FINA World Championships 2013: Water Polo Men: Day 3: HUN 9 AUS 9

POLO AIR INDONESIA, Officials had to drag out the rule book to decide the real winner between Hungary and Australia in their 9-9 encounter before deciding Hungary won second place in Group B on a fourth tie-break.

What a match this was — the 100th World Championship match for each team —with no team being separated in the four quarters. Probably what did separate the teams was the extra-man-attack situation where Hungary converted five from seven. The Aussie Sharks managed three from three, only the second time this tournament that a team has done 100 percent, following China’s four from four this morning.

The tiebreak rule states: 1. Points. 2. The result between the two. 3. The losing goal difference against the group winner, Serbia (3 each). 4. Who scored more goals against Serbia (HUN 10, AUS 9). No need for the flip of a coin.

Where Hungary nearly lost the match was not being able to control the firepower and accuracy of Richie Campbell. His five goals were all immaculate, especially his missiles from downtown. His fourth goal came off the near post on extra while heavily defended. That brought up 8-8.

After Marton Vamos appeared to seal the match at 9-8, it was Campbell who stood up to the plate and unleashed a 10m shot that stunned the crowd, let alone Hungary — 9-9 at 1:57. Hungary had chances to close the match, to no effect.

Despite Campbell’s supremacy, he will probably rue the shot that he missed, the three-on-one attempt that found the left arm of Attila Decker, who played exceptionally well with 11 saves, many in the first half.

Australia will also rue the missed penalty shot by captain Rhys Howden, but then Decker was in scintillating form.

Hungary is still young, still to gel, and needs time. This is the sort of pressure it thrives on.

Daniel Varga, back from injury, scored his second goal, Balasz Harai was dangerous and centre forward with his long arms and legs; Denes Varga scored from 8m and then with a sweet centre-forward shot for the go ahead goal at the start of the fourth period.

Hungary will be hoping not to meet a Campbell again at these championships.
Some consolation for Hungary with the 100th clash was that it has now been unbeaten in 74 matches at these championships — a record.