It may not resemble their swimming rivalry, but the United States and Australia still have a fierce battle in the pool.
But the men’s water polo quarterfinals will be held in Paris on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to a chance to win a medal.
It looked as though the Stars and Stripes would go home without a trophy, but they staged a miraculous comeback and ultimately won on penalties.
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Marko Vavic (right) celebrates after winning against Australia during the men’s quarterfinals of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games at Paris-La Defense Arena on August 7, 2024 in Nanterre, France. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Trailing 7-6 with just over 30 seconds left in the game, the U.S. scored a goal on the power play by Alex Bowen to force the game into a shootout.
The United States and Australia both scored in the first two shootout rounds, but U.S. goalkeeper Adrian Weinberg blocked Australia’s third shot, and after Bowen scored, the U.S. took control of its own destiny.
In the fourth round, they had two shots blocked (Weinberg even made a save with his face) and in the fifth round, after Australia tied the game in a penalty shootout, a goal would have sent the USA to the semifinals.
August 7, 2024, USA team celebrates after defeating Australia at the Paris Olympics. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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Marko Vavić then shot past the Australian goalkeeper to seal the 11-10 victory.
This is the first time the U.S. has reached the semifinals in men’s water polo since 2008, when they lost to Hungary and finished with the silver medal.
The United States won six medals in this event: three silver and three bronze.
Members of the U.S. team sang the national anthem before the men’s quarterfinal match against Australia on Aug. 7, 2024. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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The U.S. plays again on Friday, and if they lose they’ll play Sunday at 4:35 a.m. ET for the bronze medal, but if they win they’ll play Sunday at 8 a.m. ET for the gold medal, on the final day of the Paris Olympics.
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