Aussie Sharks to meet USA in the last preliminary match of FINA World Championships

In the third and final game of the preliminary matches of the FINA World Championships, the Aussie Sharks will meet the USA. 

Both sides come into the match with a win over Kazakhstan and loss to Croatia and will be looking to take the win and secure second place on the ladder ahead of the cross over matches on Sunday.   

One Aussie Sharks player very familiar with the USA is Blake Edwards who spent three seasons playing USA college water polo.

“In some aspects it gives you an advantage as you are more aware of certain players’ tendencies, however it goes both ways and I am sure they are just as aware of mine. 

“I think USA have the potential to surprise a lot of teams this tournament. They are a young team but are full of very talented players. 

“USA have a lot of strong shooters so like many opponents our defence will be most important for us to win this game,” he said. 

Game three will be the final in the pool stages ahead of Sunday’s cross over matches for the women’s water polo.

Catch all the action live on www.finatv.live

Game 2 I AUS V KAZ 

The Aussie Sharks are set to meet Asian Champions Kazakhstan in game two of the FINA World Championships.

The Australians will be looking to bounce back in their second game of the pool stages, after going down to Croatia in game one.

Like the Aussies, Kazakhstan will also be looking for their first win of the Championship after suffering a 7-16 loss to USA in their opening game.

While the Sharks have enjoyed recent success against Kazakhstan, taking decisive wins against them at the recent FINA World League Final as well as the pre-World Championship tournament in Croatia, they know they will need to be ready for Kazakhstan.

Olympian Aidan Roach, said the Aussie Sharks will be heading into game two well prepared and not taking their recent record against Kazakhstan for granted.

“Kazakhstan is definitely a team we cannot underestimate. They are currently Asian Champions, who we have played often, so they know our strengths and weaknesses.

“We will need to focus on playing a strong defensive game and look to execute our opportunities and have cohesiveness in out attack,” said Roach.

The Aussie Sharks are looking to build on their recent success on the international stage, after recently claiming bronze at the FINA World League Final and their historic silver medal at the FINA World Cup in 2018.

A medal at the World Championships would be another slice at history for the Aussie Sharks with no Australian Men’s water polo finishing on the podium.

While a medal finish is in the Aussie Sharks sights, Roach admitted there is a lot more to play for at the 2019 World Championships.

“Obviously it would be a huge achievement to medal at the World Championships, especially as the Sharks have never done so before.

This year however there is even more up for grabs with qualification spots for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.”

The Aussie Sharks play Kazakhstan Wednesday 17 July at 9:30am AEST. Watch live on www.finatv.live

Game 1 I AUS V CRO

The Aussie Sharks will go up against defending World Champions Croatia in the opening match of the FINA World Championships.

Fresh from winning a bronze medal at the FINA World League Final, the Aussie Sharks will look to carry the momentum they have been building on the international circuit into the 2019 FINA World Championships.

While the Sharks have a tough first match, Rio Olympian Nathan Power said the Aussies believe they can match it with any side in the competition.

“In my opinion, Croatia are the strongest team here (at the World Championships) but any team at this tournament is beatable and it is important that we carry that mindset into every game here,” he said.

The Aussie Sharks made history in 2018 when they won their first ever silver medal at the FINA World Cup. It was during that tournament the Sharks delivered an impressive win over the Croatians who were one of the favourites to take to the World Cup title.

“Last year’s result in the World Cup, not only that game (against Croatia) but the whole tournament, was big for our team. We were able to channel that momentum into a very good tournament in Belgrade at the World League Super Final and we will now hopefully keep that going here in Gwanju.

“Croatia are a very complete team with depth in every position and high levels both tactically and physically. For us to compete we must be ready to be focused the whole game, because in any moment that a team lapses they will be ready to punish,” said Power.

The Australians come into the World Championships with a solid preparation, having won a bronze at the FINA World League Final as well as winning a three nation tournament with Germany and Kazakhstan, where they were undefeated.

“Our preparations have been going well. We have been putting in a lot of hard work to make sure that we are prepared for the tough two weeks we have ahead of us.

“The team is in a very positive mindset as we look for a good result to lead us into the Olympic year,” said Power.

Australia will play Croatia on Monday 15 July at 1:30pm AEST. Watch live on finatv.live

Aussie Sharks Team
Richard Campbell (NSW) UNSW/Wests
Joel Dennerley (NSW) UNSW/Wests
Blake Edwards (Vic) Drummoyne
Lachlan Edwards (Vic) Drummoyne
Andrew Ford (WA) UNSW/Wests
George Ford (WA) Mataro / UWA
Rhys Howden (QLD) QLD Thunder
Anthony Hrysanthos (NSW) Vouliagmeni / Sydney University
Joe Kayes (NSW) Pro Recco
Nathan Power (NSW) UNSW/Wests / Jadran ST
Tim Putt (WA) UWA / Primorie
Aidan Roach (NSW) Drummoyne
Aaron Younger (C) (WA) Fremantle / FTC