The Australian women's water polo team have snatched an 8-7
final minute victory against Greece, in a scrappy opening game of the 16th FINA
World Championships in Kazan, Russia.
As the tight score suggests, both teams fronted up with
tough defence and battled to convert goals in crucial moments.
The Aussie Stingers' Nicola Zagame proved the difference,
using her speed to make the most of a counter attacking opportunity to score
the match winner.
The Stingers started the game well and led early on, but Greece
were soon back in the fray as the game hit the half way point, claiming a one
goal lead at the main break.
While the Stingers recovered from a two-goal deficit early
in the second half to win the game, coach Greg McFadden said that despite the
grit showed by the team, there was improvement needed.
"We won ugly today," McFadden said.
"I expected nerves in the first quarter and I thought
we were going well, then we just lost our way in the second term and allowed
Greece to get two penalties.
"They ended up with five for the game. It just shows
where we need to improve our defence.
"We also need to back ourselves in attack. We had
moments when our players were on for shots, but didn't take them. Our offence
was a bit stale, which put our shooting under pressure.
"The team were tough at the end. They withstood
penalties, extra man attacks and came home with the win."
Australia captain Bronwen Knox echoed McFadden's sentiments.
"The game was a bit scrappy, we got ahead early but
then they had a better second quarter. Then we kept pushing and pushing and
came away with the win at the end," Knox said.
"Overall it was a good game, it was quite tough and
they got five penalties, so our defence is lacking in some areas, we need to
refocus on that.
"You're always a bit nervous coming up against a good
team in the first game, you just want to get that first win under your
belt."
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