Budapest, Hungary, July 18.— Olympic and World champion United States of America stunned 2013 World champion Spain with a 6-1 opening quarter and a final 12-8 margin on the second day of women’s water polo at the FINA World Championships at the Alfred Hajos Pool here today.

Madeleine Musselman scored three as USA started on fire and then lowered the flames somewhat for the next three quarters as Spain had the better of the 24 minutes in the Group B encounter. 

New Zealand netted the last four goals to overtake South Africa 8-6 in a see-saw match that had the Kiwis leading four times and South Africa three in what could be seen as the battle for third in Group B.

In Group A, Canada came from behind four times, squandered a three-goal lead with 10 seconds remaining and then scored in the final second to defeat China 9-8. In the final match of the night, Italy spread around the scorers in downing Brazil 18-4.

In Group C, Netherlands beat Japan 20-8 in an amazingly see-saw encounter with the Dutch 7-0 up at the quarter and Japan winning the second period 5-3. Japan was relentless in its quest for goals, but ultimately could not match the bigger and more powerful opponent. In the feature match of the day, Hungary pleased the packed house with a thrilling 24-5 march over France.

In Group D, Greece sent off Kazakhstan 19-5 and Australia fended off Russia 8-5 to take the group lead in the first match of the evening session.

Today's schedule

Match 9. 09:30, Group B, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 12 SPAIN 8

Match 10, 10.50, Group B, NEW ZEALAND 8 SOUTH AFRICA 6

Match 12, 12:10, Group C, JAPAN 8 NETHERLANDS 20

Match 13. 13:30, Group D, GREECE 19 KAZAKHSTAN 5

Match 14. 17:30, Group D, AUSTRALIA 8 RUSSIA 5

Match 15, 18:50, Group A, CHINA 8 CANADA 9

Match 11, 20.10, Group C, FRANCE 5 HUNGARY 24

Match 16. 21:30, Group A, ITALY 18 BRAZIL 4

Progress points:

Group A: Italy 4, Canada 2, China 2, Brazil 0.

Group B: USA 4, Spain 2, New Zealand 2, South Africa 0.

Group C: Hungary 4, Netherlands 4, Japan 0, France 0.

Group D: Australia 4, Russia 2, Greece 2, Kazakhstan 0.