HomeSportUSA Women’s Water Polo Team Eliminated by Australia in Semifinals

USA Women’s Water Polo Team Eliminated by Australia in Semifinals

NANTERRE, France – The American women’s water polo team was eliminated by Australia in the semifinals at the Paris Olympics on Thursday evening, ending their pursuit of a fourth consecutive gold medal. Australia excelled during the penalty shootout, successfully converting all six attempts, while goalkeeper Gabi Palm denied Maddie Musselman on the final attempt in the tiebreaker, advancing Australia to the finals.

Australia will now face Spain, who progressed after a thrilling 19-18 victory over the Netherlands in a penalty shootout. The gold medal match will take place on Saturday at the Paris La Defense Arena.

The USA initially took the lead at 5-2 by halftime but allowed the lead to slip in what was their second defeat at the Paris Olympics and their overall third loss in Olympic history since losing the final to the Netherlands in 2008. The team had previously recorded strong performances with a 5-0-1 record in London, 6-0 in Rio de Janeiro, and 6-1 in Tokyo.

No teams—men or women—have won four consecutive Olympic water polo titles. Spain, led by Judith Forca, who scored five goals in regulation and also converted her penalty, emerged victorious in their match. Bea Ortiz, Elena Ruiz, Paula Crespi, and Maica García Godoy also contributed as Spain went 5 for 5 in the tiebreaker.

This marked the first time that a women’s water polo semifinal was decided by penalties at the Olympics. Spain is now undefeated in six matches and is seeking their first gold medal in women’s water polo after losing to the USA in the finals in London and Tokyo. “We do not want a silver medal. We are here only for gold,” said Anni Espar Llaquet. “It has been a long road and a hard journey to get here. We have one game left; we have dreamed of this for several years, and I believe it is our time to shine.”

The Netherlands, who also reached the semifinals, had an unstable start, but Simone van de Kraats scored four goals, and the team will now face the USA for the bronze medal on Saturday. “I’m sad that we lost the match, but if you saw the beginning of the game, no one would have believed we could come back and nearly win,” said Sabrina van der Sloot from the Netherlands. “So I am really proud of my team and the way we fought back.”

García Godoy ensured Spain took the lead with 30 seconds remaining, but the Netherlands sent goalkeeper Laura Aarts up in attack, allowing Sleeking to equalize in the final second and sending the game to a penalty shootout. “It happens. One often has good and bad momentum,” said Espar Llaquet. “Believing in each other and cheering for each other was key to our success.”

Stay updated with the latest from Day 13 of the 2024 Paris Olympics, and track medals and event schedules.

Latest articles

Trump refuses to rule out use of military force to take Greenland

At a recent press conference, incoming U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he is...

Danish Minister Calls for Meeting on Proposed Parental Responsibility Law Changes

Social and Housing Minister Sophie Hæstorp Andersen has invited political parties in the Danish...

“Denmark announces new environmental initiatives to combat pollution and promote sustainability”

Please provide the Danish article you would like me to translate, and I'll be...

“Denmark Imposes Stricter Immigration Controls Amid Rising COVID-19 Concerns”

Please provide me with the Danish article you would like translated into English, and...

More News

Trump refuses to rule out use of military force to take Greenland

At a recent press conference, incoming U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he is...

Danish Minister Calls for Meeting on Proposed Parental Responsibility Law Changes

Social and Housing Minister Sophie Hæstorp Andersen has invited political parties in the Danish...

“Denmark announces new environmental initiatives to combat pollution and promote sustainability”

Please provide the Danish article you would like me to translate, and I'll be...