After a disappointing match against Montenegro, the Australian men’s water polo team switched up their game as they returned to the pool for their match against Croatia.
Despite the 15-10 loss in their opening game, the Aussie Sharks came out on top beating world No.3 Croatia, 11-8 in a spectacular upset.
It was also a special moment for Goalkeeper Anthony Hrysanthos who made his Olympic debut.
“[Hrysanthos] had an absolutely incredible game, can’t do better than that for your Olympic debut,” captain Aaron Younger told Channel 7 after the match.
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Younger could feel the team’s nerves going into the battle, but was relieved to see it was translated into something greater.
“I think there were some jitters in the first game and the boys were really able to push for the four quarters against Croatia,” he said.
“It is a great confidence boost and we know we can now play against the top powerhouses…We knew going in we had to get at least two wins to progress, so this is just the first step.”
The Sharks took a more direct and calculated approach to this game, coming back into the final quarter with a one-goal lead, before slamming three more goals to take home the win.
“In the first game, we played really good in the first two quarters and then we couldn’t respond to the aggressiveness of Montenegro,” coach Elvis Fatovic said.
“But today the boys really stepped up from the beginning to the end. It was a pleasure to be on the bench and watch them.”
The Sharks return to the pool on Thursday to go up against Serbia.