Straightforward victory over France sees Hungary through to Triest final

Four goals from Krisztián Manhercz and hat-tricks from Márton Vámos Balázs Hárai were the highlights as Hungary defeated France 15-9 to secure their place in Sunday’s Olympic qualification tournament final in Trieste, after which the Olympic draw will be made, says waterpolo.hu. 

Hungary eased through to the final in Trieste with an ultimately comfortable win over France. They were 4-2 up after the first quarter thanks to goals from Hárai twice, Manhercz and Hosnyánszky. Manhercz scored a penalty early in the second period and with Dávid Bisztritsányi in fine form at the other end, the whole team was able to flourish, Vámos getting in on the act with a trademark strike and Manhercz scoring again after France’s Peisson had pulled a goal back.

Indeed, France did reduce Hungary’s lead to 7-5 and then 8-6 after Dénes Varga had scored Hungary’s eighth, but goals from Ádám Decker and Vámos again calmed any nerves and Tibor Benedek’s never looked likely to relinquish control, the final score of 15-9 fairly reflecting their dominance.

The pots for tomorrow’s Olympic draw were also revealed, Hungary being placed in pot 5.

Pot 1: Serbia and Croatia
Pot 2: Greece and Montenegro
Pot 3: USA and Ausztrália
Pot 4: The 4th placed team in Trieste and Japán
Pot 5: The 1st and 2nd placed teams in Trieste
Pot 6: The 3rd placed team in Trieste and Brazíl

Result – Men’s Olympic qualification tournament in Trieste
Semi-final

Hungary 15–9 France (4–2, 4–4, 2–1, 5–2)
Officials: Alexandrescu (Romania), Willis (South Africa)

HUNGARY: Bisztritsányi – Erdélyi, Vámos 3, Szivós, Varga Dániel 1, Varga Dénes 1, Hárai 3. Replacements: Zalánki, Manhercz K. 4, Hosnyánszky 2, Decker Á. 1, Bedő. Head coach: Benedek Tibor

FRANCE: Garsau – Saudadier 1, Kovacevic 2, Blary 1, Khasz, Simon 2, Crousillat, Izdinsky 1, Marzouki, Peisson 2, Tomasevic, Camarasa. Head coach: Florian Bruzzo

Photo: facebook.com/waterpolo.hu

Source: Press release – waterpolo.hu