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In Budapest in 2022, the US water polo team surpassed Hungary by securing the sixth position in the championship. The match was an enthralling game that kept every fan on their tiptoes as in the waters of Budapest with a single lead, the US team sealed their win with a score of 11-10.
However, the tables have turned, and after a year, the Hungary team has clapped back with an even stronger comeback. As of July 25th, the Hungary team kicked the United States out of the Olympics qualifiers. The Hungary team has therefore inched one step closer to the Olympics with a score of 13-12 in the quarterfinals.
Team Hungary is one step closer to the Olympics
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On July 25, the US water Polo team was kicked out of the quarterfinals held in Fukuoka. The World Olympic qualifying Championship was held on Tuesday, and team Hungary went on to win the match by a score of 13-12. The match started with the US team playing defensively while avoiding any goals from Hungary. The teams were also tied until the end of one quarter; however, in the last two quarters, the match quickly slipped from the hands of the USA.
Although the US team scored five goals in the last seven quarters, the Hungary team led the score in the last two quarters. Thanks to a staunch performance by the star of the match, Gergo Zalanki, who scored six goals against the US team. Due to one of many offensive fouls by the US team, Zalanki added two more goals to the team and led Hungary by a 10-7 score. And with the efforts of Adam Nagy and Denes Varga, the team finished off the game strong with a score of 13-12. After the loss, the US team in a tweet appreciated the team’s effort as the caption stated “The team USA men fought to the final buzzer, but just ran out of a time.”
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-06-19T182149Z_1187131416_UP1EH6J1F0B2W_RTRMADP_3_SWIMMING-WORLD-POLO.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Reuters
Water Polo – FINA Women’s Water Polo World League Super Final 2021 -Olympic Indoor Pool, Athens, Greece – June 19, 2021 General view during the match between Hungary and USA REUTERS/Costas Baltas
The team from Hungary is now one step closer to getting their ticket to the Olympic Games held in Paris next year. On July 27, the clash between Spain and France will decide which team joins Hungary in the semi-final match. These semi-final matches will not only decide the champions of the Fukoka but also the Olympic qualifiers for 2023. On the other hand, the US teams on both sides are not qualifying for the championship this year. The women’s US water polo team will also not be represented on the international level after losing to Italy recently.
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The US women lost their title to Italy
Last week, the women’s US water polo team lost the quarterfinal to Italy. The team lost to Italy by a score of 8-7 and relinquished their chance at the Olympics next year. The polo team, which has been four-time world champions, will not be playing at the international level for the first time in over a decade. The women’s team had knocked out three teams, China(15-6), Australia (9-5), and France (16-5) out of their way before losing their chance to participate in Paris next year. Unfortunately despite the team’s effort, the women’s team is only fighting now to remain in the top 5 positions at the Worlds.
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In essence, both USA water polo teams, unfortunately, missed their chance of securing a ticket to Paris. The teams, however, are still trying to gain the top five positions in the championship. Nonetheless, due to strong competition from other disqualified teams, the US team will have to exhibit a staunch performance to be able to secure a position in the Worlds
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