Spain’s women’s water polo team suffers a narrow loss to the Netherlands in Fukuoka opener
The Spanish women’s water polo squad faced a 7-6 defeat at the hands of the Netherlands on the opening day of Group B action at the World Championship hosted in Fukuoka today. The match set the tone for what officials described as a highly competitive pool, with both teams exchanging leads in a game that remained decided by a single goal until the final moments.
Trained by Miki Oca, who stepped onto the bench after a suspension that carried into the latter part of the previous World Cup, Spain started strong. The Spaniards came out firing in the first period and managed to gain a temporary edge as they battled the Dutch defense. The Dutch side, led by Sabrina van der Sloot and Simone van de Kraats, responded with precision to keep the score tight and keep the match within reach as the first quarter closed with Spain ahead by a single goal.
In the stands, Miki Oca observed closely as Spain’s lineup tried to extend their lead. Jordi Vals watched alongside him as the game unfolded with a pace that demanded both teams to stay disciplined and accurate in front of goal. The Dutch, known for their organized defense, began to chip away at the lead, forcing Spain to adjust on the fly and rely on a sequence of quick counterattacks and accurate perimeter shots.
From the start, Elena Ruiz anchored Spain’s offensive efforts. Her powerful drives and aggressive shot-making created crucial scoring chances for the team. Despite the Netherlands repeatedly replying through the talents of van der Sloot and van de Kraats, Spain’s defense stood firm enough to keep the margin within reach as the first half progressed. A notable early timeout helped Spain regroup and refocus their attack, paying off with a forward push that put the scoreboard in Spain’s favor heading into the second period.
As the match moved into the second frame, Anni Espar delivered a timely goal that reignited the Spanish charge and pushed the score to 3-2 in their favor. The score remained tight as Lola Moohuizen delivered a standout moment with a deft chip that momentarily bridged the gap and kept the Netherlands within striking distance. Paula Leitón and the Spanish buoy line answered calmly, restoring the balance and keeping the contest within a one-goal gap heading into the third period.
The Dutch team adjusted their approach in the third period, tightening their defense and closing gaps to limit Spain’s opportunities. They forced Spain to execute from the perimeter and created a handful of dangerous chances as the clock wound down. The period closed with a 5-5 tie, setting up a dramatic final eight minutes where every possession mattered and the pressure mounted for both teams.
Into the late stages, Brigitte Sleeking emerged as a decisive factor for the Netherlands, completing a sequence that gave her team the lead for the first time. Her well-executed move, combined with a momentum swing for the Dutch, put the pressure squarely on Spain. The Dutch executed another strong offensive run, stretching their advantage to two goals with just over two minutes remaining.
Elena Ruiz found the back of the net late in the game, converting a critical penalty to keep Spain within a single goal, but the attempt came up short as the clock ran out. The final score stood at 7-6 in favor of the Netherlands, a result that reflected a tightly contested battle between two teams capable of shining on the world stage. The contest demonstrated both Spain’s depth and experience and the Netherlands’ consistency and clinical finishing in a closely fought championship opener. [Citation: RFEN Official]
Spain now shifts focus to the next matchups as they aim to balance their offense with stronger defensive integrity. The team’s coaching staff will review the game footage, address transitions in possession, and refine perimeter shooting to convert more opportunities as the group phases advance. With a lot of potential on the roster, the Spanish team remains hopeful for continued progress in the World Championship, trusting that the lessons from this tight loss will sharpen their performance in upcoming decisive matches. [Citation: RFEN Official]