Players of the United States celebrate after winning the women's water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
DOHA, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The United States women's water polo team secured their eighth world title by narrowly defeating Hungary 8-7 in the final match at the World Aquatics Championships on Friday.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the final was deadlocked at 5-5. However, the U.S. rallied with crucial goals from Rachel Fattal, Maggie Steffens, and Ryann Neushul, propelling them to an 8-5 lead. Despite Hungary's late surge, the U.S. held on to secure the victory with a final score of 8-7.
This victory also marks the United States' fifth title in the last six World Aquatics Championships, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in water polo.
Earlier in the day, Spain secured the bronze medal by defeating Greece 10-9. ■
Players and staff of team USA celebrate after winning the women's water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Gold medalists team USA (C), sliver medalists team Hungary (L) and bronze medalists team Spain pose during the awarding ceremony for the women's water polo event at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Rita Keszthelyi (R) of Hungary competes during the women's water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Players of Hungary react after losing the women's water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Kamilla Farago (R) of Hungary competes the women's water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Kaleigh Gilchrist(R) of the United States competes the women's water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Greta Kurucz-Gurisatti (C) of Hungary celebrate during the women's water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Madeline Musselman of the United States competes during the women's water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Kaleigh Gilchrist (L) of the United States competes during the women's water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Dora Leimeter (R) of Hungary competes during the women's water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Team USA celebrate victory after the women's water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Ashleigh Johnson (2nd R) of the United States makes a save during the women's water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Team USA celebrate victory after the women's water polo gold medal match between the United States and Hungary at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
