After an 11-year wait, the British women’s water polo team returned to the World Championships and faced off against a mighty Italian team in their first match.
Although the British team lost 22-10 to Italy in a tougher game that day, there were positives to be taken from this performance.
The first games of the Championship campaign always looked difficult, but Great Britain created a number of chances in front of goal.
On any other day, the British side showed confidence and determination throughout and the scoreline might have been much closer.
That attitude was epitomized by the moment Katie Cutler’s shot went over the Italian goalkeeper as the final cheers rang out, and Great Britain fought hard until the final moments.
It was Italy who scored the opening goal at the Aspire Dome from Roberta Bianconi, who ended up being the match’s best player.
Rodgers scores his first goal for England
However, England didn’t have to wait long to score their first goal as Katherine Rogers brilliantly outran her defenders and converted a chance to equalize.
Despite the best efforts of GB goalkeeper Sophie Jackson, including a double save, Italy continued to push and goals from Giudita Guaraldi and Bianconi took them back into the lead.
The lead remained unchanged from that point, but both teams added two more points by the end of the first quarter.
Brooke Tafazoli fired a powerful shot into the top left corner and Katie Brown’s long-range shot hit the post, bounced off the goalkeeper and into the back of England’s goal.
In between these successes, Silvia Avegno converted a penalty and Giulia Viacava neatly slotted it into the bottom corner of Italy’s goal.
We were talking about two penalties at the start of the second quarter. Italy achieved success again, this time through Claudia Roberta Marletta, but GB missed their chance.
Veronica Gantt was immediately punished and Italy took a four-point lead at 7-3.
Create chances and force saves
Cecily Turner scored a point for Great Britain with a clean finish past the keeper, and Cutler also got on the scoresheet in the second quarter, but by the time the game reached half-time Italy’s lead had increased to 11-5. Ta.
The English side forced some great saves from the Italian goalkeeper and were able to double their tally in the second half.
But this time Italy were too strong, doubling their own score for a final score of 22-10.
Great Britain’s goal came from a double between Tula Falvey and Turner, before Cutler scored a fine goal late on.
The next Group D match will be against Canada on Tuesday, February 6th. The match is scheduled to start at 9am UK time.
All details on how to follow England’s remaining matches in Doha can be found here.