There's No Crying in Water Polo

Subtitle - What happens under water, stays under water.

     All team sports that permit physical contact have rules that occasionally are transgressed.  Normally this is followed by arguments, tantrums, yellow cards, and much rehearsed scoring celebrations.  Not so with water polo.  The game rarely stops even for fouls.  The referee makes a call, the offender heads for the "time out" box and the play goes on.  There is no time for argument, tantrums, or hysterics over an injury.  The ball is headed in the opposite direction and the players simply have to get on with it.  No time to cry or complain and no one would listen.

     The U.S. team is very good and was undefeated until Saturday night's loss to Serbia.  A decisive match with Hungary looms on Wednesday.  Prior to the U.S. match, Italy and Spain improved their chances to get to the next level.

     Most of the U.S. players come from California where the sport is very popular.  It's a shame the sport is not played more at the collegiate level - for men and women.  It is a real spectator delight.

     Shaquille O'neal never had to worry about getting dunked under water every couple of seconds.  It can be a penalty if the defensive player doesn't let him come up for air once in a while.

     Spain scores on a long shot.  Players already are turning to head to the other end.

     A goalie in water polo would have an easier job if he could walk on water, but most are reduced to vigorously thrashing his legs to raise up as high as possible.  Here, the Greek goalie anticipates a shot by Spain as a teammate helps block a path to the goal.

     Greek goalie makes a save while his defenders occupy the Spanish forwards with the occasional dunk.

     

     Spain breaks through with a score on the way to an 11-9 win.