Reigning champions Serbia and last year’s World League silver medallists Hungary continued their winning streak at the FINA Water Polo World League Super Final and advanced to the quarter-finals at the Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai yesterday (Wednesday).
In the first match of the day, Hungary thrashed the USA 16-9, scoring the opening two goals inside the first 100 seconds.
USA called an immediate time out, which had the desired effect and the team re-grouped to register their first point just seconds later.
However, the Americans could not find the net again until half way through the second quarter, while Hungary kept the pressure on to build a 7-3 half time lead.
Hungary then moved up a gear in the third quarter, and despite the USA coming back stronger in the final period the 2013 runners-up closed the game at 16-9.
In the second game, the inexperienced Brazilians had their work cut out against an in-form Serbia.
As expected, Serbia dominated play, leading 8-2 at half time.
The star of the match was Milos Cuk, who scored five goals, taking Serbia to a comfortable 12-4 win.
The third match was a tight tussle between Australia and Canada, with the teams going goal for goal for most of the match, with only one goal separating the two at each break.
Canada went into the last quarter one goal up, and in a nail biting finish they emerged victorious, scoring 10 goals to Australia’s 8.
The final match between China and Montenegro was much tighter than expected, with the latter being pushed hard by a determined China.
At half time, Montenegro were ahead 4-3 , but China refused to let go, finishing just one goal behind at the final whistle for a 9-8 result, with Montenegro surviving what could have been an embarrassing loss.
Tickets to catch all the action are available at the door priced at Dh40.
Entry is free for children under 12.
