Netherlands confirmed its place in the quarterfinals with an Olympic record 33-1 victory over Olympic debutante South Africa in Group A .

While Netherlands still has Canada to face (on Sunday), only the ranking has to be decided. By losing its three matches today, South Africa will front Australia and even a win against one of the top teams here, it would not be enough to advance to the last eight and its tournament would be over.

“The quarterfinal, we already knew, a record is a record. We now have to play Canada. What was important (today) was to play with panache, fun and enjoy. You can leave with your head up high. OK, I’m satisfied with the way we played.”
By Arno Havenga (NED) — Head Coach

It was not records that Netherlands was looking for today, just a chance to go out and play some clean water polo, as the perfect 10 from 10 on extra-man attack attests.

The record it beat was held by Spain against South Africa — 29-4 — on day one.

By honing swimming and passing skills, let alone the combinations, Netherlands has placed itself in a good position for the critical quarterfinals.

Netherlands obviously had high quarter scores and the only blemish was South African captain Jordan Wedderburn lobbing the goalie at 21-1 in the third period.

The big scoring numbers went to Maartje Keuning (6), Maud Megens (5), Simone van der Kraats (5) and Sabrina van der Sloot (4).

Netherlands is on the prowl for a repeat of its 2008 gold, especially after a hiatus for the last two Games. Netherlands has won Olympic gold, world championship gold and a staggering eight World Cups, as well as the 1996 Olympic Year Tournament, a forerunner to the inaugural Olympic Games. It has a single World League bronze medal.

Match 13, 14:00, Group B, SOUTH AFRICA 1 NETHERLANDS 33
Quarters: 07, 0-9, 1-9, 0-8.
Referees:  Nicola Johnson (AUS), Ursula Wengenroth (SUI).
Shots: RSA: 1/20. NED: 33/42.
Extra Man: RSA: 0/3. NED: 10/10.
Pens: NED: 1/1.

FULL MATCH RESULTS

FLASH QUOTES

Nomi Stomphorst (NED) — Goal Scorer
“It was so important to play well with a good tempo and swimming for the next games. The quarterfinal, that’s the goal. We now play Canada and we’ll see who we cross with.”

Iris Wolves (NED) — Two Goals
"We just wanted to keep our speed high throughout the whole game. I think we kept our concentration and defended and attacked really well as a team. Beating Spain (on Wednesday), for us was a big thing, but we have to stay at that same high level, especially for the quarterfinals. I think physically we are in great shape, the best shape ever. If everything is going right with our tactics, I think we can make it far in this tournament."

Jordan Wedderburn (RSA) — Captain and Goal Scorer
“The last time we played them was the 2019 (World) Champs. They are a fast, counter-attacking team. The last time we didn’t score — 32-0 — so, there was some improvement.”

Meghan Maartens (RSA) — Player
It was extremely tough today. The Netherlands were very, very good and their shooting was right on point. Our reaction times need to be a lot quicker and we need to always stick together as a team. We're the first women's (water polo) team (to play) at the Olympics from Africa, so it's good for the growth of our sport in South Africa and also in Africa. So it's very nice to play at a competitive level like this. We're learning a lot. It’s been amazing. I don't want to go home.”

Group B: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v RUSSIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE 18-5

United States of America captain Maggie Steffens became the all-time Olympic scoring record holder with her four-goal haul in the 18-5 victory over the Russian Olympic Committee in Group B action.

Steffens eclipsed the 47-goal mark set by four-time Olympian Tania di Mario (ITA). Steffens has achieved her tally from just three Olympic Games. Steffens had 45 goals at the start of the match and scored No 46 in the second quarter, equalled the record late in the second, then smashed it at 5:32 in the third period for 11-3 when she accepted a cross pass to the right post to place it into an empty part of the goal.

She increased the mark on the next attack for 49 goals and she will hit the half-century, for sure, in the finals.

USA  has finished its group campaign with three wins from four matches, coming back today much stronger and better for the 10-9 loss to Hungary on Wednesday. It has the bye and time to recover before Tuesday’s quarterfinals. ROC has Japan on Sunday to confirm its place in the top eight.

"It's not like we're on vacation and we're going to be drinking Mai Tais. There are no breaks. I mean it's going to be important that we reset tomorrow. We haven't had a day off in a while. The plan all along was to take tomorrow off and rest, relax.”
By Adam Krikorian (USA) — Head Coach on having a three-day break before the quarterfinals on Tuesday:

USA was making a statement today that it will still be there at the sharp end and quite possibly on the top step of the dais. At 7-1 up midway through the second quarter, the match was sealed and ROC had no answers to the revitalised North Americans.

The match shot to 9-3 at halftime and 15-4 at the final break, the Russians making infrequent visits to the cage.

For the record, Stephanie Haralabidis joined Steffens on four goals; Paige Hauschild netted three and Maddie Musselman’s single strike gave her 20 Olympic goals in her 192nd international match.

Another big reason USA did so well was the defensive work of goalkeeper Ashleigh Johnson with 16 saves.

Russian captain Ekaterina Prokofyeva scored the 7-3 goal — her ninth in Tokyo and 29th Olympic goal.

Match 14, 14:30, Group B, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 18 RUSSIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE 5
Quarters: 5-1, 4-2, 6-1, 3-1
Referees: Alessandro Severo (ITA), Xevi Buch (ESP).
Shots: USA: 18/36. ROC: 5/30.
Extra Man: USA: 4/5. ROC: 4/6
Pens: Nil.

FULL MATCH RESULTS

FLASH QUOTES

Maggie Steffens (USA) — Olympic Record Goal Scorer
“"I think it's definitely really, really cool for our sport and honestly for our team. Our team is constantly looking at ways to propel the sport forward. I've had so many incredible support systems, so many great leaders on this team, to be (able to be) in this position. So as much as it's definitely cool, and I appreciate it, you can't have that without teammates, you can't have that without a path, you can't have that without even being able to play the sport with, you know, women, who you train with and dream with .As much as this (record) is cool to have my name attached to it, it's really about our team and our culture, and the women that came before me.” On how her nose is after breaking it during the match against China on Monday: "It's great, it's beautiful. Don't matter if it's broken, spirit is alive, and you know this is what the Games are about.” 

Adam Krikorian (USA) — Head Coach on Steffens’ scoring record
"I'm glad she did it in this game so we can get over it and move on to things that are more important. Obviously, it's a credit to her and the type of player she is. I think what's more amazing about Maggie is, it's not the goals she scores, or how many.”

Andrei Belofastov (ROC) — Assistant Coach
“USA played much better. We missed goals on counter attack. We need to forget this game and prepare for Japan (on Sunday). We need to improve. We played really bad today. We need to analyse this game, the missed goals on counter attack and get ready for the quarterfinals.”