Men's Water Polo Day Preview: European powers headline tournament

Updated: 2008-08-09 13:32:04

(BEIJING, August 9) -- The first day of Water Polo competition will see Hungary as favorites to win a third consecutive Olympic Men's Water Polo gold medal at the Yingdong Natatorium on August 24.

While Hungary will be attempting to add a ninth Olympic Games gold to a collection that totals 14 medals with three silver and three bronze, three other challengers loom as serious challengers to the Hungarian Olympic strangle hold on the sport.

Hungarian driver Tamas Kasas says he's feeling the mounting pressure of playing for a country for which Water Polo is a source of national pride.

"There is a lot of pressure because they [Hungary] want a Gold medal, but they know there are Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro to beat. These are maybe the most difficult Olympics I will ever play."

Croatia is the current World No. 1, having won the Melbourne 2007 FINA World Championship.

Montenegro, a nation less than two years old, beat triple World League champion Serbia in extra time at the Malaga 2008 European Championships in July and could be considered a favorite for the crown.

Serbia and Montenegro played together as a combined country to claim the Budapest 2006 FINA World Cup and their rivalry will be keenly watched.

The United States team Head Coach Terry Schroeder agrees that Serbia will be a major threat to any team aiming for a podium finish. "Serbia are a really strong team and have a lot of weapons. They can hurt you from inside and out."

Spain's third placing at the Melbourne FINA event in 2007 gives them the World No. 3 ranking and consideration as a contender. Add to the list Greece (fourth at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games), Italy, Germany, Oceania Series winner Australia, and a new-look United States and a close competition is expected.

The United State's team driver Adam Wright expects a fight from all eight teams in the competition. "Every team comes here to win. The top eight teams on any day can be a challenge. We came here with Gold in mind and we want to win."

Hungary's star driver Gergely Kiss is going into competition with clear expectations of himself and his team, saying that "Olympic athletes want a gold medal and nothing else."

His coach, Denes Kemeny echoes his thoughts, saying of his team, "Four want to win their first Gold medal. Another three want to be double Gold medalists and the rest want to win their third."

Italy's head coach Alessandro Campagna says he feels confident heading into the Games, bringing an experienced squad including nine of Italy's Athens 2004 Olympic team.

"They know how to handle their emotions and they know how to manage a big match, which is very important in the Olympics," he said.

Greek driver Ioannis Thomakos, also seems to be keeping a level head leading up to the event. "The pressure is not as much as you think. It's sport, not war."

Rounding out the 12-team draw are Canada and host nation China.

This is the first time Canada have qualified for the Olympic Games, being the host country in 1976 (Montreal) and gaining an invitation before the boycotted Los Angeles 1984 Olympics.

Group A contains Montenegro, Hungary, Spain, Australia, Greece and Canada.

Group B consists of Serbia, Croatia, USA, Germany, Italy and China.

The first round of the preliminaries will be played at the Yingdong Natatorium on Sunday, August 10.