Hungary defends Olympic title in men´s water polo

Source: Xinhua | 08-24-2008 19:24

BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Defending Olympic champion Hungary outplayed the United States 14-10 to reassure the team's dominance in the men's water polo at the Yingdong Natatorium on Sunday.

Players of Hungary pose for photos after winning men's water polo  gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug.  24, 2008. (Xinhua/Wang Qingqin)

"The last three years we were not successful as the two previous Olympic periods. This was the most difficult gold we have won. If you don't have success, you start to not believe," said Hungarian team head coach Denes Kemeny.

Kiss Gergely opened the goal for Hungary only after 37 seconds with an extra player shot but the American tied one minute later by the attempt of Peter Varellas. The two teams equalled until 4-4 with Hungary adding two more goals before the ending of the first quarter.

Hungary was chased tightly as the United States edged out in 4-3 in the second quarter, but the defending champions managed to push themselves forward with scores of 2-1 and 3-1 in the last two quarters.