Dutch water polo players started the World Cup in Doha with a narrow loss to the United States. The defending champion was no match for the defending Olympic champion in the first group match: 8-10.
The Dutch team played a difficult opening match against American water polo players in Doha. After many mistakes in the first quarter, the Netherlands found themselves trailing 2-3. National coach Evangelos Dodisis' team was unable to overcome this deficit in the second quarter.
After the end of the first half, the Dutch committed more offensive errors and America took advantage of that. Bente Rogge and Simone van der Kraats' shots hit the crossbar as the United States continued to score and take a 6-9 lead. In the fourth quarter, the Dutch team was less confused and scored two goals, but it was not enough: 8-10.
Due to the narrow loss, the Netherlands occupies the bottom of Group A. The United States takes the lead from Kazakhstan, which beat Brazil earlier in the day. The Dutch national team will play its second match in the group with Kazakhstan next Tuesday. The group match against Brazil is scheduled to be held on Thursday. Numbers one and two in the group qualify for the next round.
Dutch water polo players defend their world title in Doha. Earlier this month, the Dudesses were also crowned European champions in Eindhoven.
Stand groep A
- Verenigde Staten: 1-3 (+2)
- Kazachstan: 1-2
- Brazilië: 1-1
- Nederland: 1-0 (-2)
