ORADEA, Romania, March 8. FOR the first time in history, Canada's Men's Water Polo Team has guaranteed its spot for the 2008 Olympic Games today after defeating the host Team Romania 9-8 in the quarter final round of the FINA Olympic Qualifier Tournament. This important victory places them in the top 4 and automatically qualifies them for Beijing this summer.
"This victory is extraordinary news for our men's program," said Frank Meunier, President of Water Polo Canada. "Our team showed tremendous efforts during this tournament and we are very proud of their accomplishments."
It is the first time in history that Canada qualifies for an Olympic Game. In 1972, Canada had been invited to compete in Munich after one of the qualified country declined. In 1976, Canada was automatically in the line up being the host country. Canada boycotted the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, and subsequently Moscow boycotted the ‘84 Games in LA and Canada received a last minute invitation.
After failing to qualify for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Water Polo Canada hired Dragan Jovanovic as Head Coach to lead the Men's program. Jovanovic was a water polo goaltender from 1978-2000 in the former Yugoslavia. "Dragan has brought significant changes to the Men's program by creating centre based program across Canada," said Meunier. "We are seeing quite a lot of talent emerging from several areas in the country."
Today, Canada defeated Romania 9-8, a team they had pulled out of the top 12 last year at the World Aquatic Championships in Melbourne.
Romania showed a strong start against the Canadians taking the lead 2-0 in the first period. Canada picked up the pace adding six goals to the board in the second quarter taking a 6-5 lead. Canada managed to stay ahead in the second half finishing 8-6 in the third and 9-8.
Special thanks to Swimming Canada for contributing this report.