Dutch water polo players become World Cup group winners after winning against Turkey

The Dutch water polo players became group winners in division 2 of the World Cup after a victory over host country Turkey. In Istanbul, a match that was tied for a long time ended in a 16-15 score for the Netherlands.

Yesterday, the Netherlands won 21-13 against the other country in the group of three, Slovakia, and the results qualified them for the quarter-finals of the country tournament.

The finalists ultimately qualify for the ‘superfinals’ in Berlin, which will be completed in April. There, the team of national coach Harry van der Meer would play against stronger countries from division 1.

The Dutch team started sloppily defensively and soon found themselves behind 0-3. Partly thanks to three excellent saves from goalkeeper Miki Buitenhuis and help from the post, the damage was limited in the first period: 4-5.

Despite a missed five-meter by Sebastian Hessels and a red card for Jeroen Rouwenhorst, the Dutch team came alongside in the second quarter: 8-8. The Turks had to win to advance and took the lead again in the third period. In the decisive phase, Hessels decided the match with three goals.