Italian
The women’s water polo national team beats China 11-10 and secures a spot in the fifth place final at the World Cup. On Sunday, the tough challenge against the Netherlands
SIDNEY (AUSTRALIA) – The first victory in these Finals of the World Cup finally arrives for the Setterosa. The Azzurre defeat China 11-10 thanks to a goal from Sofia Giustini during a power play. At the Sopac (Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre), Italy dominated for the first two quarters, even leading by five goals at 4-9, but then they allowed the Asian team to come back and equalize at 9-9.
In the final moments, it is the number 7’s goal that secures the victory, partially redeeming the defeat from last week at the Shanghai tournament, which ended 16-11.
Now the Setterosa will face the two-time European champions of The Netherlands for fifth place on Sunday at 1:15 PM local time, which will be 5:15 AM in Italy. The Oranje indeed defeated Hungary in penalties 16-15.
The statements
These are the words of the head coach Maurizio Mirarchi: “We started the match very well, especially in the first two quarters, imposing our pace of play and leading 9-4. In the third quarter, China made a comeback, partly due to a change in the refereeing style, to which we should have adapted better. In the end, however, we stayed focused, managed the difficult moment, and brought home an important victory“.
The scorecard
China-Italy 10-11
China: X. Yan, Y. Zhang 1, J. Yan, Zou, Xie 1, S. Wang 1, Shao, S. Yan 5 (1 penalty), Nong, Q. Zhang 2, X. Wang, Shen, J. Zhang, Chen. Coach: Oca
Italy: Nigro, Tabani 1, Leone, Cordovani, Gant 1, Giustini 2, Bianconi 1, Bettini 3, Ranalli 1, Cocchiere 1, Gagliardi 1, Sesena, Papi, Mantellato Dias. Coach: Mirarchi
Referees: Ma Call (USA) and Khaesler (AUS)
Notes: partial scores 2-4, 2-4, 4-1, 2-2. Power plays: China 5/12 +1 penalty, Italy 6/7.
The calendar
Wednesday, July 22
Friday, July 24
semi-finals 5-8 place – Sydney time (-8 hours in Italy)
China-Italy 10-11 (2-4, 2-4, 4-1, 2-2)
Netherlands-Hungary 16-15 dtr (3-3, 5-2, 2-2, 1-4; 5-4)
Semi-finals
USA-Australia 10-6 (2-0, 3-4, 4-2, 1-0)
20:15 Russia-Spain
Finals – Sydney time (-8 hours from Italy)
7th/8th place
11:30 China-Hungary
5th/6th place
13:15 Italy-Netherlands
3rd/4th place
12:45 Australia-
1st/2nd place
16:15 United States-
Photo Credits: Federnuoto.it
