There is a world and two commuter trains between the speed pool at La Défense and the water polo pool at the Aquatic Centre in Saint-Denis. From the financial district to the gloomy suburb. From Tom Cruise in the stands to the sweaty fans. From the classical harp to liven up the evening to Calabria 2007 Club Mix. Water polo is a sport with a Mediterranean influence. Balkan, actually. The rituals are just as rigorous and if Spain is playing Hungary, the organisation is very strict. With announcers, lights and sound at full blast for the big party in the aquatic discotheque in the suburbs. But no ballroom dancing. In Saint-Denis, only perreo is allowed. No regrets.
In these confines, athletes do not cry or complain about the poor food in the Village, or about the cardboard bed bases and hard mattresses, as the Australian and Korean sprinters have done to justify their poor performances this week. “I slept great and ate very well,” said Unai Aguirre, the Spanish goalkeeper, happy with life in the Village and the rather easy-going match he has just played against one of the most powerful teams in the Games.
Spain won 10-7 and leads Group B with six points ahead of Hungary, Australia, France and Serbia – all with three points – in a phase in which only the last (Japan, with zero) is eliminated.
“The main objective today was to grow as a team,” said coach David Martín. “The team was very focused. Our greatest weapon is our defence. It is difficult in attack, but we found the moment.”
The team had little flow in attack. It was significant that Marc Larumbe, the team’s defender par excellence, scored two key goals with one left. The 4-3 at the end of the second quarter, and the definitive 10-7 at the end of the fourth quarter. An example of opportunistic reading of the game and solidity in protecting one’s own goal. As David Martin said: “When Marc sees that he is safe at the back, he goes up.” Just in case, his two shots were very venomous. Soma Voguel, the Ferencvaros goalkeeper, who knows the subject, was unable to stop the slippery projectiles.
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