Paris Olympic Games Moreton Bay Coverage - August 9
Charlize Andrews and Alice Williams, from North Brisbane Polo Bears at Albany Creek, will be going for Olympic gold in Paris tomorrow after a sensational performance this morning.
Australia scored another upset this morning with a stunning penalty shootout 14-13 victory over the US, three-time Olympic gold medallists and current world champions.
There were tears of joy on the pool deck and in the stands after what commentators said was “one of the greatest upsets in water polo history, possibly Olympic history”.
“I’m just ecstatic, I’m over the moon,” Zoe Arancini told Channel Nine, “I don’t think it is all registering, to be honest.”
“When Gabby saved the last penalty I was already cheering. I think half the crew were like … have we won? Yes, we’ve won!
“We’ll celebrate this win then we’ve got the next match, the gold medal match to get ready for, which is unbelievable.”
The Stingers will face Spain, who beat Netherlands 19-18, in the battle for gold at 11.35pm AEST tomorrow.
Both sides topped their pools, both sides won their semi-finals in penalty shootouts and both sides are unbeaten in six matches at the Paris Games.
It followed a nail-biting 8-8 draw in which Australia had more possession (53 per cent to 47 per cent) but never led in normal time.
Charlize Andrews, a former St Paul’s School student at Bald Hills who joined Polo Bears 13 years ago, scored one of Australia’s goals as they battled back from 5-2 down.
Like Alice Williams, she has played for Polo Bears' Queensland Premier League-winning team, coached by Naomi McCarthy, who won gold with Australia in Sydney 200 Games.
The shootout was faultless until the 12th penalty when Australian keeper Gabby Palm stretched out her right hand to send Australia into the final.