The U.S. women's water polo team's hopes of a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal were dashed in a stunning semifinal loss to Australia, sending them to the bronze medal match.
The U.S. women's water polo team, a powerhouse in the sport, suffered a crushing defeat in the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Thursday, losing to Australia in a penalty shootout and ending their dreams of a fourth consecutive gold medal.
After leading through the first three periods, the Americans allowed Australia to tie the game late in the fourth, sending the match into a shootout. In a tense and dramatic showdown, Australia's Zoe Arancini scored the winning penalty shot, with Team USA's Maddie Musselman failing to find the net.
Heartbreaking Loss: Team USA's Gold Medal Dreams Crushed in Women's Water Polo Semifinals
The loss was a heartbreaker for the Americans, who have won gold three times in the last six games – 2012, 2016, and 2021. They will now settle for a chance to win bronze against the Netherlands on Saturday.
The match was a closely contested affair, with the U.S. taking an 8-6 lead in the fourth period. However, Australia's Bronte Halligan scored twice to level the score, and the match went into a shootout.
Heartbreaking Loss: Team USA's Gold Medal Dreams Crushed in Women's Water Polo Semifinals
Both sides converted their first five penalty shots, setting the stage for a dramatic finale. With Arancini making the sixth penalty shot for Australia, the pressure fell on Musselman. However, Australia's goalkeeper Gabriella Palm made a brilliant save to deny Musselman, ending the U.S.'s gold medal hopes.
The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Team USA head coach Adam Krikorian, who consoled his team after the defeat. "It's tough," Krikorian said. "We fought hard, but it just wasn't enough. We'll learn from this and come back stronger."
Heartbreaking Loss: Team USA's Gold Medal Dreams Crushed in Women's Water Polo Semifinals
Despite the disappointment, the U.S. women's water polo team has a chance to finish the tournament on a high note by winning the bronze medal. They will face the Netherlands on Saturday in what promises to be another thrilling match.
