Day 1 of the World Aquatics Championships delivered drama, dominance, and a few close calls in the women’s tournament.
Spain and the Netherlands eased to start-to-finish victories, while the USA had to dig deep to overcome a spirited Chinese team. Team GB and Japan earned vital wins in Groups C and D, respectively—both now targeting the crossover round as they chase a first-ever quarterfinal appearance at the World Championships. New Zealand gave Italy an early scare, but the Setterosa recovered in the second half to avoid a surprise upset. Australia, meanwhile, made light work of hosts Singapore and remain unbeaten heading into a decisive matchup with Italy. The day’s most anticipated clash came last, as Hungary and Greece met in a crucial Group C showdown. Tricha netted six goals for Greece, but it wasn’t enough—Hungary pulled ahead in the final two minutes to claim a narrow win.
Group A
Italy struggled early against an improved New Zealand side but managed to pull away in the final minutes. The White Caps set the tone early with two quick goals in the first period, and Italy—caught off guard—struggled to find their rhythm. Once they took the lead in the third period, Italy showed their full potential with beautiful goals and precise defense, allowing only three more goals from New Zealand.
Despite the final five-goal margin, the game was close throughout. Three consecutive penalties in the second half helped Italy shift the momentum from a 6–8 deficit to a 9–8 lead, from which they never looked back. New Zealand fought hard but couldn’t convert their opportunities in the second half. With eight different scorers and a balanced offense, the White Caps displayed a promising future. Ultimately, it was Italy’s calm and precision towards the end that earned them the win.
Australia’s 7–0 lead after the first quarter decided their game early. Singapore got on the board in the second, but couldn’t match the Olympic silver medalists’ pace or class. All of Australia’s players scored at least once, and the team combined beautiful assists with strong defensive organization.
Now, with both Italy and Australia unbeaten, their head-to-head clash in two days will likely decide the group winner—and who earns a direct ticket to the quarterfinals.
Group A Results:
Italy 14 – 9 New Zealand
Singapore 2 – 34 Australia
Group A Standings:
Australia – 1GP – 3 Points
Italy – 1GP – 3 Points
New Zealand – 1 GP – 0 Points
Singapore – 1 GP – 0 Points
Group B
Group favorites USA and the Netherlands both secured wins in their openers—USA edging past China, and the Dutch dominating Argentina.
The Netherlands briefly trailed early but responded with nine unanswered goals, taking total control. Every Dutch player scored, showing off their balanced attack. This dominant win gives them momentum ahead of a crucial clash with the USA in two days.
The USA led by two early on, but China fought back to level the score midway through the second quarter. The Americans then pulled away with six unanswered goals, driven by a dominant third period (6–1). Emily Ausmus and Emma Lineback led the scoring with three goals each. Still, the Americans will aim to improve their conversion rate on power plays before facing the Dutch.
The winner of USA vs. Netherlands on July 13 will top the group and go straight to the quarterfinals, while the runner-up will have to battle through the crossover round. China will look to bounce back and secure a crossover spot with a win over Argentina.
Group B Results:
Argentina 6 – 25 Netherlands
USA 15 – 7 China
Group B Standings:
Netherlands – 1GP – 3 Points
USA – 1GP – 3 Points
China – 1GP – 0 Points
Argentina – 1GP – 0 Points
Group C
In a high-scoring game, Japan secured vital points by defeating debutants Croatia. Croatia struggled against Japan’s trademark high press and fast-paced style. They didn’t seem up to the challenge in their first-ever match on the world stage. Japan showed precision in their shooting and capitalized well in their woman-up situations. Their dominance was especially clear in the third period (11–5). Left-hander Yumi Arima led the offense with seven goals.
With this win, Japan is now close to securing a spot in the crossover matches and has a historic first-ever quarterfinal qualification in sight. After today’s loss, Croatias hopes of reaching the crossover round are slim, as they still have to face title contenders Hungary and Greece.
In the most anticipated game of the day, Greece and Hungary delivered a physical battle full of action. The game went back and forth throughout the first half, with neither team able to pull away. Hungary came out stronger after the halftime break, scoring four unanswered goals in the third period. Greece mounted a strong comeback in the fourth, levelling the score at 9–9 with four minutes left. But Natasa Rybanska destroyed Greek hopes with a decisive game-winning goal in the final minutes. Foteini Tricha led Greece with six goals, while Rybanska contributed three for Hungary. With this win, Hungary now sits comfortably in first place in Group C and is set to advance directly to the quarterfinals.
Group C Results:
Japan 25 – 12 Croatia
Greece 9 – 10 Hungary
Group C Standings:
Hungary – 1GP – 3 Points
Japan – 1GP – 3 Points
Greece – 1GP – 0 Points
Croatia – 1GP – 0 Points
Group D
Spain and Great Britain both remain unbeaten after Day 1. Spain delivered a dominant win over South Africa, while Team GB held off France in a tough, back-and-forth battle. Spain lived up to expectations, controlling their game from the start. Every Spanish player got on the scoreboard, and rising star Carlota Penalver led with five goals. Spain’s next challenge comes against France on Day 2 as they continue their quest to win the group and advance straight to the quarterfinals.
The match between France and Great Britain was tight early on, with both teams trading goals. But the second period proved decisive, with Team GB scoring three unanswered goals to take control. France mounted a response, gaining some counterattack chances, but the British defense held strong until the final whistle.
After placing 11th in Doha, Team GB is determined to improve their result in Singapore. This win puts them in a strong position to secure second place and earn a more favorable crossover opponent. A win over South Africa on July 13 would likely seal the deal.
Group D Results:
South Africa 4 – 23 Spain
France 9 – 12 Great Britain
Group D Standings:
Spain – 1GP – 3 Points
Great Britain – 1GP – 3 Points
France – 1GP – 0 Points
South Africa – 1GP – 0 Points
What’s Next?
Group A
Italy vs. Australia will headline Group A on Day 2 of the group stage. With both teams unbeaten, this match will likely decide who advances directly to the quarterfinals. Expect a tight, physical clash between two world-class squads.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will aim to secure all three points against Singapore to boost their chances of reaching the crossover stage.
July 13th 2025
11:35CET Italy – Australia
13:10CET New Zealand – Singapore
Group B
A rematch of the bronze medal game at the Paris Olympics will decide the top spot in Group B. The USA and the Netherlands — both with comfortable wins so far — will play their most important group match, each aiming to finish first and advance directly to the quarterfinals. China will face Argentina in a key matchup to secure a place in the crossover round. A win for the Asian champions would keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.
July 13th 2025
3:00CET China – Argentina
14:45CET Netherlands – USA
Group C
Hungary’s next match against Japan will be a challenge, as the Japanese team’s unique style of play is always difficult to handle. Their speed and high press could pose problems, even for a confident Hungarian side. Greece will face Croatia in their second group game, aiming to collect their first three points of the tournament.
July 13th 2025
4:35CET Hungary – Japan
7:45CET Croatia – Greece
Group D
Spain is expected to secure another comfortable win against a young French team, continuing their dominant run in Group D. Great Britain will face South Africa in a decisive matchup. A win would secure second place in the group, an important step toward avoiding a top-ranked opponent in the crossover round and strengthening their path to the quarterfinals.
July 13th 2025
6:10CET Great Britain – South Africa
10:00CET Spain – France
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