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Aussie Women Take World Cup Bronze as Men Fall Short After Final‑Second Save

The results signal clear forward momentum for Australian water polo ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics.

Overview

  • The Australian men lost their World Cup semi-final to Hungary 13-12 when a late blocked shot denied them a chance to force penalties.
  • Hungary goalkeeper Kristof Csoma produced a reflex save on Charlie Negus’s long-range attempt with seconds remaining to seal the win.
  • Earlier in the tournament the ninth-ranked Aussie men upset defending champions Spain, with Matthew Byrnes scoring four goals across the campaign to highlight improvement.
  • The Australian women beat Russia 12-9 to claim bronze, led by Alice Williams’s four goals and Tilly Kearns’s three as the Stingers led from the opening quarter.
  • Coach Tim Hamill praised the men’s performance, framed the campaign as evidence of progress toward Los Angeles, and the men now prepare to face Italy for the World Cup bronze.