Classification Finals — Szeged

Classification 9-10

NEW ZEALAND 11 CANADA 20 

A few fans followed both teams to the Tiszavirág pool. Especially Kiwi fans came with drums and tried to make a good atmosphere, but after the anthems the drums remained silent, because Canada really wanted to show that it belonged to the top teams and only let in one goal at the end while scoring four in the first quarter. In the second, New Zealand scored first, but that was the only one and let in five. In the third quarter, the Kiwis scored five times ,twice as many as they scored in the first half, and it was the most eventful quarter with 11 goals in all. The fourth was almost the same, scoring nine total, and Canada outscored New Zealand only in the last second.

Match heroes
Emmerson Houghton scored six goals from nine shots and was the best from her team. Shae La Roche led by example for Canada and scored four goals.

Turning point
There was no question Canada would win that game from the first second, but from the second half the New Zealand returned from the ashes and played an amazing, close match, scoring nine goals.

Stats don’t lie
Both teams had a multitude of opportunities, but only New Zealand had penalty shots and converted both. Canada scored five goals from extra-player situations and was 50 per cent accurate in actions.

Bottom line
Canada showed that it belongs to the top teams in the world or just a few things are missing to be there. New Zealand stayed focused and played as a team in all the difficult situations.

What they said
David Paradelo (CAN) — Head Coach
“We had an amazing first half, we played very well, offence and defence. In the second half we played well still on offence, but our defence was terrible, and it’s a bit of the story of our tournament. We had some good periods and a couple of periods fell apart in defence and that killed us. My best memory, of course, is when we played against Hungary. You don’t get to play many games with six or eight thousand fans, so we appreciate when these moments happen in our career.“
Shae La Roche (CAN) — Player of the Match
“I’m satisfied because we ended with a good game. I think we definitely could have been in the top (eight), so I was a little bit disappointed with that. We struggled to put together four good quarters in the round play and in the crossover. We have a great team and could have done a lot better. All moments all together being a team and coming together.”
 Angela Winstanley-Smith (NZL) — Head Coach
“They were so close from the quarter-final round; their defence was good. We haven’t played at this level since 2019. We actually became more and more comfortable. Hats off to Canada, they played their best game against us. We can only leave from here with good experiences and memories. The best memory was the game against Kazakhstan; the girls were so motivated.”
Emmerson Houghton (NZL) — Six goals
“We are very tired, but the girls played very well; we kept fighting the whole time. It’s so good to play hard and tough games. It’s so good to hear the fans from the stands. Being here in Hungary was the best during this time.”

Classification 11-12

ARGENTINA 6 KAZAKHSTAN 12 

Both teams had one win before this game, and tried to finish the world championship with a better result and get 11th place. In the first quarter, Kazakhstan showed it had a stronger will to fulfil its goal and scored four, but in the last second Argentina kept its chances to stay in the match. Everything went the same in the second quarter, Kazakhstan scoring three times in a row, and Argentina scored one at the end. In the third quarter, the only difference was the last goal, which was scored by Kazakhstan. In the last quarter, Argentina scored first and drew in the last quarter, but it wasn’t enough.

Match heroes
Darya Roga had previously only scored two goals in the tournament, but today she was unstoppable. Cecilia Leonard scored three times and she was the top scorer for Argentina.

Turning point
From the beginning, Kazakhstan controlled the match and was more accurate in defence and in offence, too.

Stats don’t lie
Kazakhstan keepers had 65 per cent save efficiency and were perfect from the penalty spot. Argentina had more shots, but only scored half a dozen.

Bottom line
Kazakhstan won its last match and can now travel home with a smile and with 11th place. For Argentina, it was the first taste of water polo at this level.

What they said
Marat Naurazbekov (KAZ) — Head Coach
“We reached our goal, but that was the minimum for us; we wanted to reach a quarter-final, but that was the maximum from us. The championship was really well organised and had a high level. We are very pleased to be here and thanks to all.”
Darya Roga (KAZ) — Player of the Match
“I’m really happy now, but I could be a little bit happier if we won the game against New Zealand in the group stage. We are a little bit tired now after the games. We have been in Sopron and Szeged, so we travelled across the country.”
Fabio Lombardi (ARG) — Assistant Coach
“The experience with this tournament was awesome, except this game was bad. These are the games that make you improve. These games show you what the differences are between other teams. Playing here was unbelievable; the best memory was the game against Hungary.”
Cecilia Leonard (ARG) — Three Goals
“The game wasn’t the result that we wanted; it was getting here, learning and getting better through our losses, and showing the world what we can do. It was amazing being here, playing against the top teams in the world; that means a lot for us in the future.”