Dutch water polo players qualified for the World Cup semi-finals in Fukuoka, Japan on Monday. National coach Evangelos Doudesis’ team settled with Canada: 17-10.
The Netherlands dominated almost the entire game. Already after the first quarter, the 2008 Olympic champion was leading 6-2. After that, the formation of Doudesis slowly but surely widened the margin. Canada closed the gap in the final round, but it wasn’t exciting.
With three goals, Kitty Lynn Joustra, Brigitte Sleeking and Simone van de Kraats were the most productive for Orange.
In the battle for a final ticket, the Netherlands will face Italy on Wednesday, who beat the United States 8-7. The American team had won the last four World Cups and was also the strongest at the last three Olympics.
Moreover, if the Netherlands reach the final, they are already certain of participating in next year’s Games in Paris.
The Netherlands have only scored victories in the group stage
In the group stage, the Netherlands had already made a good impression with victories over Spain (7-6), Kazakhstan (30-2) and Israel (24-8).
Last year, the Netherlands finished third in the World Cup. Hungary were then 13-12 too strong in the semi-finals.
Eindfase WK waterpolo:
- Kwartfinale
- Verenigde Staten-Italiƫ 7-8
- Nederland-Canada 17-10
- Griekenland-Australiƫ
- Hongarije-Spanje
- Halve finale (26 juli)
- Finale en strijd om brons (28 juli)
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