The Dutch women’s water polo team lost the important group match against the United States at the World Championships in Singapore on Sunday. Coach Evangelos Doudesis’ team lost 9-11 and now probably faces a tough road to the semi-finals.
Before the start of the tournament, the Netherlands already knew that the meeting with the US would probably be crucial for the rest of the tournament. The winner of the group avoids reigning Olympic champion Spain in the quarter-finals, provided that country meets expectations.
Since the other group members China and Argentina are clearly a size smaller than the Netherlands and the US, all eyes were on this match. However, the Netherlands was behind from the start of the match.
At the Olympic Games last year, the Netherlands often proved able to make up for a deficit. For example, the team also won a bronze medal at the expense of the US after a 3-7 half-time score. But a new comeback was not possible in Singapore.
The US, which won the world title last year, extended its lead further in the second and third quarters and maintained the lead fairly easily in the final phase. Lieke Rogge scored the most goals for the Netherlands (three).
No new comeback
Due to the defeat, there is a good chance that the Netherlands will have to play an intermediate round and face Spain in the quarter-finals. This is the case if the results in the last group matches turn out as expected based on the mutual relationships.
The Netherlands must then not be surprised by China on Tuesday and Spain, as favorite in group D, must finish as group winner. Spain has already won the first two group matches and can secure the first place against Great Britain on Tuesday.
The Netherlands won the first world title two years ago since 1991. Compared to that team, more young players have joined after the Olympic Games and some experienced players are missing. For example, Brigitte Sleeking has stopped and keeper Laura Aarts has been passed.