The USA men needed penalties to do it but eventually the found the edge on Australia in the quarterfinals of the FINA Men’s Water Polo World League Super Final on Friday as they won their third tight match with the Australians this year. The USA, who had defeated Australia 10-9 and 8-6 in the Intercontinental Qualifying Tournament last month, trailed this one 5-3 at the half and 6-4 going to the fourth quarter. A big fourth quarter got the US back even at 8-8 to force a penalty shootout. Both teams were extremely strong in the penalty shootout and it took nine rounds for the US to emerge an 8-7 winner. Tony Azevedo was limited but scored two goals for the Us as did Thomas Dunstan. Merrill Moses and McQuin Baron split time in goal with Baron making eight saves and Moses recording four.

Greece routed China 15-5 in the other quarterfinal on the US side of the bracket so the Americans will face them in the semifinals with a guaranteed medal at stake. Greece is 4-0 in this tournament but this is their first time in the Super Final since 2008. They have not medaled since a bronze when hosting in 2006. The US has not medaled since 2008. The possible final opponents for the US are Serbia and Italy as all of the teams with winning group stage records advanced to the semifinals.

USA Schedule:
Tuesday – Group B – USA 12-6 China
Wednesday – Group B – USA 10-7 Brazil
Thursday – Group B – USA 8-10 Serbia
Friday – Quarterfinals – USA 8(8)-8(7) Australia
Saturday – Semifinals – USA vs. Greece
Sunday – Final – USA vs. TBD

Previous FINA Men’s Water Polo World League Super Final Coverage:
Preview
China Recap
Brazil Recap
Serbia Recap