World Cup: Netherlands progresses to quarterfinals
The Dutch water polo team has qualified for the quarterfinals of the World Cup Division 2 tournament. After defeating Slovakia 21-13, the Netherlands managed to secure a victory against Turkey in Istanbul on Thursday with a close score of 16-15. As the number 1 in Group D, the Netherlands will now face Malta, the second-place team in Group C, on Friday at 18:30 (*).
Just like against Slovakia on Wednesday, the Netherlands scored plentifully against Turkey. However, while Slovakia succumbed to the Oranje midway through the game, the host country fiercely fought back. Despite being tied 8-8 at halftime, Turkey even led 11-10 towards the end of the third quarter.
Guided by standout player Sebastian Hessels - who, along with Kas te Riele, scored five times each - the Netherlands seemed to take control of the game in the fourth period (12-14). Nevertheless, the Turks did not give up easily. In no time, the score was level again, and after Tom de Weerd's 14-15 for the Netherlands, Turkey equalized once more.
Ultimately, Sebastian Hessels sealed the final score at 15-16, although the Dutch defense, with Miki Buitenhuis back in goal, had a few close calls in the final minutes.
Water Polo World Cup Division 2 quarterfinals:
Iran – Portugal
China – Ukraine
Germany – Slovakia
Netherlands - Malta
The two finalists of the tournament in Istanbul will qualify for the World Cup Super Final to be held in Berlin in April 2025.
Match Statistics
Wednesday, December 18, group stage
Netherlands-Slovakia 21-13
Quarter scores: 6-6, 6-2, 5-2, 4-3
Netherlands' goal scorers: Lars ten Broek 5, Mart van der Weijden 4, Tom de Weerd 2, Sam van den Burg 2, Sebastian Hessels 2, Kas te Riele 2, Tim De Mey, Bilal Gbadamassi, Niels Hofmeijer, Benjamin Hessels.
Thursday, December 19, group stage
Turkey-Netherlands 15-16
Quarter scores: 5-4, 3-4, 3-2, 4-6
Netherlands' goal scorers: Sebastian Hessels 5, Kas te Riele 5, Lars ten Broek 2, Mart van der Weijden, Tom de Weerd, Tim De Mey, Benjamin Hessels.
Remaining Schedule:
Friday, December 20:
18:30 (*) Netherlands – Malta (quarterfinals)
Saturday, December 21:
Semi-finals and finals.
Follow the matches via this livestream.
(*) Dutch times. Istanbul is 2 hours ahead.
