World 4 x 4 water polo champion USA (Photo by Aniko Kovacs/World Aquatics)
United States of America repeated its effort of day of day one and defeated Spain 3-0 in the gold-medal final of the first 4×4 world water-polo tournament, not dropping as set.
USA needed just 10 goals to dispense with Spain, who netted four, to win the tournament that has fans excited for its future. Russia, who lost to Spain twice, downed Australia with a tally of 15 goals to seven in the 3-0 sets for the bronze.
Australia lost to Spain and USA going into the medal match.
Croatia had the better of Turkiye 3-1 in an equally low-scoring encounter for fifth position. Greece, which has under-performed by its standard in Dubrovnik, gained its first win, over winless South Africa 3-0 for seventh ranking.
USA made it a clean sweep, beating Spain 3-0 on day one and repeating the dose on day seven. Molly Cahill’s team was flawless and was probably underworked, never dropping a set and having to play bottom-ranked South Africa on consecutive days.
It was a 9-3 difference on day one and 8-4 today. Captain Rachel Fattal opened the match with the sprint and the first two goals. Carlota Penalver scored on extra to bring Spain to life but superstar Ryann Neushul took it to 3-1 on extra.
Jenna Flynn hit the post on penalty but scored the rebound. Fattal gave up a penalty foul with Lucia Rodriguez having her shot saved. Neushul began the second set on extra and counter before Isabel Piralkova scored off a five-metre shot and then on penalty for 2-2. Rodriguez gave Spain the lead on a five-metre shot.
Jewel Roemer pulled off two miraculous goals in five seconds, firstly with the bonus penalty and then the five-metre shot for 4-3 with seven seconds left. Jenna Flynn scored on penalty in the first minute of the third set and at 1:33 Roemer nailed the bonus penalty shot. A Spanish timeout could not find the double goal needed and USA swam home a winner.
Final Placings
1. United States of America
2. Spain
3. Russia4. Australia
5. Croatia
6. Turkiye
7. Greece
8. South Africa
Most Valuable Player
Ryann Neushul (USA)
Best Goalkeeper
Mariona Terre (ESP)
Media All Star Team
Goalkeeper
Mariona Terre (ESP)
Field Players
Jenna Flynn (USA)
Olga Lupinogina (RUS)
Ryann Neushul (USA)
