U.S. athletes celebrate after winning the women’s water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships held in Doha, Qatar, on February 16, 2024 (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
DOHA, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) — The U.S. women’s water polo team narrowly defeated Hungary 8-7 in the final of the World Aquatics Championships on Friday, winning its eighth world title.
Entering the fourth quarter, the final game was deadlocked at 5-5. However, the Americans came back with decisive goals from Rachel Fattal, Maggie Steffens and Ryan Neuschl, extending their lead to 8-5. Despite Hungary’s late momentum, the United States won with a final score of 8-7.
The victory also marked the United States’ fifth win in the past six World Aquatics Championships, cementing its reputation as a water polo powerhouse.
Earlier in the day, Spain defeated Greece 10-9 to win the bronze medal. ■
Athletes and staff from the U.S. team celebrate after the U.S. won the women’s water polo gold medal against Hungary at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Gold medalist Team USA (C), silver medalist Team Hungary (L), and bronze medalist Team Spain pose during the medal ceremony for the 2024 World Aquatics Championships Women’s Water Polo competition in Doha, Qatar on February 16, 2024. (Xinhua) /Xue Yuge)
Rita Keszthely (right) of Hungary competes in the women’s water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar on February 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Hungarian athletes react after losing the women’s water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships held in Doha, Qatar, on February 16, 2024 (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Hungary’s Camila Farago (right) competes in the women’s water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, on February 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Curry Gilchrist of the United States competes in the women’s water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships to be held in Doha, Qatar, on February 16, 2024 (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Hungarian Greta Curci-Grisatti (C) rejoices during the women’s water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships held in Doha, Qatar on February 16, 2024 (Xinhua/Xue Yuge )
Madeline Musselman of the United States competes in the women’s water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships to be held in Doha, Qatar, on February 16, 2024 (Xinhua News Agency/Xue Yuge)
Curry Gilchrist (left) of the United States competes in the women’s water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships to be held in Doha, Qatar, on February 16, 2024 (Xinhua News Agency/Xue Yuge)
Dora Leimeter (right) of Hungary participating in the women’s water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships to be held in Doha, Qatar, on February 16, 2024 (Xinhua/Xue Yuge )
The U.S. team celebrates their victory after the match between the United States and Hungary in the women’s water polo gold medal match at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships held in Doha, Qatar, on February 16, 2024 (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Ashley Johnson (2R) of the United States makes a save during the women’s water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships held in Doha, Qatar on February 16, 2024. (Xinhua News Agency/Xue Yuge)
The U.S. team celebrates their victory after the match between the United States and Hungary in the women’s water polo gold medal match at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships held in Doha, Qatar, on February 16, 2024 (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)