Olympic champion America beat world champion Netherlands (10-8) in their World Cup opener

The Dutch women's water polo teams started the World Championships in Doha with a 10-8 loss to the USA. The world champions started strong with two goals scored by Simone van de Kraats. After a 2-1 draw, the Olympic champions took advantage of their strong surplus. In addition, goalkeeper Laura Arts was surprised twice with a curve ball.

The Dutch scored only once again when they were 5-2 down. Nina ten Broek gave a good pass to centre-forward Kitty-Lynn Joustra, who moved away and slotted the ball under the arm of the American goalkeeper. The equalizer scored by Liqui Rouge (5-4) indicated that the two teams conceded few goals to each other. The score was 6-4, but Van de Kraats reduced the gap to a goal in the last minute (6-5).

After a rocky start to the third half, America scored two goals in a row. From a surplus, captain Sabrina van der Sloot reduced the gap (8-6) to two goals. This was the stage where goalkeeper Laura Arts kept a clean sheet with good reactions. Even with more than two minutes left, and with one player down, America made it 9-6 with a goal from the second line. On the other hand, the Netherlands was unable to penetrate the defence. There was no luck with the shots on target. The goalkeeper was on the verge of success or the crossbar was hit.

In the final quarter, it took more than four minutes before the first goal was scored. This is partly due to the good performances of both goalkeepers. Ultimately, America broke the embargo after it was passed. With 10-6 on the scoreboard, national coach Evangelos Doudisis called a timeout. It had an immediate impact. Giustra grabbed the rebound as a center forward and made it 10-7. It has given the Netherlands renewed energy. After Iris Wolves were illegally suspended, the Netherlands were awarded a penalty. Shot flawlessly with an unstoppable 'Bana' (10-8) by Van de Kraats.

With 23 seconds remaining, Dudessis took his second timeout. Goalkeeper Arts joined the attack, but an additional attacking player's shot hit the crossbar. America also took a timeout in the final six seconds. However, it did not change the outcome anymore.

USA and Netherlands: 10-8 (3-2, 3-3, 3-1, 1-2)
Goals scored: Simone van de Kraats (4), Katie Lyn Joustra (2), Lieke Rogge (1), Sabrina van der Sloot (1).