Following a win in their opening game, the Australian men's water polo team, the Aussie Sharks, have come up short against European powerhouse Croatia in a 6-3 defeat at the FINA World Cup in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
A solid defensive game kept the scores tight throughout the first half, however the Aussies struggled to convert scoring opportunities in offence, denying themselves an early lead.
London Olympians Aidan Roach and Richie Campbell both scored for Australia, however poor execution in extra man left the Sharks chasing down the Croatians over the second half of the game.
Croatia started on the front foot to be leading 1-0 at the end of the first quarter, before Australia replied with Campbell shooting a penalty goal in the second term for the scores to be locked 1-1 at half time.
The third stanza was the watershed for Croatia, as they outscored the Sharks 3-1 to be leading 4-2 at the final exchange.
Roach scored his second for the game half way through the final quarter, however Croatia had done their damage in the penultimate period of play, securing the win.
Sharks captain Richie Campbell said he was pleased to slow Croatia's scoring rate, although noted that the Aussie's offence would need to improve.
"Our set and especially extra man attack was our weakness. We created numerous opportunities but were unable to execute."
The Australians beat Kazakhstan 11-8 on Tuesday and their next game is against Hungary.
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