Trieste, Italy.— Former Olympic champions Netherlands and Italy battled to a 7-7 draw in day-two action of the women’s water polo Olympic Games Qualification Tournament in the Bruno Bianchi Aquatic Centre today.
The impasse means it will come down to goal differential with Netherlands currently holding sway. In fact, should Netherlands beat third-placed France by more than 13 goals on Thursday (the margin Italy beat France), then it finishes top and has the easier quarterfinal progression to the semifinals.
In the other Group A encounter, France came from 7-6 behind against Slovakia at halftime to blitz the second period for a 17-9 victory.
In Group B, Hungary beat Kazakhstan in the opening match with captain Rita Keszthelyi netting an incredible nine goals. Greece fended off Israel 20-1 with Eleftheria Plevritou scoring a perfect seven from seven.
All teams are gunning for the medal final with the chosen two sealing their Tokyo 2020 qualifications.
Progress points:
Group A: NED 3, ITA 3, FRA 2, SVK 0.
Group B: HUN 4, GRE 4, KAZ 0, ISR 0.