In the pool in Paris, as they sought to repeat the gold medal miracle of Sydney 2000, the Australian women’s water polo team have ridden their luck. In the run to Saturday’s final, three shootouts, including one which went to sudden death, had gone their way. But against Spain, with a gold medal on the line, their luck finally ran out.
Initially, though, at La Défense Arena that element of good fortune appeared to still be on their side. As the game progressed and Spain extended their advantage, it felt like the Tokyo silver medallists were getting away from the Stingers. But again, and again, and again, just when the lead was on the verge of becoming unassailable, the Australians would hit back. It was plucky, it was fortuitous. Despite Spain being the better team, Australia opened the final quarter just two goals down.
