The men’s water polo competition at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 was all about drama on Wednesday, August 7, as the quarterfinals featured thrilling matches, upset wins, and goals scored at the last minute.
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This aquatic opera took place at Paris La Defense Arena, where thousands of fans showered the sportsmen with acclaim every time they earned a turnover, scored a goal, or stopped a shot.Setting the tone for the day, Croatia shocked undefeated Spain 10-8 in the opening quarterfinal match.
Croatia underperformed in the group round. Serbia must have watched that match since in the second quarterfinal, they defeated Greece, the only other unbeaten team in the group stage, 12–11.
It was anyone’s guess who would prevail in the match between Team USA and Australia in Paris in 2024, as the two most likely gold medal winners had already lost their first two matches of the day.
Today’s Game: Australia vs. USA Following a group stage marked by varied results
Australia and Team USA advanced to the water polo quarterfinals. In their opening five games at Paris 2024, both sides experienced thrilling victories and shocking losses, thus both were keen to prove themselves in the quarterfinals.
Luke Pavillard and Milos Maksimovic goals gave Australia the lead early on. Team USA’s Johnny Hooper answered to keep the game tight.Sadly, Hooper confused Stade Roland-Garros for Paris La Defense Arena, where he got into a boxing fight with Chaz Poot when the Australian submerged his head.
Australia was awarded a penalty shoot when Hooper was shown a red card, while Poot was given a field exclusion. Australia would eventually gain the upper hand, leading the men in green and gold 5-3 at the end of the second quarter. But Team USA wasn’t out of the game just yet.
Ryder Dodd and Hannes Daube scored goals to help them rally in the third quarter and tie the game at five.The game went into a penalty shootout after both sides scored twice in the fourth quarter. They would trade blows until USA goalie Adrian Weinberg denied Maksimovic’s attempt, giving his team the advantage of one shot.
Because of stops by both sides, Marko Vavic had to deliver the game-winning shot for the US. He succeeded in doing so, winning 11–10 to advance the United States to the semi-finals. “That was extremely tense,” Vavic remarked. “Nic Porter, the goalkeeper for Australia, and I played together in college.” Together, we practiced for four years.
Today’s Players of the day, August 7
Vavic was an obvious choice to be named one of the day’s best players due to his flawless stroke under duress.
On the opposing side of the ball, Hungary’s Soma Vogel, who made three saves in a penalty shootout against Italy, matched his performance.
Vogel stated, “We’ve won numerous medals, including gold medals, through penalty shootouts, which proves that training and perseverance eventually pay off.”
Dusan Mandic of Serbia was quite successful in the water, netting five goals out of six attempts against Greece. In the final game of the day, Krisztian Manhercz of Hungary scored on five of ten shots, matching his total. In the quarterfinals, Australia’s Pavillard also made a lasting impression, scoring four goals against Team USA in as many shots.
Results of the Day, August 7
Men’s Quarterfinals in Water
Croatia 10-8. Spain
Greece 11 – 12 Serbia
USA 11 – 10 Australia
Italy 10 – 11 Hungary
What happens at the water polo event in Paris in 2024?
Timetable for August 8 Local time only, CEST
13:00 Italy vs. Canada, Women’s 5th-8th classification match
14:35 Women’s Semifinal: Spain vs. the Netherlands
18:00 Greece vs. Hungary, Women’s 5th-8th Classification Match
19:35 Australia vs. United States of America in the women’s semifinal.
