Sharks continue hunt in Men’s Water Polo
Published Fri 02 Aug 2024
The Australian Men’s Water Polo team have sounded their Games’ intention, toppling the host nation by one point in a passionate preliminary encounter at the Paris Aquatic Centre.
Fresh from their victory over defending Olympic champions Serbia, the Sharks claimed a 9-8 victory over France.
The in-form side has lost just one game against Spain in the early rounds and is fast becoming known as the surprise packet of the Australian Olympic team.
They led from the opening minutes of their match with France, and despite the onslaught by their determined opponents, and a vocal home crowd, the Sharks never faltered, winning each quarter (0-1, 3-4, 5-7, 8-9).
The victory was redemption for the Australian men, who have lost to the world number four team in the playoff rounds of the last two World Championships.
It also brings together a team which boasts 10 debutants with just three players, co-captains Nathan Power and Blake Edwards and his brother, returning from Tokyo.
Milos Maksimovic, who scored a hat-trick in the encounter with France, was elated by the victory and the side’s approach to challenging more celebrated teams.
“Really big game. Big win,” Milos said.
“We have to now recover emotionally and physically and keep playing, keep pushing, keep giving our 100 percent for the next game.
“I'm proud to play with these guys. I think that we have something special in our team. We know how, how hard we work for this.
“In some previous big competitions, we didn't play as well as now, but we knew that in one point it's all going to come together.”
After their victory against Serbia, the Sharks were greeted by a round of applause from the Australian team on their return to the Athletes’ Village.
The moment was something they have savoured and used to bolster their confidence in the early rounds of the tournament.
Milos believes the team is thriving in the Olympic environment, embracing the spirit of the event and support of other athletes.
“It was a very special moment,” he said.
“It's an amazing environment. This is my first time being in the Olympics so I'm trying to use that energy and to keep playing well.
“I think that's like the same story with my teammates.”
Australia is ranked second behind Spain in Group B. If they maintain this position, they will be assured a position in the quarter finals.
Australia takes on Hungary on 3 August at 11pm AEST.
