London 2012 Men's Water Polo Semifinals: Results & Photos

by NowPublic Staff | August 10, 2012 at 07:11 am

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Olympic Men's Water Polo: Semifinal Matches August 10

The semifinals in Men's Water Polo are underway in London, and we'll help you catch up on the action. We'll be posting the latest scores and photos as they come in.

Today's Water Polo semifinals will determine the two medal matches (Gold-Silver and Bronze-4th) as well as battles for 5th and 7th place.

Spain 8-7 USA
Croatia 7-5 Montenegro
Hungary 10-9 Australia
Italy 9-7 Serbia

Spain extended a Q1 lead that the USA came close to matching, but it didn't happen. Hole-set Ryan Bailey was kept to one goal, and that at the end of the match. Spain's Felipe Perrone Rocha was on fire, helping the Spanish side maintain the slimmest of leads. Team USA was definitely back into the game, but Q1 just cost too much. The USA will play for 7th place on Sunday, while Spain will play for 5th. (USA defeated Spain to win the Gold in Women's Water Polo yesterday.)

Croatia defeated Montenegro, and will play in the Gold Medal match against the winner of Serbia-Italy. Montenegro will play the Bronze Medal against that match's loser.

Australia found itself on the wrong side of a scoring offensive, and spent the end of Q1 chipping away at Hungary's 3-point lead. Billy Miller equalized in Q2. Turnabout is fair play: Australia pulled ahead in Q4, forcing Hungary to equalize. Hungary pulled ahead again as Q4 ticked away, finishing with a 10-9 win. Australia will play the USA for 7th place, while Hungary will play Spain for 5th.

Italy came out swinging against Serbia, and opened up a two-point lead midway through Q3. The Italians held onto their lead through Q4, and will face Croatia in the Gold Medal match on Sunday.

You can see photos from the Water Polo semifinals below: we'll be adding more as they come in.