The Dutch water polo players reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Hungary on Tuesday. The team of national coach Evangelos Doudesis was too strong for Greece in the quarterfinals with 12-7 (3-1, 3-2, 3-3 and 3-1).
It is the first time since 2015 that the women’s water polo are in the semifinals of the World Cup.
The Orange still fell behind in the opening phase, but already led 3-1 after the first quarter. In the further course, the Netherlands always kept a margin of two or three hits. The lead was even increased in the final phase. Only in the third quarter (3-3) was there a balance.
Lola Moolhuijzen, who was only seventeen, was the star: she scored four goals. Vivian Sevenich and Bente Rogge were effective twice. Kitty Joustra, Sabrina van der Sloot, Brigitte Sleeking and Maxine Schaap all scored a goal.
Keeper Laura Aarts was also in good shape. She had some important saves in the final phase, so that Orange’s lead remained intact.
The Netherlands will face Hungary in the semifinals, which defeated Australia 7-6. That game is on Thursday at 9 p.m. The final will be played on Saturday, July 2, also at 9 p.m.
