National team defeats Georgia, playoffs in sight
The men’s national water polo team edged closer to reaching the playoffs for the finals of the 2012 European Championship after beating Georgia 11-8 at Tbilisi on March 30.
The relatively inexperienced Greek side did struggle a little in the first period (3-3), but its defense after the first half (7-6 in Greece’s favor) improved considerably as they only conceded two goals in the last couple of periods.
This second win in as many games, after the 13-2 victory over Great Britain, takes Greece to the top of the mini-table of the qualifying group with six points. Georgia has three points and Britain is yet to get a point.
Greece’s next game is at home against Georgia on May 11 and victory will ensure its qualification to the playoffs that lead to the finals in Eindhoven next year.
“Georgia was not exactly Georgia, as it had some Serbs and Croats in its roster,» commented Greek international Christos Afroudakis.
“We were not as focused as we should have been in this game, but victory is important at this stage as we aim at the 2012 finals,» he added.
