Croatia and Italy book ticket for men’s Super Final

Lausanne (SUI), February 23, 2012 – The fourth preliminary round for Europe of the 2012 FINA Men’s Water Polo World League concluded on February 21 with the qualification of Italy and Croatia for the Super Final to take place in Almaty (KAZ) from June 12-17, 2012.

The first game of the fourth round was played on February 14 in Magdeburg (GER) with visiting team Croatia defeating Germany 11-6. Having overtaken all rival teams in Group B for a total three wins, Croatia is thus the first team to secure their berth for the Super Final.

The last three games took place on February 21: in their match against Russia (Group A), Italy dominated the operations in Kirishi (RUS) in a decisive score of 10-4. The Italian squad tops the rankings with three victories (9 points) and will also make the trip to the Super Final.   

In Group C, Romania is ahead for the moment with a total four victories (12 points), having won against Greece 8-6 at home (Oradea). In Istanbul, Spain triumphed over Turkey 14-5 and matches the tally of Greece; two wins and two losses.

Provisional rankings:
GROUP A: 1. ITA, 9 pts (3 wins); 2. RUS, 3 (1W, 2 losses); 3. GBR, 0 (2L)
GROUP B: 1. CRO, 8 pts (3W); 2. GER, 4 (1W, 2L); 3. MKD, 0 (2L)
GROUP C: 1. ROU, 12 pts (4W); 2. GRE, 6 (2W, 2L); 3. ESP, 6 (2W, 2L); 4. TUR, 0 (4L)

Next round:
Group A: ITA-GBR (March 6, 2012)
Group B: CRO-MKD (March 6, 2012)
Group C: ESP-ROU (March 6, 2012) & TUR-GRE (March 17, 2012)

Meanwhile, the 2012 FINA Women’s Water Polo World League kicked off in Los Alamitos (USA) with the first preliminary round (Americas) from February 20-22 with the national teams of Canada and USA winning their qualification for the Super Final in Changshu (CHN) from May 29 to June 3, 2012.

Defending champion USA left little doubt that they are still the top team (at least in the Americas), totalling four victories against Canada and Brazil (12 points). Canada takes second in the rankings with two wins over Brazil and two losses against USA (6 points).

Provisional rankings:
Americas : 1. USA, 12 pts (4 wins); 2. CAN, 6 (2W, 2 losses); 3. BRA, 0 (4L)

Next rounds:
Asia/Oceania: 3-5 May, 2012 in Shanghai (CHN) & 8-10 May, 2012 in Chiba (JPN)
Europe: 10-13 May, 2012 in Siracusa, ITA (Group A) & in Volos, GRE (Group B)

(fina)