, 4-3, 3-1, 3-2)
Serbia scorers: Filip Filipovic 4, Dusan Mandic 2, Slobodan Nikic 2, Stefan Mitrovic 2, Milos Cuk, Andrija Prlainovic.
Australia scorers: Rhys Howden 3, Richie Campbell, Johnno Cotterill, Jarrod Gilchrist, Aaron Younger, Billy Miller.
Hungary vs. Brazil 16-3 (3-1, 6-1, 4-1, 3-0)
Hungary scorers: Norbert Hosnyanszky 3, Ferenc Salamon 3, Balazs Erdelyi 2, Marton Vamos 2, Denes Varga 2, Balazs Harai 2, Norbert Madaras, Daniel Varga.
Brazil scorers: Felipe Perrone 2, Felipe Santos.
China vs. Croatia
USA vs. Italy
Current rankings
Group A
Hungary 6 pts, Brazil 6, Croatia 3, China 0.
Group B
Serbia 9 pts, Italy 3, Australia 3, United States 0.
Friday, 26 June
16.00: 2A vs. 3B - game 13
17.20: 3A vs. 2B - game 14
18.40: 1A vs. 4B - game 15
20.00: 4A vs. 1B - game 16
Saturday, 27 June
16.00: L13 vs. L16 - game 17
17.20: L14 vs. L15 - game 18
18.40: W13 vs. W16 - game 19
20.00: W14 vs. W15 - game 20
Sunday, 28 June
16.00: L17 vs. L18
17.20: W17 vs. W18
18.40: L19 vs. L20 (bronze medal)
20.00: W19 vs. W20 (final)
N.b.: time mentioned is local time.
* In relation to the host broadcaster indications the matches of the Italian team we’ll always be played at 20.00
** Following the indication of RAI TV on June 26 the Italian team will play the 3rd match scheduled for 18.40.
Tournament winner earns berth for 2016 Olympic Games.
Defending World League champions Serbia confirmed their top position in group B by remaining unbeaten in three preliminary round matches, as they defeated Australia 12-8 to kick off action on Thursday in Bergamo. The Aussie Sharks once again proved a worthy opponent but saw the Serbs, where Milan Aleksic returned to action while Nikola Jaksic was benched with a broken nose from yesterday's match against Italy, being just a bit more effective in attack. Australia did not lacked the scoring but struggled to prevent Serbia from doing the same on the other end. Filip Filipovic led all scorers with 4 goals including two straight for the important 6-5 and 7-6 scores in the second and third period. However the 2014 World Player of the Year delivered the dagger netting his 4th of the game from distance with 5 minutes remaining as Serbia gained a 10-7 lead which proved decisive. Serbia now faces group A's number 4 in the crossover round on Friday for a spot in the semifinals.
Hungary made a strong case for the top spot in group A in the following match as they crushed Brazil 16-3 in a one-sided encounter. After a slow start the Hungarians took charge in the second half of the opening period and did not look back. The Brazilians, who had surprised friend and foe by deservedly beating Croatia on day 1 this time could not keep up with last year's runners-up. Norbert Hosnyanszky and Ferenc Salamon led the offence scoring 3 goals each for the Magyars. Felipe Perrone netted 2 of Brazil's 3 goals.
2015 FINA Men's World League Super Final
Bergamo, Italy
Schedule and results
Thursday, 25 June
Serbia vs. Australia 12-8 (2-2, 4-3, 3-1, 3-2)
Serbia scorers: Filip Filipovic 4, Dusan Mandic 2, Slobodan Nikic 2, Stefan Mitrovic 2, Milos Cuk, Andrija Prlainovic.
Australia scorers: Rhys Howden 3, Richie Campbell, Johnno Cotterill, Jarrod Gilchrist, Aaron Younger, Billy Miller.
Hungary vs. Brazil 16-3 (3-1, 6-1, 4-1, 3-0)
Hungary scorers: Norbert Hosnyanszky 3, Ferenc Salamon 3, Balazs Erdelyi 2, Marton Vamos 2, Denes Varga 2, Balazs Harai 2, Norbert Madaras, Daniel Varga.
Brazil scorers: Felipe Perrone 2, Felipe Santos.
China vs. Croatia
USA vs. Italy
Current rankings
Group A
Hungary 6 pts, Brazil 6, Croatia 3, China 0.
Group B
Serbia 9 pts, Italy 3, Australia 3, United States 0.
Friday, 26 June
16.00: 2A vs. 3B - game 13
17.20: 3A vs. 2B - game 14
18.40: 1A vs. 4B - game 15
20.00: 4A vs. 1B - game 16
Saturday, 27 June
16.00: L13 vs. L16 - game 17
17.20: L14 vs. L15 - game 18
18.40: W13 vs. W16 - game 19
20.00: W14 vs. W15 - game 20
Sunday, 28 June
16.00: L17 vs. L18
17.20: W17 vs. W18
18.40: L19 vs. L20 (bronze medal)
20.00: W19 vs. W20 (final)
N.b.: time mentioned is local time.
* In relation to the host broadcaster indications the matches of the Italian team we’ll always be played at 20.00
** Following the indication of RAI TV on June 26 the Italian team will play the 3rd match scheduled for 18.40.
Tournament winner earns berth for 2016 Olympic Games.
Hungary made a strong case for the top spot in group A in the following match as they crushed Brazil 16-3 in a one-sided encounter. After a slow start the Hungarians took charge in the second half of the opening period and did not look back. The Brazilians, who had surprised friend and foe by deservedly beating Croatia on day 1 this time could not keep up with last year's runners-up. Norbert Hosnyanszky and Ferenc Salamon led the offence scoring 3 goals each for the Magyars. Felipe Perrone netted 2 of Brazil's 3 goals.
2015 FINA Men's World League Super Final
Bergamo, Italy
Schedule and results
Thursday, 25 June
Serbia vs. Australia 12-8 (2-2, 4-3, 3-1, 3-2)
Serbia scorers: Filip Filipovic 4, Dusan Mandic 2, Slobodan Nikic 2, Stefan Mitrovic 2, Milos Cuk, Andrija Prlainovic.
Australia scorers: Rhys Howden 3, Richie Campbell, Johnno Cotterill, Jarrod Gilchrist, Aaron Younger, Billy Miller.
Hungary vs. Brazil 16-3 (3-1, 6-1, 4-1, 3-0)
Hungary scorers: Norbert Hosnyanszky 3, Ferenc Salamon 3, Balazs Erdelyi 2, Marton Vamos 2, Denes Varga 2, Balazs Harai 2, Norbert Madaras, Daniel Varga.
Brazil scorers: Felipe Perrone 2, Felipe Santos.
China vs. Croatia
USA vs. Italy
Current rankings
Group A
Hungary 6 pts, Brazil 6, Croatia 3, China 0.
Group B
Serbia 9 pts, Italy 3, Australia 3, United States 0.
Friday, 26 June
16.00: 2A vs. 3B - game 13
17.20: 3A vs. 2B - game 14
18.40: 1A vs. 4B - game 15
20.00: 4A vs. 1B - game 16
Saturday, 27 June
16.00: L13 vs. L16 - game 17
17.20: L14 vs. L15 - game 18
18.40: W13 vs. W16 - game 19
20.00: W14 vs. W15 - game 20
Sunday, 28 June
16.00: L17 vs. L18
17.20: W17 vs. W18
18.40: L19 vs. L20 (bronze medal)
20.00: W19 vs. W20 (final)
N.b.: time mentioned is local time.
* In relation to the host broadcaster indications the matches of the Italian team we’ll always be played at 20.00
** Following the indication of RAI TV on June 26 the Italian team will play the 3rd match scheduled for 18.40.
Tournament winner earns berth for 2016 Olympic Games.
Brazil posts second win, Croatia tops Hungary
Brazil kicked off day 2 of action in Bergamo, Italy at the World League Super Final tournament by adding a 2nd win to their total. After their big win over Croatia on Tuesday, the Ratko Rudic coached side defeated China 15-7 in a solid performance on Wednesday to boost their ranking in group A after two matches. The Brazilians saw China hanging on nicely inthe opening period before they took command in the second session and walked away after the break. Guilhermo Gomes and centre-forward Josip Vrlic led the winners scoring 3 goals apiece. Chu Feng Zhang was on target for China leading all scorers with 4.
Croatia rebounded nicely from their surprising opening day loss to Brazil by topping Hungary in a high-scoring encounter: 12-15. The victory was well deserved. The Croats used a superior opening period in which the Hungarians were simply struggling to get through the Croatian defence while the Croatian shots and centre-forward action were efficient. The game got more balanced as it progressed through the second and third period but Croatia was enjoying a seemingly comfortable advantage which could not be endangered by the Hungarian side no matter what they tried. The reigning Olympic champions simply looked to have found the answers on Wednesday. Sandro Sukno showed his class once more as he was on target leading the Croatian attack with 4 goals while striker Antonio Petrovic and lefty Maro Jokovic added 3 each for the winners. Fellow lefthanders Norbert Madaras and Marton Vamos scored 3 goals apiece for Hungary in the loss.
The third match-up of the day was a close one. Although Australia looked well underway to a solid win over USA, the Americans shifted the momentum in the third period on two straight goals from Josh Samuels and made it a close and tense finish. Goals went back and forth in the close contest with Aaron Younger stepping up for the Aussie Sharks. He scored a penalty shot and finished off a beautiful tough drive from the left wing to give Australia a 9-7 lead which looked be more or less decisive. USA captain Tony Azevedo however had other plans and was quick to convert a defensive error by the Aussies to cut the dificit to 9-8 with a minute remaining but the Australia defence then held on. And when Nathan Power scored with 27 seconds remaining the victory was there for the Aussie Sharks, despite a late consolation goal by Alex Bowen with 19 seconds to go for the 10-9 final score.
The conclusion to day 2 of the World League Super Final turned out to be a proper one. Hosts Italy faced defending champs Serbia and produced a real specatacle in front of a enthuastic home crowd. Undoubtedly the start was for the Serbs who jumped out to a commanding 5-2 lead in the opening period as they simply seemed more ready to play than the Italian squad. Coach Alessandro Campagna clearly understood the importance of this game with regards to the tournament and fired up his squad going into the second quarter. This seemd to work as the Italian defence caused Serbia more and more trouble while on offence, despite a numerous number of offensive turnover calls, shots were beginning to fall as the game became a dogfight. That went on in the third period where Italy finally could make their little comeback, required after the sloppy start, as Serbia now all of a sudden found the game which they had in command in the first phase hanging in the balance with just one more quarter to go. The Italians seemed ready for it but individual efforts made the difference, so it turned out.
Goals were flying back and forth but Serbia made the decisive little run scoring two straight goals within the last 5 minutes after the game was tied 9-9 by hard-working and excelling centre-forward Matteo Aicardi who shook off two defenders and Serbian goalie Gojko Pijetlovic with a beautiful drive and lob at the 7-minute mark. The response by Serbia minutes later though was huge. Milos Cuk scored a sharp distance shot on man-up, followed by the moment of Dusan Mandic who fired two rockets on two consecutive possessions off a free throw from six metres out to first give Serbia an 11-9 lead and moments later restoring the 2-goal advantage to 12-10, after Pietro Figlioli had scored in between. That 12-10 score proved decisive, especially after Dusko Pijetlovic powered one home in the following attack for Serbia giving them a 3-goal edge with 2.30 to play. Francesco di Fulvio scored his 3rd from distance in the next possession but centre-forward Slobodan Nikic scored a powerful but gracious lob at the 2-minute mark to ensure the win would remain to be Serbia's. Captain Zivko Gocic got his goal with 1.17 on a defensive error by Italy but the great encounter by then was already played. Serbia posted their second win and look well underway of winning the group. Australia awaits Thursday.
2015 FINA Men's World League Super Final
Bergamo, Italy
Schedule and results
Wednesday, 24 June
Brazil vs. China 15-7 (3-2, 6-3, 4-1, 2-1)
Brazil scorers: Guilherme Gomes 3, Josip Vrlic 3, Bernardo Gomes 2, Adria Delgado 2, Felipe Perrone 2, Ives Alonso, Felipe Santos, Gustavo Guimaraes.
China scorers: Chu Feng Zhang 4, Wenhui Lu, Li Li, Ze Kai Xie.
Hungary vs. Croatia 12-15 (2-5, 3-4, 3-3, 4-3)
Hungary scorers: Norbert Madaras 3, Marton Vamos 3, Norbert Hosnyanszky 3, Denes Varga 2, Balazs Harai.
Croatia scorers: Sandro Sukno 4, Antonio Petrovic 3, Maro Jokovic 3, Luka Loncar 2, Luka Bukic, Ante Vukicevic, Andro Buslje.
Australia vs. USA 10-9 (2-1, 2-0, 2-4, 4-4)
Australia scorers: Aaron Younger 5, Johnno Cotterill 2, Nathan Power, Jarrod Gilchrist.
USA scorers: Tony Azevedo 3, Bret Bonanni 3, Josh Samuels 2, Alex Bowen.
Serbia vs. Italy 15-11 (5-2, 3-3, 1-3, 6-3)
Serbia scorers: Dusan Mandic 4, Milos Cuk 2, Filip Filipovic 2, Stefan Mitrovic 2, Zivko Gocic, Dusko Pijetlovic, Slobodan Nikic, Nikola Jaksic, Andrija Prlainovic.
Italy scorers: Francesco di Fulvio 3, Pietro Figlioli 2, Alex Giorgetti 2, Matteo Aicardi 2, Nicholas Presciutti, Valentino Gallo.
Thursday, 25 June
16.00: Serbia vs. Australia
17.20: Hungary vs. Brazil
18.40: China vs. Croatia
20.00: USA vs. Italy
Friday, 26 June
16.00: 2A vs. 3B - game 13
17.20: 3A vs. 2B - game 14
18.40: 1A vs. 4B - game 15
20.00: 4A vs. 1B - game 16
Brazil kicked off day 2 of action in Bergamo, Italy at the World League Super Final tournament by adding a 2nd win to their total. After their big win over Croatia on Tuesday, the Ratko Rudic coached side defeated China 15-7 in a solid performance on Wednesday to boost their ranking in group A after two matches. The Brazilians saw China hanging on nicely inthe opening period before they took command in the second session and walked away after the break. Guilhermo Gomes and centre-forward Josip Vrlic led the winners scoring 3 goals apiece. Chu Feng Zhang was on target for China leading all scorers with 4.
Croatia rebounded nicely from their surprising opening day loss to Brazil by topping Hungary in a high-scoring encounter: 12-15. The victory was well deserved. The Croats used a superior opening period in which the Hungarians were simply struggling to get through the Croatian defence while the Croatian shots and centre-forward action were efficient. The game got more balanced as it progressed through the second and third period but Croatia was enjoying a seemingly comfortable advantage which could not be endangered by the Hungarian side no matter what they tried. The reigning Olympic champions simply looked to have found the answers on Wednesday. Sandro Sukno showed his class once more as he was on target leading the Croatian attack with 4 goals while striker Antonio Petrovic and lefty Maro Jokovic added 3 each for the winners. Fellow lefthanders Norbert Madaras and Marton Vamos scored 3 goals apiece for Hungary in the loss.
The third match-up of the day was a close one. Although Australia looked well underway to a solid win over USA, the Americans shifted the momentum in the third period on two straight goals from Josh Samuels and made it a close and tense finish. Goals went back and forth in the close contest with Aaron Younger stepping up for the Aussie Sharks. He scored a penalty shot and finished off a beautiful tough drive from the left wing to give Australia a 9-7 lead which looked be more or less decisive. USA captain Tony Azevedo however had other plans and was quick to convert a defensive error by the Aussies to cut the dificit to 9-8 with a minute remaining but the Australia defence then held on. And when Nathan Power scored with 27 seconds remaining the victory was there for the Aussie Sharks, despite a late consolation goal by Alex Bowen with 19 seconds to go for the 10-9 final score.
The conclusion to day 2 of the World League Super Final turned out to be a proper one. Hosts Italy faced defending champs Serbia and produced a real specatacle in front of a enthuastic home crowd. Undoubtedly the start was for the Serbs who jumped out to a commanding 5-2 lead in the opening period as they simply seemed more ready to play than the Italian squad. Coach Alessandro Campagna clearly understood the importance of this game with regards to the tournament and fired up his squad going into the second quarter. This seemd to work as the Italian defence caused Serbia more and more trouble while on offence, despite a numerous number of offensive turnover calls, shots were beginning to fall as the game became a dogfight. That went on in the third period where Italy finally could make their little comeback, required after the sloppy start, as Serbia now all of a sudden found the game which they had in command in the first phase hanging in the balance with just one more quarter to go. The Italians seemed ready for it but individual efforts made the difference, so it turned out.
Goals were flying back and forth but Serbia made the decisive little run scoring two straight goals within the last 5 minutes after the game was tied 9-9 by hard-working and excelling centre-forward Matteo Aicardi who shook off two defenders and Serbian goalie Gojko Pijetlovic with a beautiful drive and lob at the 7-minute mark. The response by Serbia minutes later though was huge. Milos Cuk scored a sharp distance shot on man-up, followed by the moment of Dusan Mandic who fired two rockets on two consecutive possessions off a free throw from six metres out to first give Serbia an 11-9 lead and moments later restoring the 2-goal advantage to 12-10, after Pietro Figlioli had scored in between. That 12-10 score proved decisive, especially after Dusko Pijetlovic powered one home in the following attack for Serbia giving them a 3-goal edge with 2.30 to play. Francesco di Fulvio scored his 3rd from distance in the next possession but centre-forward Slobodan Nikic scored a powerful but gracious lob at the 2-minute mark to ensure the win would remain to be Serbia's. Captain Zivko Gocic got his goal with 1.17 on a defensive error by Italy but the great encounter by then was already played. Serbia posted their second win and look well underway of winning the group. Australia awaits Thursday.
2015 FINA Men's World League Super Final
Bergamo, Italy
Schedule and results
Wednesday, 24 June
Brazil vs. China 15-7 (3-2, 6-3, 4-1, 2-1)
Brazil scorers: Guilherme Gomes 3, Josip Vrlic 3, Bernardo Gomes 2, Adria Delgado 2, Felipe Perrone 2, Ives Alonso, Felipe Santos, Gustavo Guimaraes.
China scorers: Chu Feng Zhang 4, Wenhui Lu, Li Li, Ze Kai Xie.
Hungary vs. Croatia 12-15 (2-5, 3-4, 3-3, 4-3)
Hungary scorers: Norbert Madaras 3, Marton Vamos 3, Norbert Hosnyanszky 3, Denes Varga 2, Balazs Harai.
Croatia scorers: Sandro Sukno 4, Antonio Petrovic 3, Maro Jokovic 3, Luka Loncar 2, Luka Bukic, Ante Vukicevic, Andro Buslje.
Australia vs. USA 10-9 (2-1, 2-0, 2-4, 4-4)
Australia scorers: Aaron Younger 5, Johnno Cotterill 2, Nathan Power, Jarrod Gilchrist.
USA scorers: Tony Azevedo 3, Bret Bonanni 3, Josh Samuels 2, Alex Bowen.
Serbia vs. Italy 15-11 (5-2, 3-3, 1-3, 6-3)
Serbia scorers: Dusan Mandic 4, Milos Cuk 2, Filip Filipovic 2, Stefan Mitrovic 2, Zivko Gocic, Dusko Pijetlovic, Slobodan Nikic, Nikola Jaksic, Andrija Prlainovic.
Italy scorers: Francesco di Fulvio 3, Pietro Figlioli 2, Alex Giorgetti 2, Matteo Aicardi 2, Nicholas Presciutti, Valentino Gallo.
Thursday, 25 June
16.00: Serbia vs. Australia
17.20: Hungary vs. Brazil
18.40: China vs. Croatia
20.00: USA vs. Italy
Friday, 26 June
16.00: 2A vs. 3B - game 13
17.20: 3A vs. 2B - game 14
18.40: 1A vs. 4B - game 15
20.00: 4A vs. 1B - game 16
WPWL Men’s Super Final 2015, Bergamo, Day 1: Victories for Serbia, Hungary, Brazil and Italy
WORLD LEAGUE
The six-day and 24 matches long tournament started on Tuesday June 23 at 4 p.m. with the first session of four matches.
During the first three days the eight teams - divided in two groups, A and B, are scheduled to play 12 matches in the Preliminary Round. The second half of the tournament will feature the Quarter Finals (Day 4), the Semi Finals (Day 5) and the Finals (Day 6).
The winner of the Super Final will be qualified for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. In addition it will receive a US $ 100,000 FINA prize.
Today there were the predictable victories of Serbia over the USA, Hungary over China, and Italy over Australia. However, in the third match there was the surprising victory of Brazil, host of next year Olympic Games, over the Olympic champions of Croatia.
In the first match there was an interesting confrontation between the USA Head Coach Dejan Udovicic and his former team Serbia, on which bench he sat about 500 times, with about 70% successes, including World Championships, World League Super Finals, World Cups and European Championships medals.
A similar situation in the third match, with Brazil led by Ratko Rudic, perhaps the most winning coach ever, leading Brazil against his former team Croatia.
Game 1, Group B: SERBIA 13 – USA 7 / (6-3, 3-0; 3-1, 1-3)
SERBIA: Gojko PIJETLOVIC (GK), Dusan MANDIC (1), Zivko GOCIC ©, Sava RANDELOVIC, Milos CUK (2), Dusko PIJETLOVIC (3), Slobodan NIKIC, Milan ALEKSIC, Nikola JAKSIC, Filip FILIPOVIC (3), Andrija PRLAINOIVC (2), Stefan MITROVIC (2), Branislav MITROVIC (GK). Head Coach: Dejan SAVIC.
UNITED STATES: Merrill MOSES (GK), Connor VIRJEE, Alex OBERT, Jackson KIMBELL, Alex ROELSE (1), Luca CUPIDO, Josh SAMUELS (1), Tony AZEVEDO © (1), Alex BOWEN (2), Bret BONANNI (2), John MANN, Mc Quin BARON (GK). Head Coach: Dejan UDOVICIC.
REFEREES: Georgios STAVRIDIS (GRE), Andre DESTER (BRA)
FINA DELEGATE: Gianni LONZI
Game 1: SRB vs USA. Photo Credit: Giorgio Scala
The United States had to bow to the overwhelming superiority of Serbia, a team where the old guard and the new guard have smoothly integrated in a collective display of harmonious and effective play, under the guide of coach Dejan Savic.
The young and much renovated USA team, still inspired by their veteran captain Tony Azevedo, was able to compete valiantly in the first and the last quarters; in the central two quarters the Americans were practically non existing and remained scoreless for as long as 19 minutes+ (including the first part of the last period). In the last quarter, while the Serbians seemed appeased, the Americans reacted convincingly and managed to narrow the gap. However, the wide difference existing between the two teams was perfectly reflected in the final score.
The Serbian coach Dejan Savic was satisfied with the behavior of his team, instead the coach of the United States was less happy and said:
“We will have to analyse why for a considerable part of the game my team was unable to play up to expectations. Serbia played very well and fully deserved victory. The Serbian players know always what to do and, given their physical strength and overall skills, they are also advantaged by the 25m field, not only them but all the Balkan teams. Instead teams who rely more on swimming– as the United States and Australia - find it difficult to display their playing style at full”.
Indeed Serbia was convincing in both the offensive and the defensive actions, with both Serbian goalies up to the task.
Game 2, Group B: HUNGARY 18 – CHINA 8 / (4-2, 5-1; 3-5, 6-0 )
HUNGARY: Viktor NAGY (GK), Miklos GOR-NAGY (1), Norbert MADARAS (2), Balasz ERDELYI (2), Marton VAMOS (3), Norbert HOSNYASKY (3), Ferenc SALAMON, Daniel ANGYAL, Daniel VARGA ©, Denes VARGA (3), Toni NEMET, Balazs HARAI (2), Attila DECKER (GK). Head Coach: Tibor BENEDEK.
CHINA: Honghui WU (GK), Feihu TAN, Zhangxin HU, Tao DONG (3), Wenhui LU, Li LI, Zhongxian CHEN, Liang GU, Zekai XIE, Jinghao CHEN, Chufeng ZHANG (3), Nianxiang LIANG (2), Zhiwei LIANG (GK). Head Coach: Paolo MALARA.
REFEREES: Vojin PUTNIKOVIC (SRB), Joe PEILA (USA)
FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR
Game 2: HUN vs CHN. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
The superiority of the Hungarian side was out of question and their victory was never in doubt. However the Magyars looked somewhat relaxed from time to time and their coach, Tibor Benedek, in the 3rd quarter had to call a time out for telling off a reprimand and motivate his players to give more, which happened both in the second part of the 3rd period and the last period.
After the game, Benedek explained:
“In the third quarter my team was relaxed and we received five goals, which is unacceptable. In the last quarter they got back to their usual standard and overall I am satisfied”.
Also Paolo Malara, who has been coaching China for about a year and half, was satisfied:
“We definitely want to qualify for next year’s Olympics and we are gradually growing. I am happy with the discipline shown by my players; my team is improving and now has achieved a good organization: the 10-goal difference of today does not scare us but, instead it will motivate us to improve”.
Game 3, Group A: BRAZIL 17 – CROATIA 10 / (3-3, 6-2; 6–1, 4-2)
BRAZIL: Vinicius ANTONELLI (GK), Jonas CRIVELLA (1), Guilherme GOMES, Ives ALONSO (1), Paulo SALEMI, Bernardo GOMES (2), Adrian DELGADO (5), Felipe SANTOS (1), Bernardo ROCHA, Felipe PERRONE (3), Gustavo GUIMARAES (1), Josip VRLIC (3), Thye BEZERRA (GK). Head Coach: Ratko RUDIC.
CROATIA: Josip PAVIC, Damir BURIC (1), Antonio PETKOVIC (1+1P), Luka LONCAR (2), Maro JOKOVIC (2), Luka BUKIC, Ante VUKICEVIC, Andro BUSLJE, Sandro SUKNO (1), Fran PASKVALIN, Andelo SETKA, Paulo OBRADOVIC (2), Marko BIJAC. Head Coach: Ivica TUCAK.
REFEREES: Filippo GOMEZ (ITA), Alexey KRAPIVIN (RUS).
FINA DELEGATE: John WHITEHOUSE.
Game 3: BRA vs CRO. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
Ratko Rudic stunned everybody when at half time Brazil led Croatia 9 to 5. An unpredictable outcome that only a recognised Master as Rudic, il “Maestro”, could have achieved.
The surprise was much greater at the end of the match when the Brazilians could celebrate their unpredictable triumph over the Olympic champions with an advantage of 7 goals, on a final score of 17 -10.
Under the helm of Rudic, Brazil appears to have lifted its standard to “A” level. The team is well organised, super motivated, and can count on some very talented individualities, such as the experienced #10 Felipe Perrone, author of 3 goals, and number #7 Adrian Delgado, a top scorer of the match with 5 goals (out of 5 shots, 100%).
The score of each of the two central periods was tennis like: 6-2, 6-1 for Brazil. The maximum gap in favour of Brazil was of 9 goals at the end of the third quarter. The reaction of Croatia could just prompt their victory in the last period (4-2).
The Croatians were missing a couple of their best players but also they looked out of focus, perhaps tired or not yet in their best form. Although the defeat was burning both coach Iviac Tucak and most players congratulated Rudic after the game.
Rudic, perhaps the most decorated coach ever - he won three Olympic gold medals at the helm of three different national teams - was up to his reputation and said:
“I feel sad for Croatia for their loss but my team deserved to win. This is just one game but I think that if Brazil continues to improve it will be very good for water polo in general. We have worked very hard, and my players were tactically wise, have displayed good skills and a good organisation in the water. In my side there are many young players, some really gifted and interesting. But we need to continue to work very hard”.
Game 4, Group B: AUSTRALIA 5 – ITALY 7 / (1-0, 2-1; 0-5, 2-1)
AUSTRALIA: Joel DENNERLY (GK), Richard CAMPBELL, George FORD, John COTTERILL (1), Nathan POWER, Jarrod GILCHRIST (1), Aidan ROACH, Aaron YOUNGER (1), Joel SWIFT (1); Joseph KAYES, Rhys HOWDEN (1), William Miller James CLARK (GK). Head Coach: Elvis FATOVIC.
ITALY: Stefano TEMPESTI (GK) ©, Francesco DI FULVIO, Alessandro VELOTTO, Pietro FIGLIOLI (1), Alex GIORGETTI (2), Andrea FONDELLI, Nicholas PRESCIUTTI (1), Valentino GALLO, Niccolò GITTO, Stefano LUONGO (1), Matteo AICARDI (2), Fabio BARALDI, Marco DEL LUNGO (GK). Head Coach: Alessandro CAMPAGNA.
REFEREES: Adrian ALEXANDRESCU (ROU), Peter MOLNAR (HUN).
FINA DELEGATE: Takeshi INOUE.
Game 4: AUS vs ITA. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
In the first half Italy was out of touch with the game. The team of Alessandro Campagna missed four extra-man superiorities and narrowly missed a couple of goals. On the other hand the Australians scored two goals with Gilchrist and Swift. Italy managed his first goal at 1:37 from the end of the second quarter, when they converted their fifth superiority with Aicardi. Then Australia scored again with Howden. At half time the score was 3-1 for the Oceanian team, who won both the first and the second period.
One minute inside the 3rd quarter Italy’s #5 Giorgetti scored the second goal for Italy, on extra man. Two minutes later Giorgetti scored his second goal which meant a tie on 3-3.
Less than minute later Italy’s centre forward Aicardi gave the first advantage to his team with a goal on a spectacular back shot (3-4).
At 1:25 from the end of the 3rd period Luongo put Italy 2 up with a goal from the perimeter. A minute later, with 23 second till the end of the period came a goal from Presciutti, increasing the gap
While Italy dominated the third quarter, Australia - coached by Elvis Fatovic, a former top Croatian player - was unable to score in this fraction of the game.
With 2 minutes and 37 seconds inside the last quarter Figlioli scored the seventh and last goal for Italy. Soon after it was the turn of Australia’s number 4, Cotterill, to score the 4th goal for his team, leaving the 3-goal gap unchanged. Then Luongo missed an easy goal from 1 metre at the end of a spectacular counter attack. Instead Younger benefitted from a rare mistake of Italy’s goalie Tempesti to score his own goal, thus reducing the gap to two goals and fixing the final score to 5-7.
More Quotes:
Tony Azevedo (USA player)
"In this period we are mostly working on physical training; during the next weeks we will mostly concentrate on technical training, to better prepare ourselves for the Panamerican Games. In this match we did not start well, we suffered their superiority; we improved our game through the match. I think the Serbian team, at present, is the best in the world".
"Our team, differently than USA and Italy, is not undergoing a generational change nor is looking for new players for the next Olympic Games. The team preparation for the upcoming World Championship is good and enough but we will try to further improve our game".
Dejan Savic (Coach Serbia)
Balàzs Erdélyi (Hungary player)
"I am happy for the way we played the first two and the last quarter. The Chinese team came up strongly in the third period and we are a bit disappointed for that. We played well both in defense and offense in the fourth period and I am happy for that".
Josip Pavic (Croatia - Goalkeeper)
"Brazil played really much better than us, especially in defense, where we made some mistakes. Today it was really not our day; we can and we will play better in the next matches, also thanks to the hard training the team did so far".
Josip Pavic (Croazia – portiere)
Felipe Perrone (Brazil player)
"The game will get tougher in the next days so, we cannot underestimate any of the opposers. These matches are important, for the team, to grow as a whole".
INFO June 23-28, 2015 - Bergamo, ITALY
Italian Swimming Federation Address: Stadio Olimpico, Curva Nord
Bergamo, ITALY Telephone: +39 (06) 3620 0406
+39 (06) 3620 0406
+39 (06) 3620 0457+39 (06) 3620 0457 Fax: +39 (06) 3620 0035
+39 (06) 3620 003+39 (06) 3620 003 Email & Website:
Italcementi Swimming Complex- the venue
Tue. 23 June, 2015
Wed. 24 June, 2015
Thu. 25 June, 2015 16:00 Game 1 SRB vs USA 16:00 Game 5 BRA vs CHN 16:00 Game 9 SRB vs AUS 17:20 Game 2 HUN vs CHN 17:20 Game 7 HUN vs CRO 17:20 Game 10 HUN vs BRA 18:40 Game 4 BRA vs CRO 18:40 Game 8 AUS vs USA 18:40 Game 12 CHN vs CRO 20:00 Game 3 AUS vs ITA* 20:00 Game 6 SRB vs ITA* 20:00 Game 11 USA vs ITA
Fri. 26 June, 2015
Sat. 27 June, 2015
Sun. 28 June, 2015 16:00 Game 13 2A vs 3B 16:00 Game 17 L13 vs L16 16:00 Game 21 L17 vs L18 17:20 Game 14 3A vs 2B 17:20 Game 18 L14 vs L15 17:20 Game 22 W17 vs W18 18:40 Game 15 1A vs 4B 18:40 Game 19 W13 vs W16 18:40 Game 23 L19 vs L20 20:00 Game 16 4A vs 1B 20:00 Game 20 W14 vs W15 20:00 Game 24 W19 vs W20
WORLD LEAGUE
The six-day and 24 matches long tournament started on Tuesday June 23 at 4 p.m. with the first session of four matches.
During the first three days the eight teams - divided in two groups, A and B, are scheduled to play 12 matches in the Preliminary Round. The second half of the tournament will feature the Quarter Finals (Day 4), the Semi Finals (Day 5) and the Finals (Day 6).
The winner of the Super Final will be qualified for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. In addition it will receive a US $ 100,000 FINA prize.
Today there were the predictable victories of Serbia over the USA, Hungary over China, and Italy over Australia. However, in the third match there was the surprising victory of Brazil, host of next year Olympic Games, over the Olympic champions of Croatia.
In the first match there was an interesting confrontation between the USA Head Coach Dejan Udovicic and his former team Serbia, on which bench he sat about 500 times, with about 70% successes, including World Championships, World League Super Finals, World Cups and European Championships medals.
A similar situation in the third match, with Brazil led by Ratko Rudic, perhaps the most winning coach ever, leading Brazil against his former team Croatia.
Game 1, Group B: SERBIA 13 – USA 7 / (6-3, 3-0; 3-1, 1-3)
SERBIA: Gojko PIJETLOVIC (GK), Dusan MANDIC (1), Zivko GOCIC ©, Sava RANDELOVIC, Milos CUK (2), Dusko PIJETLOVIC (3), Slobodan NIKIC, Milan ALEKSIC, Nikola JAKSIC, Filip FILIPOVIC (3), Andrija PRLAINOIVC (2), Stefan MITROVIC (2), Branislav MITROVIC (GK). Head Coach: Dejan SAVIC.
UNITED STATES: Merrill MOSES (GK), Connor VIRJEE, Alex OBERT, Jackson KIMBELL, Alex ROELSE (1), Luca CUPIDO, Josh SAMUELS (1), Tony AZEVEDO © (1), Alex BOWEN (2), Bret BONANNI (2), John MANN, Mc Quin BARON (GK). Head Coach: Dejan UDOVICIC.
REFEREES: Georgios STAVRIDIS (GRE), Andre DESTER (BRA)
FINA DELEGATE: Gianni LONZI
Game 1: SRB vs USA. Photo Credit: Giorgio Scala
The United States had to bow to the overwhelming superiority of Serbia, a team where the old guard and the new guard have smoothly integrated in a collective display of harmonious and effective play, under the guide of coach Dejan Savic.
The young and much renovated USA team, still inspired by their veteran captain Tony Azevedo, was able to compete valiantly in the first and the last quarters; in the central two quarters the Americans were practically non existing and remained scoreless for as long as 19 minutes+ (including the first part of the last period). In the last quarter, while the Serbians seemed appeased, the Americans reacted convincingly and managed to narrow the gap. However, the wide difference existing between the two teams was perfectly reflected in the final score.
The Serbian coach Dejan Savic was satisfied with the behavior of his team, instead the coach of the United States was less happy and said:
“We will have to analyse why for a considerable part of the game my team was unable to play up to expectations. Serbia played very well and fully deserved victory. The Serbian players know always what to do and, given their physical strength and overall skills, they are also advantaged by the 25m field, not only them but all the Balkan teams. Instead teams who rely more on swimming– as the United States and Australia - find it difficult to display their playing style at full”.
Indeed Serbia was convincing in both the offensive and the defensive actions, with both Serbian goalies up to the task.
Game 2, Group B: HUNGARY 18 – CHINA 8 / (4-2, 5-1; 3-5, 6-0 )
HUNGARY: Viktor NAGY (GK), Miklos GOR-NAGY (1), Norbert MADARAS (2), Balasz ERDELYI (2), Marton VAMOS (3), Norbert HOSNYASKY (3), Ferenc SALAMON, Daniel ANGYAL, Daniel VARGA ©, Denes VARGA (3), Toni NEMET, Balazs HARAI (2), Attila DECKER (GK). Head Coach: Tibor BENEDEK.
CHINA: Honghui WU (GK), Feihu TAN, Zhangxin HU, Tao DONG (3), Wenhui LU, Li LI, Zhongxian CHEN, Liang GU, Zekai XIE, Jinghao CHEN, Chufeng ZHANG (3), Nianxiang LIANG (2), Zhiwei LIANG (GK). Head Coach: Paolo MALARA.
REFEREES: Vojin PUTNIKOVIC (SRB), Joe PEILA (USA)
FINA DELEGATE: Aleksandar SOSTAR
Game 2: HUN vs CHN. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
The superiority of the Hungarian side was out of question and their victory was never in doubt. However the Magyars looked somewhat relaxed from time to time and their coach, Tibor Benedek, in the 3rd quarter had to call a time out for telling off a reprimand and motivate his players to give more, which happened both in the second part of the 3rd period and the last period.
After the game, Benedek explained:
After the game, Benedek explained:
“In the third quarter my team was relaxed and we received five goals, which is unacceptable. In the last quarter they got back to their usual standard and overall I am satisfied”.
Also Paolo Malara, who has been coaching China for about a year and half, was satisfied:
“We definitely want to qualify for next year’s Olympics and we are gradually growing. I am happy with the discipline shown by my players; my team is improving and now has achieved a good organization: the 10-goal difference of today does not scare us but, instead it will motivate us to improve”.
Game 3, Group A: BRAZIL 17 – CROATIA 10 / (3-3, 6-2; 6–1, 4-2)
BRAZIL: Vinicius ANTONELLI (GK), Jonas CRIVELLA (1), Guilherme GOMES, Ives ALONSO (1), Paulo SALEMI, Bernardo GOMES (2), Adrian DELGADO (5), Felipe SANTOS (1), Bernardo ROCHA, Felipe PERRONE (3), Gustavo GUIMARAES (1), Josip VRLIC (3), Thye BEZERRA (GK). Head Coach: Ratko RUDIC.
CROATIA: Josip PAVIC, Damir BURIC (1), Antonio PETKOVIC (1+1P), Luka LONCAR (2), Maro JOKOVIC (2), Luka BUKIC, Ante VUKICEVIC, Andro BUSLJE, Sandro SUKNO (1), Fran PASKVALIN, Andelo SETKA, Paulo OBRADOVIC (2), Marko BIJAC. Head Coach: Ivica TUCAK.
REFEREES: Filippo GOMEZ (ITA), Alexey KRAPIVIN (RUS).
FINA DELEGATE: John WHITEHOUSE.
Game 3: BRA vs CRO. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
Ratko Rudic stunned everybody when at half time Brazil led Croatia 9 to 5. An unpredictable outcome that only a recognised Master as Rudic, il “Maestro”, could have achieved.
The surprise was much greater at the end of the match when the Brazilians could celebrate their unpredictable triumph over the Olympic champions with an advantage of 7 goals, on a final score of 17 -10.
Under the helm of Rudic, Brazil appears to have lifted its standard to “A” level. The team is well organised, super motivated, and can count on some very talented individualities, such as the experienced #10 Felipe Perrone, author of 3 goals, and number #7 Adrian Delgado, a top scorer of the match with 5 goals (out of 5 shots, 100%).
The score of each of the two central periods was tennis like: 6-2, 6-1 for Brazil. The maximum gap in favour of Brazil was of 9 goals at the end of the third quarter. The reaction of Croatia could just prompt their victory in the last period (4-2).
The Croatians were missing a couple of their best players but also they looked out of focus, perhaps tired or not yet in their best form. Although the defeat was burning both coach Iviac Tucak and most players congratulated Rudic after the game.
Rudic, perhaps the most decorated coach ever - he won three Olympic gold medals at the helm of three different national teams - was up to his reputation and said:
“I feel sad for Croatia for their loss but my team deserved to win. This is just one game but I think that if Brazil continues to improve it will be very good for water polo in general. We have worked very hard, and my players were tactically wise, have displayed good skills and a good organisation in the water. In my side there are many young players, some really gifted and interesting. But we need to continue to work very hard”.
Game 4, Group B: AUSTRALIA 5 – ITALY 7 / (1-0, 2-1; 0-5, 2-1)
AUSTRALIA: Joel DENNERLY (GK), Richard CAMPBELL, George FORD, John COTTERILL (1), Nathan POWER, Jarrod GILCHRIST (1), Aidan ROACH, Aaron YOUNGER (1), Joel SWIFT (1); Joseph KAYES, Rhys HOWDEN (1), William Miller James CLARK (GK). Head Coach: Elvis FATOVIC.
ITALY: Stefano TEMPESTI (GK) ©, Francesco DI FULVIO, Alessandro VELOTTO, Pietro FIGLIOLI (1), Alex GIORGETTI (2), Andrea FONDELLI, Nicholas PRESCIUTTI (1), Valentino GALLO, Niccolò GITTO, Stefano LUONGO (1), Matteo AICARDI (2), Fabio BARALDI, Marco DEL LUNGO (GK). Head Coach: Alessandro CAMPAGNA.
REFEREES: Adrian ALEXANDRESCU (ROU), Peter MOLNAR (HUN).
FINA DELEGATE: Takeshi INOUE.
Game 4: AUS vs ITA. Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
In the first half Italy was out of touch with the game. The team of Alessandro Campagna missed four extra-man superiorities and narrowly missed a couple of goals. On the other hand the Australians scored two goals with Gilchrist and Swift. Italy managed his first goal at 1:37 from the end of the second quarter, when they converted their fifth superiority with Aicardi. Then Australia scored again with Howden. At half time the score was 3-1 for the Oceanian team, who won both the first and the second period.
One minute inside the 3rd quarter Italy’s #5 Giorgetti scored the second goal for Italy, on extra man. Two minutes later Giorgetti scored his second goal which meant a tie on 3-3.
Less than minute later Italy’s centre forward Aicardi gave the first advantage to his team with a goal on a spectacular back shot (3-4).
Less than minute later Italy’s centre forward Aicardi gave the first advantage to his team with a goal on a spectacular back shot (3-4).
At 1:25 from the end of the 3rd period Luongo put Italy 2 up with a goal from the perimeter. A minute later, with 23 second till the end of the period came a goal from Presciutti, increasing the gap
While Italy dominated the third quarter, Australia - coached by Elvis Fatovic, a former top Croatian player - was unable to score in this fraction of the game.
While Italy dominated the third quarter, Australia - coached by Elvis Fatovic, a former top Croatian player - was unable to score in this fraction of the game.
With 2 minutes and 37 seconds inside the last quarter Figlioli scored the seventh and last goal for Italy. Soon after it was the turn of Australia’s number 4, Cotterill, to score the 4th goal for his team, leaving the 3-goal gap unchanged. Then Luongo missed an easy goal from 1 metre at the end of a spectacular counter attack. Instead Younger benefitted from a rare mistake of Italy’s goalie Tempesti to score his own goal, thus reducing the gap to two goals and fixing the final score to 5-7.
More Quotes:
Tony Azevedo (USA player)
"In this period we are mostly working on physical training; during the next weeks we will mostly concentrate on technical training, to better prepare ourselves for the Panamerican Games. In this match we did not start well, we suffered their superiority; we improved our game through the match. I think the Serbian team, at present, is the best in the world".
"Our team, differently than USA and Italy, is not undergoing a generational change nor is looking for new players for the next Olympic Games. The team preparation for the upcoming World Championship is good and enough but we will try to further improve our game".
Dejan Savic (Coach Serbia)
Balàzs Erdélyi (Hungary player)
"I am happy for the way we played the first two and the last quarter. The Chinese team came up strongly in the third period and we are a bit disappointed for that. We played well both in defense and offense in the fourth period and I am happy for that".
Josip Pavic (Croatia - Goalkeeper)
"Brazil played really much better than us, especially in defense, where we made some mistakes. Today it was really not our day; we can and we will play better in the next matches, also thanks to the hard training the team did so far".
Dejan Savic (Coach Serbia)
Balàzs Erdélyi (Hungary player)
"I am happy for the way we played the first two and the last quarter. The Chinese team came up strongly in the third period and we are a bit disappointed for that. We played well both in defense and offense in the fourth period and I am happy for that".
Josip Pavic (Croatia - Goalkeeper)
"Brazil played really much better than us, especially in defense, where we made some mistakes. Today it was really not our day; we can and we will play better in the next matches, also thanks to the hard training the team did so far".
Josip Pavic (Croazia – portiere)
Felipe Perrone (Brazil player)
"The game will get tougher in the next days so, we cannot underestimate any of the opposers. These matches are important, for the team, to grow as a whole".
Felipe Perrone (Brazil player)
"The game will get tougher in the next days so, we cannot underestimate any of the opposers. These matches are important, for the team, to grow as a whole".
| INFO | |
| June 23-28, 2015 - Bergamo, ITALY | |
| Italian Swimming Federation | |
| Address: | Stadio Olimpico, Curva Nord Bergamo, ITALY |
| Telephone: | +39 (06) 3620 0406+39 (06) 3620 0406 +39 (06) 3620 0457 +39 (06) 3620 0457 |
| Fax: | +39 (06) 3620 0035 +39 (06) 3620 003 +39 (06) 3620 003 |
| Email & Website: | |
Italcementi Swimming Complex- the venue | |
| Tue. 23 June, 2015 | Wed. 24 June, 2015 | Thu. 25 June, 2015 | ||||||||
| 16:00 | Game 1 | SRB vs USA | 16:00 | Game 5 | BRA vs CHN | 16:00 | Game 9 | SRB vs AUS | ||
| 17:20 | Game 2 | HUN vs CHN | 17:20 | Game 7 | HUN vs CRO | 17:20 | Game 10 | HUN vs BRA | ||
| 18:40 | Game 4 | BRA vs CRO | 18:40 | Game 8 | AUS vs USA | 18:40 | Game 12 | CHN vs CRO | ||
| 20:00 | Game 3 | AUS vs ITA* | 20:00 | Game 6 | SRB vs ITA* | 20:00 | Game 11 | USA vs ITA | ||
| Fri. 26 June, 2015 | Sat. 27 June, 2015 | Sun. 28 June, 2015 | ||||||||
| 16:00 | Game 13 | 2A vs 3B | 16:00 | Game 17 | L13 vs L16 | 16:00 | Game 21 | L17 vs L18 | ||
| 17:20 | Game 14 | 3A vs 2B | 17:20 | Game 18 | L14 vs L15 | 17:20 | Game 22 | W17 vs W18 | ||
| 18:40 | Game 15 | 1A vs 4B | 18:40 | Game 19 | W13 vs W16 | 18:40 | Game 23 | L19 vs L20 | ||
| 20:00 | Game 16 | 4A vs 1B | 20:00 | Game 20 | W14 vs W15 | 20:00 | Game 24 | W19 vs W20 | ||
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