The U.S. women’s water polo team fought to a one-goal win over China to tie for the lead in Group B. The U.S. will be seeded second on goal differential, but still equaled Spain with two wins and a tie in group play.
The Chinese women, which formed their team in 2008 to have participate in Beijing, played a technically excellent match. Reputed to be very physical and aggressive on defense, the Chinese instead collapsed on defense, forcing the U.S. to shoot long.
On offense the Chinese were very precisde with their perimeter passing, but the U.S. defense was more aggressive than in previous matches—on several occasions the Chinese were not able to get off a shot before the 30-second shot clock ran down.
China started strong, taking a 3–1 lead; the U.S. responded with a five-goal run. Then shades of the game with Spain, the U.S. women watched their lead evaporate. This time, the U.S. fought back to defend the lead, shutting down the Chinese in the final few possession.
U.S. netminder Betsey Armstrong got help from her defense, which blocked many shots. Both teams depended on the crossbar and posts——at least nine shots were saved by the frame at both ends.
The U.S. showed how much it had learned from its early games, and also showed where it needs some more work.
