[#WaterPolo] Japan's women's water polo team scores 31 points in the opening match against South Africa and achieves a decisive victory (FINA Women's Water Polo World Cup 2025) | Japan Swimming Federation
[#WaterPolo] Japan's women's water polo team scores 31 points in the opening match against South Africa and achieves a decisive victory (FINA Women's Water Polo World Cup 2025)
Tournament Website: https://www.worldaquatics.com/competitions/4764/women-s-water-polo-world-cup-2025-division-2
Results Detail: https://worldcupwp2025.microplustimingservices.com/#/schedule-bydate/ASF
Japan Swimming Federation Tournament Page: https://swim.or.jp/tournament/48864/
World Aquatics Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorldAquatics
The FINA Women's Water Polo World Cup 2025 started in Istanbul, Turkey on December 14. Japan is competing in Division 2.
The detailed tournament system is introduced on the Japan Swimming Federation tournament page, where the preliminary league is divided into 4 groups. The top 2 teams from the preliminary league advance to the quarter-finals, and from there, the matches progress in a tournament format. The champions and runners-up teams qualify for the World Cup 2025 Final.
The Japan women's water polo team, which missed out on the Paris Olympics, has appointed Shohei Hazui as the new head coach. This World Cup marks the team's first match under the new coach.
Japan is placed in Group C of the preliminary league, set to face South Africa and China. The opening match is against South Africa.
Within 2 minutes of the start of the 1st period, Harue Ura scores a powerful shot to take the lead. Hikaru Setogaku then follows suit. Riding on this attack, Japan marks 9 points in the 1st period.
Entering the 2nd period, Japan continues their relentless attack, adding 7 points, 7 points, and then 8 points mainly through counter-attacks. As a result, they secure a huge 26-point lead over South Africa, winning the opening match 31-5. Coach Hazui's debut game ends in a splendid victory.
Japan will face Asian champions China in the next match on December 15, Japan time.
