The Spanish women's water polo team fulfilled the predictions and qualified for the semifinals of the Doha World Cup after successfully beating Canada (12-9). Miki Oca's players settled the tie in the first two periods, with a partial score of 7-2 at halftime, and their next opponent will be the fearsome United States team.
Judith Forca, the best of the game with five goals, began the path to victory with the first two goals in the Aspire Dome pool. The Catalan also came to the rescue of the team when the Spanish team relaxed in the third and fourth periods. Canada came within three goals (9-6), but Sabadell sealed the victory for the Spanish with another double.
In the first play in superiority Anna Espar made it 3-1 with which the first quarter ended. The advantage was increased by Paula Crespí (4-1) at the beginning of the second quarter. Despite the result, Spain was not comfortable. Elena Ruiz put an end to the doubts. At 4-2, she took advantage of a superiority to make it 5-2 and a howitzer made it 6-2 in the best moments of Miki Oca's team. Paula Leitón left the match ready for judgment with the score 7-2.
However, the Americans reacted with a pressing defense that short-circuited Spain. Only Forca clipped the wings of the Canadians. The last five minutes were an exchange of goals with little at stake, the Spanish knowing the victory. "Now it's time to rest for the next game," said Forca, aware of the difficult challenge that awaits them against the American team.
Spain: Terre; Anna Espar (1), Nona Pérez (-), Paula Crespí (1), Elena Ruiz (2), Judith Forca (5), Paula Camus (-), Maica García (1), Paula Leitón (1), Ariadna Ruiz (1), Isabel Piralkova (-).
Canadá: Gaudreault; Crevier (3), Wright (-), McDowell, Bakoc (1), Lemay-Lavoie (1), McKelvey (-), Browne (1), Paul (-), La Roche (2), Mimides (1), Carroll (-).
Referees: Zhang (CHN) and Markopoulo (GRE). Eliminada: Paul.
Partials: 3-1, 4-1, 2-3, 3-4.
Incidents: Quarterfinal match of the women's water polo tournament held at the Aspire Dome in Doha
