Day 5: FINA World Men's Junior Water Polo Champs in Kuwait
It is the fifth day — and the final day of the group stage — of the FINA World Men’s Junior Water Polo Championships at the new Al-Nasar Sport Club Kuwait.
In Group A, Croatia came back from 12-9 down at three-quarter time to defeat Japan 14-12, built on six penalty goals and seven centre-forward strikes. Branimir Herceg was dominant in the hole with four goals, including the two demoralising goals at the end. Croatia claimed second spot in the group and Japan third. Serbia did enough to beat China 16-4 and grab top spot with Dorde Vucinic named player of the match. China claimed fourth spot ahead of South Africa.
In Group B, Hungary collected second spot with a stunning 17-7 victory over Canada. Hungary surged away from it 6-4 halftime lead and Botond Bobis top-scored with four goals. Russia opened its winning account in Kuwait and took out fourth place in the group in beating Egypt 17-9. Egypt scored seven of its goals on extra-man attack and Russia's Ivan Vasilev was awarded player of the match with his four goals and excellent all-round play.
In Group C, Italy won as expected over Kuwait — 18-7 — and leapfrogged United States of America for first place and direct entry to the quarter-finals. Kuwait put up stern opposition before Italy turned the 9-4 halftime advantage to a higher number. Montenegro held off a hard-working Iran 17-6 with Petar Mijuskovic and his four goals typifying the determination of the Balkan team. Montenegro's reward was third place in the group.
In Group D, Australia was too strong for Uzbekistan, winning 25-7 and now must play Japan in the second round. New Zealand claimed third over Brazil 8-6 in one of the most entertaining and riveting matches of the day and will now play Croatia in the second round. Brazil will go to a clash with South Africa in the lower crossovers.
Final points:
Group A: Serbia 8, Croatia 6, Japan 4, China 2, South Africa 0.
Group B: Spain 8, Hungary 6, Canada 4, Russia 2, Egypt 0.
Group C: Italy 7, USA 6, Montenegro 5, Iran 2, Kuwait 0.
Group D: Greece 8, Australia 6, New Zealand 4, Brazil 2, Uzbekistan 0.
Monday Schedule:
Match 33, 09:30, Group A, CROATIA 14 JAPAN 12
Match 34, 10:50, Group A, SERBIA 16 CHINA 4
Match 35, 12:10, Group B, HUNGARY 17 CANADA 7
Match 36, 13:30, Group B, RUSSIA 17 EGYPT 9
Match 37, 14:50, Group C, ITALY 18 KUWAIT 7
Match 38, 16:10, Group C, MONTENEGRO 17 IRAN 6
Match 39, 17:30, Group D, AUSTRALIA 25 UZBEKISTAN 7
Match 40, 18:50, Group D, BRAZIL 6 NEW ZEALAND 8
Tuesday Schedule:
Match 41, 09:30, 4A CHINA v 5D UZBEKISTAN
Match 43, 10:50, 5A SOUTH AFRICA v 4D BRAZIL
Match 44, 12:10, 5B EGYPT v 4C IRAN
Match 45, 13:30, 2A CROATIA v 3D NEW ZEALAND
Match 42, 14:50, 4B RUSSIA v 5C KUWAIT
Match 46, 16:10, 2B HUNGARY v 3C MONTENEGRO
Match 47, 17:30, 3A JAPAN v 2D AUSTRALIA
Match 48, 18:50, 3B CANADA v 2C UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Match reports
Match 33, 09:30, Group A, CROATIA 14 JAPAN 12
Quarters: 5-6, 4-2, 0-4, 5-0
Referees: Michiel Zwart (NED), German Moller (ARG)
Extra man: CRO: 1/8. JPN: 3/7.
Penalties: CRO: 6/6. JPN: 1/1.
Teams:
CROATIA: Jerko Jurlina, Ivan Malenica, Karlo Krekovic (1), Marin Vrdoljak (2), Luka Bajic, Filip Krzic, Goran Solje, Branimir Herceg (4), Jerko Penava (3), Matias Biljaka, Marko Zuvela (2), Lovro Paparic (3), Eugen Sunara. Head Coach: Josko Krekovic.
JAPAN: Tomoharu Shinto, Toi Suzuki (2), Shun Kobayashi, Shohei Yamada (2), Fumiya Tsuta (1), Naoki Aoyama, Goro Hizume (1), Eisuke Takahashi (2), Takumu Miyazawa, Yusuke Inaba (3), Yuki Maita (1), Taiyo Watanabe, Kentaro Tani. Head Coach: Takamitsu Nakashima.
Croatia took second in the group behind Serbia in what was a fantastic match, The scores were levelled at one, two, three, six, seven, nine and 12. It was a match of statistics with Japan keeping Croatia scoreless in the third and Croatia returning the favour in spades in the fourth. Croatia had trouble with outside shots, scoring six from the penalty line in the first half, seven from centre forward with the big men and one from the top on extra-man attack. Japan, on the other hand, used its speed and agility to create moments, gain six ejections and only one penalty. It scored three on extra-man attack, one from penalty and eight from the field, such is its strength, speed and accuracy of shooting. The first half was all about penalty fouls and conversions. In fact, Croatia converted six from six and Japan just the one from its sole attempt. Japan learned from those mistakes in the second half. Japan was 7-7 three minutes into the second quarter, but allowed Croatia out to 9-7 before pulling one back. At 9-7, Croatia had scored three straight, but then Japan went on a roll, taking one for the final break and then four unanswered goals in the third period for what could have been a 12-9 match-winning margin. If it scored the attack late in the period, four goals would have been an excellent buffer. However, Croatia settled in the break and planned for victory with two centre-forward goals either side of an extra-man goal to have the match at 12-12. To rub salt into the wound, Branimir Herceg nailed his third goal at 1:16 and his fourth centre-forward goal with a backhand at 0:24 and earned the man-of-the-match award. Japan was scoreless and distraught and will have the tougher match in the cross-overs, but could still make it to the medal round.
Photos: Eszter Novak
Match 34, 10:50, Group A, SERBIA 16 CHINA 4
Quarters: 5-1, 2-0, 5-2, 4-1
Referees: Gabor Vogel (HUN), Sinisa Matijasevic (MNE)
Extra man: SRB: 1/3. CHN: ¼.
Penalties: SRB: 1/1.
Teams:
SERBIA: Pavle Gavrilovic, Stefan Brankovic (2), Andrej Barac (2), Aleksa Nesic (4), Nemanja Stanojevic (1), Petar Mitrovic, Dorde Vucinic (3), Aleksa Cvetkovic, Vasilije Martinovic (2), Kristian Sulc (1), Luka Pijevancic (1), Marko Radovic, Vladimir Misovic. Head Coach: Uros Stevanovic.
CHINA: Junjiong Wang, Xingmeng He, Boren Shi, Lei Yuan, Guan Ou, Beiyi Wang (2), Luobin Liu, Yingyi Gao (2), Yi Lu, Yile Cheng, Beile Zhu, Mingtao Wu, Haotian Zhou. Head Coach: Ji Shen.
Photo: Eszter Novak
Serbia cemented the group win with a comfortable workout against China. Unbeaten after four matches, Serbia now has a day off and heads straight through to Wednesday’s quarter-finals. China has just the one win and is consigned to the 13-20 group. Today it struggled against the tougher Serbian outfit, managing just the four goals — two to Beiyi Wang (one on extra and another from the top) and captain Yingyi Gao (from the left and from well out the top). Serbia kept China at bay with its superior play. Dorde Vucinic was named player of the match with three goals and Aleksa Nesic was the top scorer with four goals.
Match 35, 12:10, Group B, HUNGARY 17 CANADA 7
Quarters: 3-1, 3-3, 6-1, 5-2
Referees: Peter La Marque (RSA), Nikolaos Boudramis (GRE)
Extra man: HUN: 5/8. CAN: 4/11.
Penalties: HUN: 2/2. CAN: 0/2.
Teams:
HUNGARY: Mark Banyai, Peter Sugar, Botond Bobis (4), Benedek Baksa (2), Marton Magyar (1), Gyorgy Agh, Mate Dala (2), Andras Turnai, Vince Vigvari (2), Gergo Fekete (3), Zsombor Szeghalmi (1), Mate Aranyi (2), Marton Mizsei. Head Coach: Kristof Kemeny.
CANADA: Brody McKnight, Antonios Giannatsis, Bogdan Djerkovic (1), Jeremie Coté (2), Harrison Henning, Nick Seredjuc, Kyril Marinov, Bor Tanasijevic, Stefan Dabic, Stephen Gloade (2), Max MacMillan, Reuel D’Souza (2), Minos Kotzambasis. Head Coach: Brian Parillo.
Hungary claimed second spot in the group. Both teams had four points heading into the match, but it was Hungary’s day. Canada worked tirelessly, only to be thwarted by Hungary’s all-round play. The mix of scorers said it all. Canada opened the scoring and then was halted from scoring until 5:36 in the second period for 5-2; 6-2 became 6-4 and could have been better if captain Reuel D’Souza had not barred his penalty attempt. Hungary controlled the third period and went into the final period was a handsome 12-5 advantage. At one stage, Canada was robbed of a meaningful shot outside six metres when there was more than a second on the clock. The timekeeper forgot to stop the clock and the ball was turned over. A protest ensued, lots of talk at the bench and Canada was awarded a full second in which to take the shot. Reuel D’Souza, defended by three players, shot atop the bar; a sad, wasted opportunity for Canada. At 4:58 in the third, Canada went to the penalty line and senior international Jeremie Coté took the shot, only to have it blocked by Marton Mizsei. However, Mizsei was off the line and the referee called for another attempt. Cote then sent the ball above his head, but Mizsei’s arms blocked it a second time. That third period was the big moving point for Hungary, who seems to be warming up for the second half of the tournament in exceptional form. Canada still has chances with some more daunting matches to force its way into the top group.
Photos: Eszter Novak
Match 36, 13:30, Group B, RUSSIA 17 EGYPT 9
Quarters: 4-3, 5-2, 6-0, 2-4
Referees: Liang Zhang (CHN), Vlaho Radichevic (CRO)
Extra man: RUS: 6/8. EGY: 7/14.
Penalties: RUS: 0/1.
Teams:
RUSSIA: Igor Chirkov, Sergei Mersh (3), Nikita Serebrennikov, Emil Zinnurov (2), Zamir Mirziev, Iaroslav Nikolaev, Nikita Mikhailov (3), Askar Makhiyanov (3), Valerii Pelikh, Ivan Vasilev (4), Danill Frolov (1), Egor Vasilev (1), Danila Apultchin. Head Coach: Sergei Voronin.
EGYPT: Marwan Reda, Youssef Amer, Abderahman Hamed (2), Ahmed Elsapagh (2), Mahmoud Maghwry, Karim Saleh, Mohanad Farahat, Mohamed Ziyad, Mohamed Rezk (2), Eissa Bassel (3), Adham Saleh, Mahmoud Elzayat, Marwan Makarem. Head Coach: Konstantinos Vamvakaris.
Russia finalised Group B with fourth place, while Egypt has to be satisfied with fifth. Egypt was in the match for a large part of the first half and made a resurgence in the final quarter, however, the 6-0 third period proved the killer for Egypt. Its only real chance was a penalty attempt, which was blocked by the goalkeeper. In the fourth period Egypt came alight with Ahmed Elsapagh grabbing his second; Eissa Bassel on extra and Mohamed Rezk scoring twice, bringing the score to 15-9. Nikita Mikhailov stepped up for his second goal to close Russia’s scoring and earn a first win in Kuwait. Ivan Vasilev was again impressive, gaining play-of-the-match honours for his four goals and leadership. This was Egypt’s best match and sets it up for the final rounds while Russia will be wanting to finish as high as possible, although medals are out of the question. Both teams could be commended for their extra-0man counts with Russia converting six from eight and Egypt seven from 14.
Photos: Eszter Novak
Match 37, 14:50, Group C, ITALY 18 KUWAIT 7
Quarters: 3-2, 6-2, 5-2, 4-1
Referees: Michael Brooks (NZL), David Gomez (ESP)
Extra man: ITA: 5/5. KUW: 1/5.
Penalties: ITA: 1/2. KUW: 0/1.
Teams:
ITALY: Francisco di Donna, Massimo di Martire (2), Filippo Ferrero (1), Mattia Antonucci, Andrea Narciso (2), Gianpiero di Martire, Mario Guidi, Ettore Novara (3), Michele Mezzarobba (4), Vincenzo Tozzi (3), Matteo Spione (1), Andrea Tartaro (2), Francesco de Michelis. Head Coach: Carlo Silipo.
KUWAIT: Yousef Almotar, Abdullah Jasem (1), Saud Alotaibi (1), Ali Hasan, Abduirahman Alwazan, Manaf Almajadi (2), Abdulwahab Hasan, Mobarak Dashti (1), Hassan Dashti (1), Abdullah Alhammad (1), Mohammad Ashkanani, Yousef Alfaressi, Sultan Alsultan. Head Coach: Markos Markoglou.
Italy came through its last test to finish atop Group C with seven points. Its only blemish was a draw with Montenegro on Sunday night. The win over Kuwait gave it the two points to leapfrog United States of America, who finished with six points with the sole loss to Italy on day one. Kuwait is improving with every match and the youngest team in the competition (with two 16 year olds) has taken to the top teams with zest and vigour. The players’ conditioning means they are rising high with hard shots and have great swimming skills. Kuwait opened the scoring and led again at 2-1 before Italy grabbed the quarter-time lead. The score moved to 6-2 with Kuwait narrowing the margin to 7-4. Kuwait opened the second-half scoring, but Italy shifted a gear and started firing on counter to move to 14-6 at the final break. Kuwait’s final goal came at the start of the fourth and Italy scored the final four goals. Italy will now enjoy the day of competition and concentrate on training for the sharp end of the tournament. Michele Mezzarobba was named best in water with four goals, three in the second quarter.
Photos: Eszter Novak
Match 38, 16:10, Group C, MONTENEGRO 17 IRAN 6
Quarters: 4-0, 4-2, 2-2, 7-2
Referees: Evgeniy Malinin (UZB), Conor Davis (AUS)
Extra man: MNE: 0/2. IRI: 1/4.
Penalties: MNE: 2/3. IRI: 0/1.
Teams:
MONTENEGRO: Darko Durovic, Nebojsa Vuskovic (4), Savo Cetkovic (1), Uros Vucurovic (2), Aljosa Macic (1), Danilo Radovic (1), Luka Murisic, Petar Mijuskovic (4), Miroslav Perkovic (1), Vuk Draskovic (1), Dusan Matkovic (2), Branko Franeta (1), Alen Isljamovic. Head Coach: Veljko Uskokovic.
IRAN: Mohammad Bayat, Omid Aghaei, Seyeedalireza Pourang (1), Khashayar Ghareh, Hossein Lalehsiahpirani, Mohammadamin Hassany (1), Mahdi Barzegarisharifabad (1), Pouria Fatehi, Amirreza Jalilipour (1), Amirali Moradinoghondar (2), Ali Lotfi, Omid Khosor, Mohammad Hassany. Head Coach: Gholami Majid.
Montenegro secured third spot and Iran fourth in this high-energy match. Both teams played high-tempo water polo and kept attacking strongly. Montenegro had the dream run, shooting to 7-0 before Iran began its scoring surge. Iran gave up two penalty fouls, which Montenegro converted. Iran swam in four of the next five goals, two on counter, one at centre forward and the other from deep right. Montenegro replied with four of its own — one from Nebojsa Vuskovic after he had his penalty shot blocked a minute earlier. At 10-4, Montenegro was well perched to pounce, making the most of counter-attack in preparation for Tuesday’s second round where it will play Hungary — a tough encounter. Iran is performing well and it too can take heart from a fine effort against an equal opponent in Egypt.
Photos: Eszter Novak
Match 39, 17:30, Group D, AUSTRALIA 25 UZBEKISTAN 7
Quarters: 8-2, 8-1, 5-2, 4-2
Referees: Nenad Golijanin (SRB), Darren Spiritosanto (USA)
Extra man: AUS: 0/4. UZB: 1/8.
Penalties: AUS: 0/3. IRI: 1/1
Teams:
AUSTRALIA: John Hedges, Jack Rector (1), Matthew Murphy (2), Lachlan Vos (1), Matthew Oberman (4), James Gillfeather (4), Hugh Anstey (2), Charlie Negus (3), Alastair Bruce (4), Nicholas Taylor, Lewis Putt (3), Matthew Byrnes (1), Flynn Mais. Head Coach: Andrew Yanitsas.
UZBEKISTAN: Abdullo Yokubjonov, Mukhammadyusuf Dedabaev, Jakhongir Sobirjonov (1), Asadbek Kenjaev, Azizbek Turgunov (3), Asadbek Azizov, Zaven Osipyan (2), Azizbek Botirov, Javokhir Kutmonbekov, Asorbek Yusufjanov (1), Sukhrob Khoshimov, Muzaffarbek Makhmudjonov, Shokhboz Usmonjonov. Head Coach: Oleg Pletnev.
Australia finished second in the group with a resounding victory over Uzbekistan, which has yet to win a match in Kuwait. This sets Australia for a second-round face-off with the perpetual motion Japan on Tuesday. The match started frantically with goals traded to 2-2 then the goals started peppering Uzbekistan’s goal as Australia went into overdrive. Iran was not to score a goal until 12-3, its only score of the second period. Azizbek Turgunov was all motion himself for Uzbekistan and captain Zaven Osipyan stepped up in the third with two strikes as Australia went to the final eight minutes with a 16-goal advantage, adding five more while Uzbekistan snapped up two late goals thanks to Turgunov. Centre forward Matthew Oberman and outside shooter James Gillfeather relished the outing, gaining plenty of experience for the final phases. Two areas of Australia’s game that failed wer from the penalty line, missing three from three and failing to convert any of its four extra-man attempts.
Photos: Eszter Novak
Match 40, 18:50, Group D, BRAZIL 6 NEW ZEALAND 8
Quarters: 1-4, 2-2, 2-1, 1-1
Referees: Adil Aimbetov (KAZ), Harvey Hinds (CUR)
Extra man: BRA: 2/5. NZL: 2/8.
Penalties: BRA: 0/1. NZL: 0/1.
Teams:
BRAZIL: Joao Silveira, Lucas Santos (1), Luiz Scarabelim, Felipe Ferreira, Nicholas Fichman, Bruno Chiappini, Italo Vizacre (1), Thomas Campedelli (3), Raul Morales, Marcos Pires (1), Vincius Pessin, Gabriel Galvane, Joao Fernandes. Head Coach: Thiago Nascimento
NEW ZEALAND: Joshua de Reeper, Louie Ferigo, Hamish Sullivan, Louis Clark, Calum de Jager, Brandon Matthews, James Catlin, Loui Schuler, Sam Ratima (1), Matt Morris (3), Rowan Brown (1), Nicholas Paterson (3), Bae Fountain. Head Coach: Lionel Randall.
The day started with a close match and ended with one. In between it was no contest. These two teams were battling for third place and a chance at the medals while the loser would have no chance for glory. Brazil opened the scoring inside the first minute, but it would be some time before Brazil breached New Zealand’s defence. In the meantime, the Kiwis drove in four straight goals and even gained a penalty attempt inside the final second. The shot was taken and blocked by Joao Fernandes, however, the referee called him jumping the line and another shot was taken. The pool was cleared and Louie Ferigo retook the shot for the same result — a block. The second period was drawn, New Zealand going to 6-2. Thomas Campedelli, who scored the first goal, delivered a second on extra-man attack after a timeout. He could have made it three had his penalty attempt not been skyed over the crossbar inside the final minute. Brazil dominated the third quarter even though Matt Morris took New Zealand to 7-3 early on extra-man attack. Two quick goals on consecutive attacks had Brazil back in the match at 7-5 — Marcos Pires with a rocket from a six-metre foul and Italo Vizacre with another outside blast on extra. The Kiwis had a shot at getting the margin out to three late in the period following a timeout with four attempts failing to get through the forest of arms and goalkeeper. Campedelli brought it to within one on extra with his powerful left arm down the right-hand side of the pool at 5:00, breaking a goal drought of seven and a half minutes. Fernandes was having a tremendous night with a multitude of saves. However, he could not stop the point blank shot from two metres by Nicholas Paterson off a cross pass at 2:13 for 8-6 on extra when the Kiwis had just switched four players on the fly. New Zealand called a timeout at 1:14 to use up the time. Vizacre stole the ball and swam up the pool alone and fired his shot into Fountain, thus losing the match. New Zealand was through.
Photos: Eszter Novak