AUSTRALIA 27 SOUTH AFRICA 4
Classification 13-15 Semifinals
The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks bounced back to deliver a decisive 27-4 win over South Africa int he 13-15 semi final playoffs. After playing in a tough group where they suffered losses to Hungary, Spain and Japan, the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks had a point to prove.
Captain Nathan Power, Matthew Byrnes and Tristan Glanznig were the leading goal scorers for the Aussies with four goals a piece, with Laurence Barker on debut in goals, making 10 saves for his side. “It was good to get a win today after a couple of tough results. We said we were going to set out and do a few things today and we did those things, so really happy to get the win today.
Paris Olympian Tim Putt commented post match: “It was good to get a win today after a couple of tough results. We said we were going to set out and do a few things today and we did those things, so really happy to get the win today.
“We knew we were going to have a good day of scoring today so we really wanted to try and lock down on defence it was (goalkeeper) Laurence’s (Barker) first day of World Champs as well, so I definitely think we ticked those boxes today.
“We need to play every game until the end, so we are going to try and finish off strong… and hopefully go out on a high,” he said.
The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks will now play China in the 13-14th playoff on Sunday 20 July at 12:35pm AEST and can be watched live and free on 9Now.
GAME 3: AUSTRALIA 11 – JAPAN 12
The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks have gone down fighting against Japan 11-12 in what was a must win game for the side to progress in the World Aquatics Championships.
In a closely matched contest, the two sides were locked 3-3 at the end of the third quarter, all goals for the Aussies coming courtsey of captain Nathan Power. At the half time mark the Australians trailed by one, 5-6, but were up 7-6 leading into the final quarter. In a battle to the end it was Japan who were able to close out the game, ending Australia’s hopes to advancing.
Post match, Aussie Sharks Head Coach Tim Hamill commented: “It was extremely disappointing way to lose. Japan are obviously a great water polo team. They play a very unique brand of water polo, but we know how they play. By and large, we executed much of our game plan, but we weren’t able to do it for the four quarters,” said Hamill.
He acknowledge the fight and determination his side, who were reunited at their first major tournament since Paris, bought to every match.
“Lack of fight will never be a concern for our team. They’re a great group of guys. I’m always proud with how they play, but we weren’t able to execute and close out the game today.
“This was the first time in some time that we’re back playing this high-level water polo. So even though our group was a very difficult group to play in, we were always happy with that in terms of knowing we’re going to get three really big-quality games here at the World Championships.
“We were confident against all opponents, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get out of the group stage. We started the tournament very poorly against Hungary. It was a very un-Australian-like performance from us. Our second half against Spain was much improved,” he said.
Captain Nathan Power expressed his side’s disappointment to not advance through.
“We wanted to make a mark and continue some momentum we’ve been building across this tournament, and unfortunately to be eliminated, it hurts.
“We found our defensive side, which is really good for us. I think we played decent defence today, but we lost and now we’re out of the tournament.”
“Japan have a very different style, and they are very difficult to play against. I think at times today, we hung a little bit low and they didn’t have as many scoring opportunities as they’ve had in previous games, but unfortunately we weren’t able to then score in the other end,” said Power.
The Aussie Sharks will now play on Friday in the classification matches.
GAME 2: AUSTRALIA 7 – SPAIN 10
The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks put up a gallant fight, but fell just short against Spain in their second game at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships.
A slow start in the first half, led to a 2-9 margin at half time, the Aussies eager to bounce back in the second half.
And come back they did, holding Spain to only 1 goal in the second half while managing five goals towards their total.
Despite the second half comeback, it wasn’t enough to hold the Spanish at bay, the end score 7-10 in Spain’s favour.
Goal keeper Nic Porter said post match: “Unfortunately we went down to Spain – it was a game of two halves…we didn’t start the game very well however very proud of how the boys came back in the second half and win it 5-1.
“We’re look to continue with that momentum for our game against Japan, it’s a do or die game we need to win it to advance in the tournament.
“All the boys are really excited, feeling confident after that second half performance and looking to put on a show for our fans back home,” he said.
The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks will play Japan in their final group game on Wednesday 16 July at 12:35pm AEST. Watch LIVE and FREE on 9Now.
GAME 1: AUSTRALIA 6 – HUNGARY 18
The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks have suffered a tough loss in their first game against Hungary at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships.
The Hungarians were the first on the scoreboard, but captain anthan power as quick to respond in the opening minutes with the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks first and only goal in the first quarter.
It was a fast paced second quarter, the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks not managing to find the back of the net and the score standing at 9-1 at half time.
In the third, Marcus Berehulak and Andrej Grugrevic slotted one each into the cage to close the gap back to 12-3 at three quarter time.
Grgurevic scored twice more in the last quarter, before Milos Maksimovic scored his first of the game. But it wasn’t enough to hold off the European heavyweights, the final score 18-6 in favour of the Hungarians.
The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks will next play Spain on Monday 14 July at 7:35pm AEST, live and free on 9Now.
