Men's water polo preview, Aug. 5: The final day of pool play
There are just six games left before the playoffs begin in the men’s water polo tournament at the Paris Olympics. By the end of Monday the field will be cut from 12 to eight teams, with the top four teams in each group moving on.
Here’s a look at all six games on the final day of pool play.
Game 1: Hungary vs. Serbia (6 a.m. ET)
Serbia, the two-time defending Olympic gold medalists, were in danger of elimination before a win on Saturday improved its record to 2-2. The Serbians will lock up a spot in the quarterfinals with a win or a loss by France.
Hungary is also 2-2, and could fall to No. 4 in the group with a loss.
Game 2: Australia vs. Japan (7:35 a.m. ET)
Japan (0-4) has nothing to lose as it has already been eliminated from quarterfinal contention. Australia, on the other hand, can move to No. 1 in Group B with a win and a loss by Spain.
Game 3: Greece vs. Italy (9:10 a.m. ET)
Italy comes into the last day as the only unbeaten team in Group A, meaning the Italian can solidify the top seed with a win. Greece is currently No. 3 in Group A, sitting 3-1.
Game 4: Croatia vs. USA (12:30 p.m. ET)
The U.S. (2-2) has already locked up a spot in the quarterfinals and the No. 4 spot. With a win and a loss by Greece the Americans could potential move up to third. Croatia (3-1) is second in Group B.
Game 5: France vs. Spain (2 p.m. ET)
France needs a win to keep its hopes of the quarterfinals alive. Sitting 1-3, the French are No. 5 in Group B.
Spain is the only unbeaten team in Group B and is guaranteed the top spot.
Game 6: Romania vs. Montenegro (3:30 p.m. ET)
Romania and Montenegro are both winless and have been eliminated from quarterfinal contention.
