World League Super Final: Aussie Sharks finish sixth

AUS v CRO I It was the father vs son contest people were eager to see for fifth place as Aussie Sharks Head Coach Elvis Fatovic’s took on Croatia with his son Loren in his home country’s line-up – and it was the kid who levelled the score with a great shot.

The World Champions took the lead but the Aussies scored two brilliant action goals in 49 seconds deep into the opening period, especially Aaron Younger’s chess-mate like goal from Blake Edwards' assist was a beauty.

But the young Fatovic’s rocket also belonged to the quality shots and the Croats made their first man-up when Ivan Krapic pushed the ball in from close range with 52 seconds before the first break.

They sold exactly the same play once more later in the second to go 4-2 up – the Aussies were less effective in 6 on 5, missed one in the first and another one earlier in the second which could have brought them on equal terms.

After a time-out they made the third, though, Joseph Kayes was on target with a close-range one-timer. Next came a Croatian miss, then a rare mistake from Mirko Bijac when Richard Campbell’s sharp-angled shot bounced in from his arms but Ante Vukicevic sent the ball home easily from the next extra so the world champs kept the lead for halftime (5-4).

After missed man-ups at both ends, Lovre Milos netted a fine action shot from 6m, Aaron Younger scored from an extra but Andrija Basic just beat the shotclock-buzzer for 7-5.

The Croats missed another 6 on 5, still, they were three goals up soon after Loren Fatovic finished a fine counter.

Just like the Croats, an action goal after a missed man-up brought the Aussies closer: Blake Edwards netted a fine one from the centre and soon they were back to minus one as Lachlan Hollis scored from a counter-man-up combo with 0:08 on the clock – still, the Europeans could start the last period with a two-goal lead.

They remaining seconds were enough for Hrvoje Benic to score from the distance after a time-out as the defenders failed to mark him properly.

The mistake cost them much as Benic began the fourth with another one, this time from a 6 on 5 so the Croats reset the three-goal gap in no time. The Aussies needed three more minutes to pull one back from a fine counter, by Aidan Roach – but no more followed despite two man-ups in the remaining four minutes.

Perth's Andrew Ford said the team weren't able to make the most of a few opportunities but will take a lot away from the overall tournament.

"Today we knew we had a chance. We gave it our all, but unfortunately we couldn't capitalise when we had the momentum in that fourth quarter, a few stray balls and passes didn't go our way.

"Slightly disappointing - overall the week was quite positive.  We have two more weeks now to build on that here in Budapest so we hope we'll continue to improve," he said.

Australian Head Coach Elvis Fatovic, said there were plenty of learnings his side will take away from the tournament.

“This match was so difficult that even I’m feeling that now. Unfortunately we could not win today.

"Everybody knows that Croatia is a very good team. We did everything we could but this was not enough and Croatia was the better team today.

"This competition was a good education for us anyway," said Fatovic.

For places 5-6: Croatia v Australia 10-8

Quarters: 3-2, 2-2, 4-3, 1-1

AUSTRALIA

Anthony Hrysanthos (7 /17, 41%), Nicholas Porter (GK2, not entered) Richard Campbell (1), Blake Edward (1), Joseph Kayes (1), Nathan Power, Nickolas Elphick, Aidan Roach (2), Aaron Younger (2), Andrew Ford, Timothy Putt, Lachlan Hollis (1), Nicholas Brooks. Head coach: Elvis Fatovic

Goals/shots

CRO: 10/23;  AUS: 8/22

Extramen

CRO: 5/7;  AUS: 4/9

Aussies take strong win over Kazakhstan

Australia took a commanding 4-1 lead in the first period – the lonely Kazakh goal came from a lucky bounce as the ball went in from the goalie’s head. The Asian side closed the game in the second at 5-3 but in 31 seconds from the close jumped out to four and there was no way back from that point.

The remaining time was mainly devoted to scoring, defences weren’t as tight as previously, among the Aussies Richard Campbell, Aaron Younger and Andrew Ford all hinted a triple as their team equalled the Croats’ scoring record here in the tournament.

Australia will now face Croatia as they play for 5-6th place.

For places 5-8: Australia v Kazakhstan 15-11

Quarters: 4-1 , 5-4 , 4-2 , 2-4

AUSTRALIA

Anthony Hrysanthos (9/16, 56%), Nicholas Porter (GK2, 0/4, 0%) – Richard Campbell (3), Blake Edward, Joseph Kayes (1), Nathan Power (2), Nickolas Elphick, Aidan Roach (1), Aaron Younger (3), Andrew Ford (3), Timothy Putt (1), Lachlan Hollis, Nicholas Brooks (1). Head coach: Elvis Fatovic

Spain topple Aussie Sharks after a close start in quarter final

The Aussies Sharks suffered a disappointing loss to an in form Spanish side in the quarter finals of the FINA World League Super Final, going down 4-9.

Australia came out firing in the first quarter and set themselves up nicely largely thanks to great goals from centre Joe Kayes followed up by Richie Campbell, leading 2-1 at the end of the period.

But the next two quarters the Aussies failed to get on the scoreboard however managed to keep up their strong defence to keep the score to 2-2 at half time.  Anthony Hrysanthos in goals was again strong, especially in the vital third quarter which stopped Spain running away with the game.

Two goals in the final quarter courtesy of Lachy Hollis and Nic Porter kept the Aussie Sharks in hunt.  Spain however kicked into another gear and were able to push the scores out with five goals in the final quarter.

Australian team Head Coach, Elvis Fatovic, said despite the strong start, Spain were strong for the full game.

"We started the game well, our defence was working good and strong, our goalkeeper was playing well, he had many good saves. But the second half was totally different.

"The main problem were that we couldn’t score in the extra-man situations. We didn’t shoot, we were slow, then we missed many important chances, but the main reason was that we were tired – this is something I was a bit worried about beforehand as we are not as well prepared physically at this stage as our European rivals.

"I believe we can play the next game much better, like in the first game. We'll learn from this and hope we will better in the next competition," said Fatovic.

Australia will now take on Kazakhstan tonight 12:45am (AEST).

Quarterfinal: Australia v Spain 4-9

Quarters: 2-1, 0-1, 0-2, 2-5

Team: Anthony Hrysanthos (11 saves/20 shots, 55%), Nicholas Porter, Richard Campbell (1), Blake Edward, Joseph Kayes (1), Nathan Power, Nickolas Elphick, Aidan Roach, Aaron Younger , Andrew Ford, Timothy Putt, Lachlan Hollis (1), Nicholas Brooks (1). Head coach: Elvis Fatovic

Goals/shots  AUS: 4/26  ESP: 9/27

Extramen AUS: 2 for 10; ESP: 2 for 8

Aussie Sharks lose close encounter with Montenegro

The Aussie Sharks have gone down to a strong Montenegro side in their last pool match at the FINA World League Super Final.

For full results - click here.

Aussie Sharks captain Aaron Younger continues his sharp shooting form helping his side in the opening half with a double.

Scores were leveled with under a minute to go before the end of the first quarter, however the Montenegrins pushed hard late in the second quarter to own a two-goal lead heading into half time.

Montenegro looked to be stamping their authority over the match with a three-goal lead during the third quarter.

Dual Olympian Aidan Roach continued to push hard for a comeback with a great action goal during the last quarter.

However, it wasn’t enough with the Aussie Sharks unable to make up the difference in time.

After finishing third overall in their pool the Aussie Sharks have set themselves up for a quarter final showdown with Spain.

Spain finished second in their pool with three victories, one of them coming from a successful penalty shootout with World Champions Croatia.

Aussie Sharks play in the quarter finals tonight against Spain from 12:45am AEST time. Watch live via the FINAtv stream or stay up to date with match updates on Twitter @WaterPoloAus.

• Day 4 Thursday, June 21 – Aus vs Spain 16.45 Australia v Spain (12:45am AEST, June 22)

• Day 5 & 6 – TBC

Australia vs Montenegro 8-10

Quarters: 2-3, 2-3, 2-3, 2-1

AUSTRALIA

Anthony Hrysanthos, Nicholas Porter, Richard Campbell, Blake Edward, Joseph Kayes (1), Nathan Power (1), Nickolas Elphick, Aidan Roach (2), Aaron Younger (2), Andrew Ford, Timothy Putt, Lachlan Hollis (1), Nicholas Brooks (1). Head coach: Elvis Fatovic

Goals/shots: AUS: 8/24 MNE: 10/26

Extramen: AUS: 4/11 MNE: 4/10

Aussie Sharks bounce back to defeat Japan at World League Final

The Aussie Sharks have bounced back in game two of the FINA World League Super Final to take a convincing 11-7 win over Japan.

For full results - click here.

Leading his side from in front, dual Olympian Aaron Younger was sensational with an impressive six goals.

Defence proved all the difference for the Australians, with Anthony Hrysanthos strong in goals with 15 solid saves.

While the Hungarians were able to mark the Aussie super-player Aaron Younger quite effectively on day one, the Japanese couldn’t stop him for a single moment.

He was the difference in the first eight minutes as the Aussies took a commanding 4-1 lead.

Japan’s never say die attitude saw them fighting to the end and while being down 10-4 down early in the fourth, then netted three in succession, but it wasn’t enough for a come back.

Goal keeper Anthony Hrysanthos said the win was good for giving the Aussie Sharks momentum heading into the next few days of competition.

“It was good to get a solid result on the board and it sets us up in a nice position for the quarter finals in two days time.

“For us the next challenge is Montenegro, so hopefully we can maintain that form in our defence and attack,” he said.

Australia will now take on Montenegro who won against host nation Hungary 12-9, placing them at the top of the pool.

Aussie Sharks face off against Montenegro at 12:45am AEST tonight. Watch the FINAtv live stream or follow match updates via the @WaterPoloAus Twitter account.

• Day 3 Wednesday, June 20 – Aus vs Montenegro 16:45 (12:45am AEST, June 21)

• Day 4-6 – TBC

Australia v Japan 11-7

Quarters: 4-1 , 2-2 , 2-1 , 3-3

AUSTRALIA

Anthony Hrysanthos, Nicholas Porter, Richard Campbell, Blake Edward (1), Joseph Kayes (2), Nathan Power (2), Nickolas Elphick, Aidan Roach, Aaron Younger (6), Andrew Ford, Timothy Putt, Lachlan Hollis, Nicholas Brooks. Head coach: Elvis Fatovic

Goals/Shots: AUS: 11/26 JPN: 7/29

Extramen: AUS: 2/3 JPN: 2/7

Best player of the game: Aaron Younger (AUS)

Tough opener for Aussie Sharks at World League Final

The Aussie Sharks have had a tough opener at the FINA World League Super Final in Budapest, going down to European powerhouse Hungary 5-12.

Full results and game stats - click here.

In a similar fashion to the 2017 World Championships, the Aussies once again were up against the hosts who had the local support behind them at the world class Duna Arena.

It was a slow start for Australia, getting their first goal deep into the first quarter courtesy of dual Olympian Aidan Roach who converted in extra man.

A fairly even contest in the second quarter with one goal a piece saw the Aussies trail 2-4 at half time.

But the Hungarians kicked into another gear in the third quarter to run away with the goal count 5-2, stamping their dominance on the game.

While the Aussies managed to turn their defence around in the final quarter the Hungarians ran away with a 12-5 win.

Rio Olympian Joe Kayes said despite the goal margin, there were positives the team could take away and build on for the rest of the Tournament.

“It was a close start and we let them get away with a few easy goals, but we’re playing our systems okay.

“There were a few two goal swings which hurt us early on, but it’s all looking pretty encouraging for us and hopefully we build on that and get a couple of wins,” he said.

The Aussies will next face Japan in their second pool match at 11:15pm AEST tonight. Watch the FINAtv live stream or follow match updates on the @WaterPoloAus Twitter account.

• Day 2 Tuesday, June 19 – Aus vs Japan 15:15 (11:15pm AEST )
• Day 3 Wednesday, June 20 – Aus vs Montenegro 16:45 (12:45am AEST, June 21)
• Day 4-6 – TBC

Australia 5 Hungary 12

Quarters AUS-HUN: 1-3, 1-1, 2-5, 1-3

AUSTRALIA

Anthony Hrysanthos, Nicholas Porter (1), Richard Campbell, Blake Edward, Joseph Kayes (2), Nathan Power (1), Nickolas Elphick (1), Aidan Roach (1), Aaron Younger, Andrew Ford, Timothy Putt, Lachlan Hollis, Nicholas Brooks. Head coach: Elvis Fatovic

Goals/shots: AUS: 5/28; HUN: 12/23

Extramen: AUS: 4/10 HUN: 3/7