Although the audience greatly enjoyed the goal frenzy of yesterday, Hungary’s coaching staff was much less satisfied. Ahead of the tournament Tibor Benedek had emphasized the importance of defense and especially wanted to focus on this often undermined aspect of the game. The display against USA on day 1 was certainly entertaining, but also naïve and sometimes a little careless. This had to improve against Croatia if the hosts wanted to keep the tournament victory within reach.
Earlier in the day USA and Canada lined up for the battle of North America. Both teams know one another through and through and are often a thorn in each other’s eyes during qualification campaigns. The match that followed confirmed that these teams have few secrets between them. The 11-11 final score was a fair result and Canada will try to contain the Hungarians tomorrow to snatch 3rd place on goal difference.
After USA and Canada had warmed up the audience, it was time for the main event. The 1,000-seated BVSC swimming arena was completely sold out as Hungary and Croatia laced up. Hungary started with Attila Decker in goal after his Szolnok colleague Viktor Nagy had played the opening match against USA on day 1.
It was immediately visible that this was going to be a different kind of game than yesterday. Hungary looked much more organised in defence and the Croatian shooters could not find the space needed to beat Decker.
Ferenc Salamon broke the deadlock after 3 minutes and then added another one 2 minutes later to bring his total to 7. Croatia was struggling with the tight defence of their opponent and conceded another one early in the 2nd period before Maro Jokovic could finally get the visitors on the board. Hungary continued to dominate though and 2 goals by Dénes Varga made it 5-1 before Sandro Sukno could add a 2nd for Croatia to make the score look a little less painful at half-time.
Photograph: waterpolo.hu.
After the break the Croatians tried to claw their way back into the game. Their efforts were in vain though.
Hungary went on scoring with another goal for Salamon and the first for left hander Márton Vámos.
Going into the final period with a 7-4 lead, Hungary’s victory was not endangered anymore. By adding 2 more goals each, the teams reached a final score of 9-6.
On day 3 Croatia will complete the tournament against USA after which Hungary and Canada will close up for the end of the Volvo Cup.
Earlier in the day USA and Canada lined up for the battle of North America. Both teams know one another through and through and are often a thorn in each other’s eyes during qualification campaigns. The match that followed confirmed that these teams have few secrets between them. The 11-11 final score was a fair result and Canada will try to contain the Hungarians tomorrow to snatch 3rd place on goal difference.
After USA and Canada had warmed up the audience, it was time for the main event. The 1,000-seated BVSC swimming arena was completely sold out as Hungary and Croatia laced up. Hungary started with Attila Decker in goal after his Szolnok colleague Viktor Nagy had played the opening match against USA on day 1.
It was immediately visible that this was going to be a different kind of game than yesterday. Hungary looked much more organised in defence and the Croatian shooters could not find the space needed to beat Decker.
Ferenc Salamon broke the deadlock after 3 minutes and then added another one 2 minutes later to bring his total to 7. Croatia was struggling with the tight defence of their opponent and conceded another one early in the 2nd period before Maro Jokovic could finally get the visitors on the board. Hungary continued to dominate though and 2 goals by Dénes Varga made it 5-1 before Sandro Sukno could add a 2nd for Croatia to make the score look a little less painful at half-time.
Photograph: waterpolo.hu.
After the break the Croatians tried to claw their way back into the game. Their efforts were in vain though.
Hungary went on scoring with another goal for Salamon and the first for left hander Márton Vámos.
Going into the final period with a 7-4 lead, Hungary’s victory was not endangered anymore. By adding 2 more goals each, the teams reached a final score of 9-6.
On day 3 Croatia will complete the tournament against USA after which Hungary and Canada will close up for the end of the Volvo Cup.
USA
|
Canada
|
11-11
|
Hungary
|
Croatia
|
9-6
|
Team
|
Points
|
Goal Difference
|
Hungary
|
6
|
13
|
Croatia
|
3
|
3
|
Canada
|
1
|
-6
|
USA
|
1
|
-10
|
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