[#WaterPolo] Japan Defeats Croatia with 26 Points and Advances to the Semifinals (FINA Women's Water Polo World Cup 2025) | Japan Swimming Federation

Having advanced to the quarterfinals of the FINA Women's Water Polo World Cup 2025 as second in Group C, the Japan national team faced Croatia, who topped Group D, in a crucial match for a spot in the semifinals.

Early in the first period, Japan received a penalty shot chance. Yumi Arima scored to take the lead. Croatia quickly equalized, but Japan, with goals from Fuuka Nishiyama, Hikaru Shitara, Yumi Arima, and Etsuko Ural, extended their lead with consecutive goals. Despite a back-and-forth scoring exchange, Japan managed to secure a three-point lead going into the second period.

Both teams continued to fight without giving an inch, showcasing an exciting exchange of goals. At the end of the third period, Japan maintained a three-point lead at 19-16.

In the final period, Croatia's Nina Jazvin narrowed the gap to two points with a goal. However, Japan then launched a storm of goals. Maho Kobayashi, captain Akari Inaba, and again Kobayashi, followed by a goal from Hanako Kawaguchi, scored four consecutive goals to pull away from Croatia. While Croatia managed to score their 18th goal with a strong middle shot, Japan sealed the victory with Nishiyama's three consecutive goals at the end. The match ended with a 26-18 win, securing a spot in the semifinals.

Japan's next match will be against the United Kingdom, who finished first in Group A and defeated the Czech Republic in the classification match.