Australia produced the standout performance of the crossover round as the quarterfinal line-up was completed at the World Aquatics Women’s U18 Water Polo Championships in Puerto de la Cruz, Spain.
Australia, the Netherlands, China and Canada all secured victories on Thursday to join group winners Greece, Hungary, the United States and defending champions Spain in the last eight.
The Australians delivered by far the biggest victory of the day, overwhelming Croatia 28-4. Bless Daly led the charge, scoring the opening three goals and six of Australia’s first ten as her side established complete control.
Australia led 5-0 after the opening period and 12-1 by half-time before adding another nine goals in the third quarter. The result sets up a quarterfinal against Greece.
The Netherlands were similarly comfortable in their 13-2 win over New Zealand. After a relatively quiet opening period, the Dutch defence took control and restricted New Zealand to just two goals across the entire game. They will now face the United States for a place in the semifinals.
China faced a much tougher challenge against Israel, eventually emerging with a 14-12 victory. The teams remained closely matched for much of the contest before China created a three-goal advantage around the final break.
Zhang Jingwen finished with five goals for China, while Israel’s Dorfman also scored five. China’s victory sends them into a quarterfinal meeting with Hungary.
Canada completed the quarterfinal field with an impressive 10-6 victory over Italy.
After taking a 2-0 first-quarter lead, Canada moved clear during a decisive third period, winning the quarter 5-2 to establish an 8-4 advantage. Adelyn Kyfiuk, Dasha Khramtsova and Lujayn Abdelfattah each scored three goals, while goalkeeper Alexandra Stoddard made nine saves.
Canada, who finished 12th at the previous edition, will now face defending champions Spain in Friday’s final quarterfinal.
Elsewhere, matches continued in the lower classification groups. Turkiye defeated South Africa 17-13, Brazil beat Malta 15-3, Colombia overcame Zimbabwe 17-8 and Germany edged Serbia 9-7.
Quarterfinals – Friday
Greece vs Australia
Hungary vs China
United States vs Netherlands
Spain vs Canada
Results
Netherlands 13-2 New Zealand
China 14-12 Israel
Canada 10-6 Italy
Australia 28-4 Croatia
Turkiye 17-13 South Africa
Brazil 15-3 Malta
Colombia 17-8 Zimbabwe
Germany 9-7 Serbia
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