BARCELONA, July 20. (EUROPEAN PRESS) –
The Spanish women’s water polo team beat Kazakhstan (24-5) this Thursday, on the third and final day of the group stage of the Fukuoka World Championship, in a match in which they took off after an even first set and which served as a test for the next round of 16 match against France.
Spain had to win and had to correct aspects of the game, especially in defense. And in that aspect, a good start was not made, with 5-3 in the first quarter and a partial against 0-3 that made the coach, Miki Oca, demand more from his players.
From then on, the Spaniards got their act together in defense and pressed even more in attack to enjoy, in every way, a one hundred percent dominated duel that ended with a win, with minutes for less common swimmers and with their homework done.
The veteran Pili Peña was the top scorer of the match with 4 goals from 5 shots, while Judith Forca, Nona Pérez, Paula Camús and Paula Leitón joined the offensive party with 3 goals for each of them, and only two players, Elena Ruiza and Cristina Nogué, could not score.
At halftime the score was 13-4, and the second half ended with 11-1. Undoubtedly, the best partial was the second, with an 8-1 with which Spain got rid of any possible doubt after the initial 5-3. With a solid attack, well in superiority (4/5) and with a defense, with Laura Ester and Martina Terre sharing the goal, from less to more.
With this victory, added to the one achieved against Israel (22-5) and the defeat against the Netherlands (7-6), Spain will be second in the group and will face France –third in Group A– in the round of 16. A crossing with more danger than the last two duels but in which Spain starts as a favourite.