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Not far from the main pool at Gwangju’s Nambu University Municipal Aquatics Center—ground zero for the doping scandal that has engulfed China’s Sun Yang and all swim competition at the 2019 FINA World Aquatics Championships—the world’s best water polo team goes about its business as methodically as a skilled surgeon. Riding an almost-unfathomable 52-match win streak—and on the verge of an unprecedented 12th straight major title—the U.S. women simply go about what they do best: win.
The latest example of American dominance in the sport was a one-sided semifinal win today against long-time foe Australia. Adam Krikorian’s squad sprinted out to a 6-0 lead mid-way through the third period before Aussie captain Rowie Webster spoiled goalie Ashleigh Johnson’s shutout attempt with a power-play goal at the 4:22 mark. It was another 10 minutes before the Stingers would score again; by then it was much too late. The U.S. emerged with a convincing 7-2 victory, and are one win away from an unprecedented feat: three straight FINA World titles.
[18th FINA World Championships: A Numbers Game for US Women’s Water Polo]
To accomplish what no other men’s or women’s team has at Worlds, the U.S. will need to beat Spain, a 16-10 winner over Hungary in Wednesday’s other semifinal. In silencing Australia, the only team to beat them the last two years, the Americans got 14 saves from Johnson and two goals apiece from Mackenzie Fischer, Stephania Haralabidis and Alys Williams.
Mackenzie Fisher (11)—here in the 2017 World Championship final—has been a stalwart for the U.S. Photo Courtesy: SIPA USA
In a tournament that has included eye-opening offense—including a 64-goal explosion by Hungary at the expense of host South Korea—Krikorian’s squad has been winning on defense. In a (so far) romp throughout the some of world’s best squads, they have surrendered 3, 9, 1, 5 and now 2 goals—an average of four scores per game. Johnson is clearly the world’s best at her position, and back-up Amanda Longan, who will only get to play in the final if Johnson is injured or the U.S. is up big, may be the second-best goalie in the world.
This is not to say that everything comes easily for the Americans. Last month, Italy pushed them almost to the breaking point, but the U.S. held on for 10-9 win in the FINA World League Super Final title match to qualify for the 2020 Games. In Group A play here in Gwangju, the Netherlands held a one goal lead mid-way through the third period before a late scoring spurt helped Team USA pull away for a 12-9 victory.
[USA Women Prevail over Holland in 3rd Day of FINA World Water Polo Championships]
Now it’s the Spanish standing in their way of another world championship, with a match-up that is a replay of the 2017 FINA Worlds final. In that match, the U.S. broke open a close contest with five goals in the third period to capture a 13-6 victory.
It’s also a rematch between the two sides—with different players—who met last Thursday in FINA’s inaugural beach water polo tournament, a 14-12 win for the U.S.
The two squads that will collide Friday are remarkably similar from two years ago; for the U.S. ten players return. Johnson is back in goal after a year off to ponder her future (one that will ideally include another Olympic gold medal). Spain also returns ten players; not in Budapest in 2017 was Roser Tarrago—who was injured—but is now healthy and leading the team with 13 goals. Another addition is Maica Garcia Godoy; the 29-year-old took off the last World Championships for a mental break but has come back fully engaged. With 11 goals in five matches, Garcia Godoy has provided a reliable scoring option for Spanish head coach Miguel Angel Oca Gaia.
Spain’s coach Miguel Ángel Oca Gaia has to hope for a better outcome against the U.S. in a FINA final. Photo Courtesy: SIPA USA
The breakout newcomer for the Americans has been Haralabidis, who was not even a U.S. citizen in 2017—she was still on the Greek national team, though not invited to Worlds. She would be now; with 11 goals—including two against Australia—she’s trailing only Maddie Musselman (13 goals) on the U.S. roster.
No matter how Friday’s match goes, one thing is certain; by virtue of advancing to the title match against the Americans, the Spaniards have punched their ticket to Tokyo. Now, can they make history and end Team USA’s epic win streak? That remains to be seen—streamed live on the Olympic Channel at 5:30 a.m. EST.
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