Miki Oca: "Las chicas lo han dado todo en Kazan"
10/08/2015 - El seleccionador femenino español, Miki Oca —acompañado por el presidente RFEN Fernando Carpena, el jefe de Equipo Pere Robert, y el director técnico Rafa Aguilar—, valoró positivamente pese a la séptima plaza, la participación de su equipo en Kazan 2015. "A las chicas les doy un sobresaliente "Ya sabemos dónde tenemos que mejorar. Hay aspectos del juego que, por circunstancias, otros países los trabajan más que nosotros. El día de EEUU nos hicieron daño a partir del contraataque".
Nuestro seleccionador también valora muy positivamente el trabajo de las jóvenes: "Han hecho un muy buen papel. Esto es un Mundial y hay equipos rodados y potentes. Han cumplido muy bien. Fue un gran rodaje y un gran paso de cara a la temporada próxima. Esto es un grupo en el que trabajan 20 chicas y todas lo hacen muy bien. Las jugadores que están más en forma son las que vienen. Aquí no hay toques de atención”, declaró Oca, quien dice que "es verdad que China en vez de venir tocada emocionalmente vino subida. Tenemos que estar muy contentos, más que por ganar por la imagen que deja el equipo después del palo emocional. Las chicas han mostrado que tienen despliegue y se han resarcido”.
AGUILAR Y CARPENA
Por su parte, el director técnico de waterpolo, Rafael Aguilar, ha recordado que España tiene que competir con selecciones como Estados Unidos, China, Holanda y Canadá que "están concentradas contínuamente". Ha comentado que se ha pactado con los clubes el nuevo calendario teniendo en cuenta también las necesidades de las selección. "La respuesta de los clubes en este sentido es perfecta".
Mientras, Fernando Carpena ha manifestado que "este equipo tiene todo el crédito, porque aquí la palabra fracaso no existe. La visión de lo ocurrido es que ha sido un accidente. Nos ha tocado un cruce determinado -Estados Unidos- y no lo hemos pasado”, ha dicho. "En Shangài fuimos undécimos y desde Londres 2012, en las seis competiciones importantes de mujeres que se han jugado, España ha estado en el podio en cuatro. Eso demuestra que el proyecto funciona".
R.G.-S. Env. Especial KAZAN2015. Foto: Comparecencia de prensa de Miki Oca, acompañado por Fernando Carpena, Pere Robert y Rafa Aguilar / Rfen
Montenegro tops Hungary for 5th place - Kazan day 14
The final day of action of the 2015 World Championships water polo got underway on Saturday in Kazan with Team USA finishing in 7th place after beating Australia 6-10 in the first of four games. Poor shooting for the Aussie Sharks (6 for 31) prevented them from battling for the win as USA gradually walked away in the second half. Led by captain Tony Azevedo's 4 goals, the Americans got away from Australia after a near 14-minute drought that marked the early part of the 2nd period. As Alex Bowen and Azevedo (in his record 8th FINA World Championship) struck again in the first minutes of the final period, with the score at 4-10, the game looked to be played. The Sharks did mange to score 2 more goals in the final minutes but USA's win was already secured as they finish the championships in 7th place, while a dissapointed Australia team settles for 8th.The battle for 5th place, a rematch of the gold medal final 2 years ago in Barcelona, saw this time Montenegro prevailing for the 10-9 victory. A deserved one as the Montenegrins intensity on defence, and the poor shooting by Hungary (9 for 30), had the dethroned champions in trouble of playing for the win. Montenegro scored at the right moments, led by Aleksandar Ivovic' 3 hits but the goals in the fourth period by Mladjan Janovic and Vjekoslav Paskovic, both of them on quick counter attacks, got Montenegro up by 3 each time which proved decisive in the end. Although Hungary managed to come back, the game's final goal by Daniel Varga was scored with just 15 seconds remaining so Montenegro could play out the clock and secure their 5th-place finish.
2015 FINA World Championships
Kazan (RUS)
Final round
Saturday, 8 August (men)
Australia (L M41) vs. USA (L M42) 6-10 (3-2, 0-2, 1-4, 2-2) - M45 (7th/8th place classification)
Australia scorers: Aaron Younger 2, Richie Campbell, George Ford, Johnno Cotterill.
USA scorers: Tony Azevedo 4, Alex Bowen 2, Bret Bonanni 2, Nikola Vavic, John Mann.
Montenegro (W M41) vs. Hungary (W M42) 10-9 (2-2, 2-1, 2-2, 4-4) - M46 (5th/6th place classification)
Montenegro scorers: Aleksandar Ivovic 3, Vjekoslav Paskovic 2, Darko Brguljan 2, Mladjan Janovic 2, Aleksandar Radovic.
Hungary scorers: Balazs Erdelyi 2, Norbert Hosnyanszky 2, Daniel Varga 2, Marton Szivos, Denes Varga, Krisztian Bedo.
20.30: Greece (L M43) vs. Italy (L M44) - M47 (3rd/4th place classification)
22.00: Croatia (W M43) vs. Serbia (W M44) - M48 (1st/2nd place classification)
N.b.: time mentioned is local time.
*****
USA edges Netherlands to win women's final - Kazan day 13
Spain has finished the 2015 world championships in 7th place after knocking off hosts Russia on the penultimate day of the water polo tournament in Kazan, on Friday. After a goal-scoring festival in the first half, the Spanish ladies grabbed control in the third period and could consolidate in the final stages of the match-up. Even drawing multiple extra man posessions, Spain could come away with not finishing these. Russia could not come away with their counter attacks as Spain has a good swimming team themselves and looked prepared. The Russian ladies did end up making one more man-up in the final period but did not looked too determined in the final minutes to turn things around. Their 8th place finish marks the worse finish in recent years not having been ranked lower than 4th since the 2003 edition in Barcelona. Spain meanwhile went from top to bottom and back having finished 11th in Shanghai in 2011 before winning the gold in Barcelona two years ago, only to take 7th place in the 2015 edition, here in Kazan.
China took 5th place beating Greece on penalties after a game that got ignited in the second half and went onto a close and exciting finish. The match didn't appeared to be that much of an exciting battle. The scoring was marked by Greece who came back seven times but were never in the lead. China had the upper hand but was simply unable to shake off the resillient Greek side, who was led by Alexandra Asimaki. In a tight second half the centre forward scored 3 of the 4 goals in the comeback that Greece made to hang on. They even got a shot at the winner but Antigoni Roumpesi's attempt came off the upright as the game went into a shootout with the score tied 9-9. Here neither team could stay perfect but Greece simply missed one more shot as Christina Tsoukala's attempt was saved by China's goalkeeper Jun Yang who also saw Eletheria Plevritou missing. But the latter one came straight after China's top scorer Guannan Niu couldn't defeat Eleni Kouvdou for Greece so two penalties later, it was lefthander Jing Zhang for China who scored the decisive penalty shot as the Chinese ladies claimed 5th place, their 2nd-best result, following the silver medal in 2011, while Greece settled for 6th place, equalling their ranking at the last edition in Barcelona. Both teams met in the final in 2011 with Greece taking the gold medal there.
Bronze medal
The match got underway with Australia straight having the opportunity to open the score, but as Nicola Zagame intercepted a pass and could went straight onto the Italian goalie Giulia Gorlero, the looked uncertain whether to have a free throw and missed the chance. Two attacks later the Aussie Stingers did score when Zagame feeded Rowie Webster at centre forward who scored with a backhand. Australia went on as Ash Southern drew an exclusion at centre forward and scored it nicely from outside for the 2-0 lead. Italy needed a timeout halfway throught the quarter to regroup as their offence was kept far away from the Aussie goal. It worked straight away with Roberta Bianconi scoring from outside on an man-up, after Brownen Knox received her 2nd major foul already. A minute later it was another extra man that got Italy a goal and the tie: 2-2. Aria Garibotti saw an opening and hit. By now Italy looked to have found the answer. Roberta Aiello got the ball at centre forward on a counter attack and wasted little time turning around to score. With under a minute remaing the first quarter ended up with Italy in the lead 2-3. Australia could quickly level in the second quarter as Rowie Webster hit from the left wing but with exclusions following up quickly, Italy already got the lead back on the other end, thanks to Tania di Mario who shot nicely from outside just being given to much space. Both defensive organisation were well established by now and more turnovers to be seen until Di Mario delivered one of the game's highlights by scoring a trademark semi-lob in the near corner from 8 metres out to get Italy up 3-5 late in the first half. The Setterosa's deep defence caused trouble for the Stingers who didn't looked too confident to shoot. It led Australia scoreless until the big break where the 3-5 score was still displayed.
The Stingers needed another almost half quarter to find the net. Nicola Zagame used the first man-up of the second half for the Aussies to score and perhaps help herself over the burden she created by missing the first minute chance and another close opportunity early in the third. What begane to occure now was the tightened Australia defence managed to get some stops and got rewarded when Ash Southern swam a counter attack with a minute remaining in the quarter, stopped at 6 metres to turn and ship the ball far corner for the tie: 5-5. With man-ups on either sides in the final minute, the chances were there but no goals so the game went into the final period with a balanced 5-5 score and Italy without a goal for 10 minutes. Australia struck first in the final period as Glencora McGhie shot a desperation attempt at the end of the attack from the right side, not handled well by Gorlero who fumbled it into her goal. The following man-up was well defended by the Aussies but less than a minute later captain Di Mario did manage to find the back of the net, being left too open again. The extra man posession were becoming a huge factor now as the Greg McFadden coached squad responded in the following attack nicely freeing Hannah Buckling on the post for the 7-6 lead and 3.50 remaining. But the final stage of the game stayed close. Once more on an extra man it was Italy's Roberta Aiello who scored and tipped in the equaliser (7-7). Now with 2.35 on the clock the game went more tense each team knowing the next goal could become of a decisive proportion. Australia missed a man-up through Southern whose tip-in was blocked but Italy's next attack led to a turnover at centre forward. The next three attacks, including a man-up for the Aussies, led to nothing, with tensions rising high. In the final seconds Italy swam a tired counter attack and had Arianna Garibotti in the position to shoot but her attempt missed power and was blocked so the thriller now went to penalties. Here the thrilling continued. Just one miss proved enough. Hannah Buckling saw her series penultimate penalty shot being saved by Italy's back-up goalie Laura Teani, substituted for Gorlero ahead of this attempt, followed by Arianna Garibotti scoring on the other end for the win and bronze medal match at the 2015 World Championships.
Fabio Conti (ITA) — Head Coach
“The key to our game was the penalties. It may be that the penalties go another way. Some go in and some don’t. We played a very, very good game. When we play against Australia it is a very difficult game. Australia is very difficult, very strong and very physical. Today we came and played with a big heart.”
Elisa Queirolo (ITA)
“It was a very, very good finish. We won this medal. After the match against Netherlands we organised our ideas, did a very good game and we finished in a better way. We deserved it.”
Greg McFadden (AUS) — Head Coach
“We didn’t make the most of our opportunities early. We could have put the game away early, especially when 2-0 up. We let them back. It was positive that we were in for the fight, but I said it before, it’s a shit way to lose. We’re really went out to win, but we didn’t perform to our expectations. Now we have to debrief and see what’s the best way to move forward.”
Ashleigh Southern (AUS) — Two goals in action
“We were feeling pretty confident for the shootout, but it’s all about what happened in the game. We were unlucky. It was always going to be physical. There were some missed opportunities that could have been scored.”
Final
The game got off to a nervous start. Each time eager to set up its defence and not take too many risks on offence led to a silent and patient start of the big final. The deadlock was finally broken by Dutch captain Yasemin Smit who was left open on a counter attack with 2 minutes remaining and scored right past USA goalkeeper Ashleigh Johnson. The two next attacks for each time were ended by turnovers but USA got their first man-up in the final seconds but an attempt from Maggie Steffens was well saved by young Netherlands goalkeeper Laura Aarts to maintain the 0-1 advantage after the opening quarter. The score went levelled however in the early stages of the next quarter, and this time on man-up for the USA as Rachel Fattal scored on the team's second attempt that posession. And the American women got the lead for the first time not much later. A shot by Smit for the Netherlands was saved and in the breakaway Maddie Musselman held off Dutch Nomi Stomphorst to score the 2-1 goal. And as the Dutch missed a man-up in the following attack USA could look to extend their lead. The chances kept coming for Team USA. In two more offensive posession they couldn't score, including a man-up, but with 4.27 on the clock yet another exclusion was called on the Dutch defence so that after a timeout the USA could go for another try. This time however, Fattal's shot went over past the goal and in the counter attack Dutch top shooter Lieke Klaassen finished to level the score 2-2 with 3.55 to go in the first half. The Dutch side however kept having trouble setting up their offence agains the physically superior American ladies who kept them far away from goal. It led to another silent phase with exclusion but also saves and no goals so that the defensive battle saw a 2-2 score half-time.
Striking first in the second half was USA, and standout Rachel Fattal who scored on man-up straight away to get the Americans leading 3-2. It took the Netherlands nearly 3 minutes to level, though. Two attacks by the USA were denied and in the following extra man, Maud Megens scored the equaliser as 5 minutes were remaining in the quarter. USA responsed quickly though as Kiley Neushul came through with an action goal from the right side to get her team in front, again. And it could have got worse for the Dutch but a certain looking goal was not called by the line judge. And the Dutch defence withstood another man-up not much later as they now looked to get in foul trouble conceding another exclusion. But with no goal from the US team, any damage was not yet made. But on the other end scoring proved harder and harder for the Arno Havenga coached squad. Whenever a shot was fired, goalie Johnson looked more and more certain adding save after save agains the, mostly contested, shots from the Dutch. Scoring got through finally with just 0.35 to go in the quarter, but it was veteran Courtney Mathewson who did it. She hit from outside for an important goal as now Team USA established a 2-goal lead. The Netherlands had its chance to reduce the deficit in the final moments of the quarter but Smit's goal was blocked by the tight USA defence to withstood another attack and kept its 5-3 lead intact for the final term. Things looked better and better for Team USA whose defence kept holding the Dutch far away from goal and let it slipped just once as Maud Megens went for the drive and earned the penalty, with under 4 minutes remaining, only to see Sabrina van der Sloot's attempt being saved by USA goalie Johnson. The goal for the Netherlands still came in the following attack where Maud Megens got room on the left wing and quickly shot and scored. Now three minutes to go, the tension got back again and Netherlands got fired up for the equaliser. It led to two great chances on counter attack, each of them on man-up, but goalkeeper Ashleigh Johnson, once more, was there to make the save and ultimately get USA the 5-4 win as they held on in the final seconds and could celebrate their 4th world championship.
Chris Oeding (USA)_ — Assistant Coach
“The Dutch came out with tempo and physical play and we had trouble early on with forced errors and we were out of synch and were made to work for every goal that we got. There were little nerves on both sides and trading goals early on. What gave us the game was Ashleigh (Johnson) in goal. She gave us a lot of confidence in those moments when most needed. “ On holding all four world trophies at once: “It hasn’t really sunk in yet. I was involved in the last couple and it’s incredible and each is unique in its own way. We have so many new kids on the team. It’s their first.”
Rachel Fattal (USA) — Tournament MVP as voted by Media
“It was surreal. We played well together, we were balanced and our defence we nailed. Ash Johnson is just an amazing player and we played as a team the whole time. If you have an amazing goalkeeper behind you in defence it leads to (good) offence. There are a lot of newcomers to the team.” On how long she would celebrate the victory: “Just tonight.” On how many of the four crowns she holds: “Three of the four; I did not play the Olympics (London). Hopefully next year will be the cherry on the top.”
Arno Havenga (NED) — Head Coach
“Unfortunately it was not a good evening. I think we played well, but we were not strong enough. I think we can be really satisfied this tournament. Every game we got a bit better. Now we look for the next step and the European Championships in Belgrade, then to Rio (Olympics). We will set new goals.”
Maud Megens (NED) — Daughter of 1991 World Champion Patricia Libregts (NED) and named to Media All Star team
“I get advice from her every game and what I can do better. I have learnt so much from her.” On if she spoke to her mother before the match: “Yes. She wished me luck. She is a nice mother who’s proud of her daughter. I get a lot of that.”
Laura Aarts (NED) — Goalkeeper
“If I look back now I am really pretty happy as we have a very young team and we did a great job. It’s a big shot for us for the future.”
2015 FINA World Championships
Kazan (RUS)
Final round
Friday, 7 August (women)
Spain (L W41) vs. Russia (L W42) 15-10 (5-3, 3-4, 4-1, 3-2) - W45 (7th/8th place classification)
Spain scorers: Roser Tarrago 4, Laura Lopez 3, Jennifer Pareja 2, Judith Forca 2, Anni Espar, Matilde Ortiz, Pilar Peña, Maica Garcia.
Russia scorers: Evgeniya Ivanova 3, Anastasia Simanovich 2, Ekaterina Lisunova 2, Ekaterina Prokofyeva, Elvina Karimova, Evgeniia Abdriziakova.
China (W W41) vs. Greece (W W42) 13-12 (4-2, 1-3, 2-1, 2-3; penalties: 4-3) - W46 (5th/6th place classification)
China scorers: Guannan Niu 5, Zihan Zhao 3, Weiwei Zhang.
Greece scorers: Alexandra Asimaki 4, Stefania Charalampidi 3, Eleftheria Plevritou 2.
Australia (L W43) vs. Italy (L W44) 10-12 (2-3, 1-2, 2-0, 2-2; penalties: 3-5) - W47 (3rd/4th place classification)
Australia scorers: Rowie Webster 2, Ashleigh Southern 2, Hannah Buckling, Glennie McGhie, Nicola Zagame.
Italy scorers: Tania di Mario 3, Rosaria Aiello 2, Arianna Garibotti, Roberta Bianconi.
USA (W W43) vs. Netherlands (W W44) 5-4 (0-1, 2-1, 3-1, 0-1) - W48 (1st/2nd place classification)
USA scorers: Rachel Fattal 2, Maddie Mussleman, Courtney Mathewson, Kiley Neushul.
Netherlands scorers: Maud Megens 2, Yasemin Smit, Lieke Klaassen.
Final round
Saturday, 8 August (men)
14.00: Australia (L M41) vs. USA (L M42) - M45 (7th/8th place classification)
15.30: Montenegro (W M41) vs. Hungary (W M42) - M46 (5th/6th place classification)
20.30: Greece (L M43) vs. Italy (L M44) - M47 (3rd/4th place classification)
22.00: Croatia (W M43) vs. Serbia (W M44) - M48 (1st/2nd place classification)
N.b.: time mentioned is local time.Final rankings
1. USA
2. Netherlands
3. Italy
4. Australia
5. China
6. Greece
7. Spain
8. Russia
9. Hungary
10. Brazil
11. Canada
12. Kazakhstan
13. New Zealand
14. France
15. Japan
16. South Africa
USA settles for world domination and all the trophies
United States of America became the first team in history to hold Olympic, World Championship, World Cup and World League crowns at the same time when it beat Netherlands 5-4 in the gold-medal final tonight.
Netherlands was denied a second gold medal after winning in Perth in 1991 and now has five silver medals from this event. For the USA it was a fourth title after victories in 2003, 2007 and 2009.
Twice champion Italy won the bronze medal over Australia in a penalty shootout, closing the match at 7-7 and winning the penalties 5-3 for a 12-10 victory.
Greece was involved in its third penalty shootout in four days — two for men — when it came back seven times against China for 9-9 to force the five shots. However, like the men the night before, Greece lost the shootout, 3-4 in China’s 13-12 victory.
In the classification match for seventh, outgoing champion Spain beat Russia 15-10.
Media Awards
MOST VALUABLE PLAYERRachel Fattal (USA)
MEDIA ALL STAR TEAMGOALKEEPER
Ashleigh Johnson (USA)
CENTRE FORWARD
Kami Craig (USA)
FIELD PLAYERS
Zoe Arancini (AUS)
Roberta Bianconi (ITA)
Rachel Fattal (USA)
Rita Keszthelyi (HUN)
Maud Megens (NED)
Ashleigh Johnson (USA)
CENTRE FORWARD
Kami Craig (USA)
FIELD PLAYERS
Zoe Arancini (AUS)
Roberta Bianconi (ITA)
Rachel Fattal (USA)
Rita Keszthelyi (HUN)
Maud Megens (NED)
Match 48: 22:00, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 5 NETHERLANDS 4
Classification 1-2 (Gold Medal)
Quarters: 0-1, 2-1, 3-1, 0-1
Referees: Sergey Naumov (RUS), Massimiliano Caputi (ITA).
Extra Man: USA: 1/11. NED: 1/7.
Pens: NED: 0/1.
Teams:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Samantha Hill, Madeline Musselman (1), Melissa Seidemann, Rachel Fattal (2), Alys Williams, Maggie Steffens, Courtney Mathewson (1), Kiley Neushul (1), Ashley Grossman, Kaleigh Gilchrist, Makenzie Fischer, Kami Craig, Ashleigh Johnson. Head Coach: Adam Krikorian.
NETHERLANDS: Laura Aarts, Yasemin Smit (1), Dagmar Genee, Chatarina van der Sloot, Amarens Genee, Nomi Stomphorst, Marloes Nijhuis, Vivian Sevenich, Maud Megens (2), Isabella van Toorn, Lieke Klaassen (1), Leonie van der Molen, Debby Willemsz. Head Coach: Arno Havenga.
Match Report:
USA made it a clean sweep of all the women’s water polo trophies with a 5-4 victory over the Netherlands. USA trailed only in the first period and had a two-goal margin for much of the final period. Dutch captain Yasemin Smit scored the opening goal at 1:59 with a bouncer on the right side of the pool to take a lead to the second quarter. It was not long before USA was on the board as Rachel Fattal, voted Most Valuable Player of the tournament, scored from the left at 7:00. Madeline Musselman added another on counter and USA was in its usual, comfortable position in front. Nearly three minutes later Lieke Klaassen upset the lead on counter herself for 2-2. Later in the period, Dutch head coach Arno Havenga gained a yellow card. The long break came and went and it was Fattal who proved her worth to the team at 6:55 with a second goal. Maud Megens, out to emulate her mother, 1991 World Championship gold medallist Patricia Libregts, scored her 12th of the tournament on extra from the left-post position. Kiley Neushul scored down the right at 4:36 and it looked like another USA shot went across the line, but it was denied as it bobbled on the line at 3:31. Never mind, USA scored through Courtney Mathewson from shot from the top that went straight down to the left corner for 5-3 at 0:35. The Dutch called a timeout, however, nothing came from talk and the final break of the championship arrived. The crucial third period was won 3-1 by the USA. Catharina van der Sloot had a penalty attempt blocked by goalkeeper of the tournament Ashleigh Johnson (USA) at 4:02 of the final period, but the Dutch weren’t out of the picture as Megens, named to the Media All Star team, received a long cross pass to beat Johnson for 4-5 at 3:13. She scored four goals in the semifinal against Italy, proving she is a big-game player. In the final minute, Johnson made two crucial saves that gave USA victory, proving her the best goalie of the Championship.
MIXED ZONE QUOTES:
Chris Oeding (USA)_ — Assistant Coach“The Dutch came out with tempo and physical play and we had trouble early on with forced errors and we were out of synch and were made to work for every goal that we got. There were little nerves on both sides and trading goals early on. What gave us the game was Ashleigh (Johnson) in goal. She gave us a lot of confidence in those moments when most needed. “ On holding all four world trophies at once: “It hasn’t really sunk in yet. I was involved in the last couple and it’s incredible and each is unique in its own way. We have so many new kids on the team. It’s their first.”
Rachel Fattal (USA) — Tournament MVP as voted by Media“It was surreal. We played well together, we were balanced and our defence we nailed. Ash Johnson is just an amazing player and we played as a team the whole time. If you have an amazing goalkeeper behind you in defence it leads to (good) offence. There are a lot of newcomers to the team.” On how long she would celebrate the victory: “Just tonight.” On how many of the four crowns she holds: “Three of the four; I did not play the Olympics (London). Hopefully next year will be the cherry on the top.”
Arno Havenga (NED) — Head Coach“Unfortunately it was not a good evening. I think we played well, but we were not strong enough. I think we can be really satisfied this tournament. Every game we got a bit better. Now we look for the next step and the European Championships in Belgrade, then to Rio (Olympics). We will set new goals.”
Maud Megens (NED) — Daughter of 1991 World Champion Patricia Libregts (NED) and named to Media All Star team“I get advice from her every game and what I can do better. I have learnt so much from her.” On if she spoke to her mother before the match: “Yes. She wished me luck. She is a nice mother who’s proud of her daughter. I get a lot of that.”
Laura Aarts (NED) — Goalkeeper“If I look back now I am really pretty happy as we have a very young team and we did a great job. It’s a big shot for us for the future.”
Match 47: 20:30, AUSTRALIA 10 ITALY 12 in penalty shootout (FT: 7-7. Pens: 3-5)
Classification 3-4 (Bronze Medal)
Quarters: 2-3, 1-2, 2-0, 2-2. Pens: 3-5.
Referees: Frances Buch (ESP), Vojin Putnikovic (SRB).
Extra Man: AUS: 2/10. ITA: 2/9.
Pens: Nil
Teams:
AUSTRALIA: Lea Yanitsas, Gemma Beadsworth (1), Hannah Buckling (1), Holly Lincoln-Smith, Keesja Gofers, Bronwen Knox, Rowena Webster (3), Glencora McGhie (1), Zoe Arancini, Ashleigh Southern (3), Bronte Halligan, Nicola Zagame (1), Kelsey Wakefield. Head Coach: Greg McFadden.
ITALY: Giulia Gorlero, Chiara Tabani, Arianna Garibotti (2), Elisa Queirolo (1), Federica Radicchi, Rosarie Aiello (2), Tania di Mario (4), Roberta Bianconi (2), Giulia Emmolo, Francesca Pomeri, Laura Barzon (1), Teresa Frassinetti, Laura Teani. Head Coach: Fabio Conti.
Match report:
Italy came from one behind to be level at 7-7 with Australia and went on to win the penalty shootout. At the start, Nicola Zagame had two open chances, but did not follow through at the start of the match, the first time unsure if it was her free throw or not on counter. Rowena Webster opened the scoring with a centre-forward backhand, followed by an Ashleigh Southern shot on extra for 2-0 by 5:04. Then Italy came alive with three unanswered goals through captain Roberta Bianconi, Arianna Garibotti, both on extra, and a centre-forward shot from Rosaria Aiello. Three goals in two minutes exactly. A last-gasp shot from Webster cross the bar and Italy had the lead at the first break. Webster equalised from deep left after the exclusion period at the start of the second period and Tania di Mario found a channel down the middle on extra for 4-3 on the next attack. The Aussie Stingers took a timeout, but the attack was hesitant as much as Italy’s confidence was building. That confidence soared to new heights as di Mario sent in a lob from halfway into the top right for 5-3 at 2:23. Italy tried a timeout ploy unsuccessfully, but still had a two-goal buffer for the second half. Zagame missed an excellent one-on-one opportunity at the start of the third period and made up for it with a extra-man strike for 4-5 at 4:51. It was only the second goal for Australia in 16 minutes of play. A timeout each and there were no rewards. Southern collected her second goal on counter, electing to bounce in off the right post from six metres at 1:06 for 5-5. Italy lost the ball on a full attack and Australia did not shoot in the 26 seconds it had before the final break. Italy was kept scoreless for more than 10 minutes. The 36-year-old di Marion, Olympic champion in 2004, won the swim for the final quarter. Glencora McGhie spun a ball in through Giulia Golero’s hands for the opening goal from wide right at 7:02, regaining the lead for the first time since the late first quarter. Australian captain Bronwen Knox gained her third major foul and di Marion scored her third of the match and 10th of the tournament at 4:53 for 6-6. Hannah Buckling converted extra-man off the left post for 7-6 at 4:16. Both teams did not score and then when Italy regained the ball and called timeout, an ejection was called against Webster giving Italy a man up, which Aiello proudly tipped in off the near-post position on the left for 7-7 at 2:46. Federica Radicchi went for three majors but the Aussie shot was blocked. Italy had the ball stolen and at the other end controversy as Holly Lincoln-Smith was driving for goal and the ball turned over as she shot. Italy lost the ball at the end as the match went into the final minute. Southern shot from five metres and bounced over the top. Garibotti’s shot was blocked and the match went to a shootout — the second of the day’s short programme. Italy started first and there ewere eight straight scores before a change of goalie by Italy brought Laura Teani into play. She was responsible for stopping Hannah Buckling’s shot for Australia and Garibotti sent in the winner to the delight of her team-mates. Australia and Italy are in the club of five nations to win all colours of medals at World Championships. Australia won the inaugural title in 1986 and collected two silvers, including at Barcelona in 2013, and has one bronze. Italy has two crowns, from Perth 1998 and Fukuoka 2001; one silver and now two bronzes.
The Italian team celebrating the bronze medal - Photo credit: Giorgio Scala/Deepbluemedia
FLASH QUOTES:
Fabio Conti (ITA) — Head Coach“The key to our game was the penalties. It may be that the penalties go another way. Some go in and some don’t. We played a very, very good game. When we play against Australia it is a very difficult game. Australia is very difficult, very strong and very physical. Today we came and played with a big heart.”
Elisa Queirolo (ITA)“It was a very, very good finish. We won this medal. After the match against Netherlands we organised our ideas, did a very good game and we finished in a better way. We deserved it.”
Greg McFadden (AUS) — Head Coach“We didn’t make the most of our opportunities early. We could have put the game away early, especially when 2-0 up. We let them back. It was positive that we were in for the fight, but I said it before, it’s a shit way to lose. We’re really went out to win, but we didn’t perform to our expectations. Now we have to debrief and see what’s the best way to move forward.”
Ash Southern (AUS) — Two goals in action play“We were feeling pretty confident for the shootout, but it’s all about what happened in the game. We were unlucky. It was always going to be physical. There were some missed opportunities that could have been scored.”
Match 46: 15:30, CHINA 13 GREECE 12 in penalty shootout (FT: 9-9. Pens: 4-3)
Classification 5-6
Quarters: 4-2, 1-3, 2-1, 2-3. Pens: 4-3
Referees: Mark Koganov (AZE), Gyorgy Kun (HUN)
Extra Man: CHN: 1/2. GRE: 1/5.
Pens: Nil.
Teams:
CHINA: Jun Yang, Jianing Tian, Xiaohan Mei, Dunhan Xiong, Guannan Niu (5), Yating Sun, Donglun Song (1), Cong Zhang, Zihan Zhao (4), Weiwei Zhang (2), Xinyan Wang (1), Jing Zhang, Lin Peng. Head Coach: Rick Azevedo (USA).
GREECE: Eleni Kouvdou, Christina Tsoukala, Stefania Charalampidi (4), Christina Kotsia, Margarita Plevritou, Alkisti Avramidou (1), Alexandra Asimaki (4), Antigoni Roumpesi (1), Ioanna Charalampidi, Triantafyllia Manolioudaki, Eleftheria Plevritou (2), Eleni Xenaki, Chrysoula Diamantopoulou. Head Coach: Georgios Morfesis.
Match Report:
This was a match that seemed assured of a penalty shootout as the teams were equal throughout. China was never headed and Greece had to come back seven times to level. It was also a match dominated by the stars. China’s new sensation was Guannan Niu and she did not disappoint. Coming into the match she had a scored 13 goals. Today she netted five, including two in the last. Zihan Zhao scored three to lift her to 19 for the championship. On the other side of the ledger, it was powerhouse centre forward Alexandra Asimaki, who scored four goals from centre forward in her inimitable style. Her fast sweep at 1:19 was the leveler that forced the shootout. Greece went first, missing the second and fourth attempts, while China missed its third, sadly by Niu. With the match locked at 12-12, it was left to Zhang Weiwei to end the match for a 4-3 penalty win. China finished ninth in Barcelona two years ago and took the silver medal behind Greece in 2011. Greece was sixth in Barcelona, just two years after winning in Shanghai, its sole medal at this level.
CHN vs GRE - Photo credit: Giorgio Scala/Deepbluemedia
FLASH QUOTES:
Rick Azevedo (USA) — China Head Coach
“I think they were excellent. I changed five players in January, including two, two-time Olympians. They played tactically smart. They don’t get emotional.” On his quiet demeanour on pool deck: “I’m not the type of coach who yells and screams at the girls. Coaching is for practices. I’m proud that they played every single match with more confidence, especially on offence and counter attack.”
Dunhan Xiong (CHN) — 17 years oldOn her first experience of a World Championship: “I was so nervous, but it was also exciting.” On the best match: “Against Australia, because we came so close to top four.” On what she did when she made the water: “I went into centre and I tried my best to shoot each time.”
Alexandra Asimaki (GRE) — Four GoalsOn having to come back to level the match all the time: “I don’t know why that happened. I think we played a lot better today and it was a different China from before. We were OK on offence and we equalised a lot. We played with more passion, at least. We want to go to Rio (2016 Olympics) so badly as we were not in London after some big successes. It’s hard to qualify in a structure like this and only eight teams. We have to work more. Our team can make it. I believe in my team.”
Match 45: 14:00, SPAIN 15 RUSSIA 10
Classification 7-8
Quarters: 5-3, 3-4, 4-1, 3-2
Referees: Radoslaw Koryzna (POL), Nenad Peris (CRO).
Extra Man: ESP: 2/9. RUS: 5/14.
Pens: ESP: 1/1. RUS: 2/2.
Teams:
SPAIN: Laura Ester, Marta Bach, Anna Espar (1), Paula Leiton, Matilde Ortiz (1), Jennifer Pareja (2), Clara Espar, Pilar Pena (1), Judith Forca (2), Roser Tarrago (4), Maica Garcia (1), Laura Lopez (3), Patricia Herrera. Head Coach: Miguel Oca.
RUSSIA: Anastasia Verkhoglyadova, Tatiana Zubkova, Ekaterina Prokofyeva (1), Elvina Karimova (1), Ekaterina Zubacheva, Anastasia Simanovich (2), Ekaterina Lisunova (2), Evgeniia Abdriziakova (1), Anna Timofeeva, Ekaterina Tankeeva, Evgeniya Ivanova (3), Nadezhda Iarondaikina, Anna Karnaukh. Head Coach: Mikhail Nakoryakov.
Match report:
Outgoing world champion Spain was too strong for Russia, finding gaps all over the pool in which it could manoeuvre. The match was played at a great pace, due more to poor defence at both ends as players managed to display their shooting prowess. Spain had the two-goal quarter advantage and stretched the margin to 7-4. Evgeniya Ivanova converted a penalty at 4-6, but after Laura Lopez gave Spain the three-goal margin, Ivanova struck twice more as Russia levelled at 7-7 late in the second quarter. However, Spain went to 10-7 and 12-8 by the end of the third and a victory for the Russian Minister of Sport, Vitaly Mutko, was not looking good. Russian captain Ekaterina Prokofyeva converted a penalty to start the fourth period for her 12th goal of the tournament, only for Spain to grab two more for 14-9, putting the match well beyond the reach of Russia, who finished the 2013 edition in Barcelona in fourth position while in Shanghai four years ago it was a bronze medal. In fact, Russia had finished no worse than fourth since 2003 and has four bronze medals from World Championships. For Spain it was a big drop from top spot in Barcelona but far better than 11th in Shanghai. In the individual standings, Ivanova top-scored for Russia with 15 goals and Roser Tarrago’s four goals today lifted her to best with 14.
Classification 7-8
Quarters: 5-3, 3-4, 4-1, 3-2
Referees: Radoslaw Koryzna (POL), Nenad Peris (CRO).
Extra Man: ESP: 2/9. RUS: 5/14.
Pens: ESP: 1/1. RUS: 2/2.
Teams:
SPAIN: Laura Ester, Marta Bach, Anna Espar (1), Paula Leiton, Matilde Ortiz (1), Jennifer Pareja (2), Clara Espar, Pilar Pena (1), Judith Forca (2), Roser Tarrago (4), Maica Garcia (1), Laura Lopez (3), Patricia Herrera. Head Coach: Miguel Oca.
RUSSIA: Anastasia Verkhoglyadova, Tatiana Zubkova, Ekaterina Prokofyeva (1), Elvina Karimova (1), Ekaterina Zubacheva, Anastasia Simanovich (2), Ekaterina Lisunova (2), Evgeniia Abdriziakova (1), Anna Timofeeva, Ekaterina Tankeeva, Evgeniya Ivanova (3), Nadezhda Iarondaikina, Anna Karnaukh. Head Coach: Mikhail Nakoryakov.
Match report:
Outgoing world champion Spain was too strong for Russia, finding gaps all over the pool in which it could manoeuvre. The match was played at a great pace, due more to poor defence at both ends as players managed to display their shooting prowess. Spain had the two-goal quarter advantage and stretched the margin to 7-4. Evgeniya Ivanova converted a penalty at 4-6, but after Laura Lopez gave Spain the three-goal margin, Ivanova struck twice more as Russia levelled at 7-7 late in the second quarter. However, Spain went to 10-7 and 12-8 by the end of the third and a victory for the Russian Minister of Sport, Vitaly Mutko, was not looking good. Russian captain Ekaterina Prokofyeva converted a penalty to start the fourth period for her 12th goal of the tournament, only for Spain to grab two more for 14-9, putting the match well beyond the reach of Russia, who finished the 2013 edition in Barcelona in fourth position while in Shanghai four years ago it was a bronze medal. In fact, Russia had finished no worse than fourth since 2003 and has four bronze medals from World Championships. For Spain it was a big drop from top spot in Barcelona but far better than 11th in Shanghai. In the individual standings, Ivanova top-scored for Russia with 15 goals and Roser Tarrago’s four goals today lifted her to best with 14.
ESP vs RUS - Photo credit: Giorgio Scala/Deepbluemedia
FLASH QUOTES:
Miguel Oca (ESP) — Head Coach
España, séptima tras vencer a Rusia (15—10)
07/08/2015 - La selección española de waterpolo femenino ha firmado este mediodía la séptima posición final en el Mundial de Kazan 2015. Las chicas de Miki Oca han vencido a Rusia en la lucha por el séptimo puesto en un partido con muchos goles y en el que no ha habido mucha intensidad. Nuestras Guerreras Acuáticas cierran un círculo triunfal tremendo tras encadenar plata en Londres 2012 y oros en Barcelona 2013 y Budapest 2014, pero lucharán por volver en el Europeo de Serbia del próximo enero.
Comenzaban mejor las nuestras en este último partido en tierras rusas. Las anfitrionas querían ofrecer buena imagen a sus aficionados, pero han visto como España se marchaba al término de los primeros ocho minutos con un 5-3 favorable tras las dianas de Mati Ortiz, Jennifer Pareja, Judith Forca, Roser Tarragó y Anni Espar. Han recortado distancias las caucásicas, que han llegado a igualar el marcador en el segundo periodo (7-7), pero el gol de Ru Tarragó de penalti hacía que el marcador al descanso reflejase un 8-7.
Han poco menos que sentenciado las nuestras la séptima plaza en un tercer cuarto que se ha saldado con 4-1 gracias a la puntería de Laura López (2), Pili Peña y Ru Tarragó (12-8). Los últimos ocho minutos han sido un trámite y el resultado final reflejaba un 15-10 con el que se despiden nuestras chicas tras un Mundial raro, en el que no tuvieron suerte al cruzarse con USA en cuartos y en el que perder un solo partido te condena a no luchar por los metales. Pero nadie duda de su valía y de que serán capaces de levantarse. Y no tardaremos mucho en comprobarlo. Nos vemos en enero en Serbia: Europeo y Juegos de Río en juego!
FICHA DEL PARTIDO:
Foto: Servicio especial para RFEN. Judith Forca pugna con una jugadora rusa este mediodía/
España, duro cierre ante la anfitriona Rusia
06/08/2015 - Duro cierre de las actuales campeonas europeas y mundiales (en este caso, hasta el viernes) frente a la anfitriona Rusia (13,00 horas), un equipo complicado que perdió en los penalties ante Grecia cuando ganaba con comodidad y que querrá despedirse de su público con victoria. Nuestra selección, por su parte, desea acabar con la dinámica de dos derrotas (Estados Unidos y China) que ya solo nos deja la lucha por la séptima plaza de estos Campeonatos del Mundo KAZAN2015.
Una plaza sin consuelo alguno para un equipo que a 364 días de los JJOO de Río debe construir de nuevo, desde hoy mismo aquí en Kazan, los cimientos del equipo que busque una plaza en el Preolímpico sí o sí y ya en los Juegos defender e incluso superar la plata de los Juegos de Londres.
El estatus del Waterpolo mundial cambia tras este Campeonato pero es verdad que hay ocho e incluso algún equipo más que optan siempre a las medallas, entre ellos España, que ha tenido un larguísimo ciclo ganador de Londres a Budapest. Alguna vez iba a tocar perder y ha sido aquí en Kazan y frente al peor rival posible en cuartos, Estados Unidos, llamada este viernes a ser la nueva campeona del Mundo si Holanda -campeona olímpica en 2008- no lo remedia. Ahora, a ganar a Rusia y acabar con victoria un Mundial amargo pero del que deben extraerse respuestas para seguir creciendo y mejorando. Ánimo, España!
R.G.-S. (Comunicación RFEN. Env. Especial KAZAN2015).
