Stingers stun USA in comeback, advance to gold medal match

The Aussie Stingers pulled off a thrilling comeback, winning a dramatic 14-13 penalty shootout to secure their spot in the women’s water polo gold medal match at the Paris Olympics.

This marks the first time since their historic victory at Sydney 2000 that the Stingers have made it to an Olympic final. Entering the game undefeated, they faced a formidable USA team with a storied Olympic history, having rarely finished outside the top two.

The Americans started strong, quickly building a 2-0 lead after an early penalty and another goal following an exclusion. Charlize Andrews managed to get one back, but the USA continued to dominate, extending their lead to 5-2 by halftime.

Abby Andrews’ four goals in the third quarter helped the Aussies regain momentum and put them back in the game.

The pressure mounted on the USA as the Stingers closed the gap.

With just under a minute and a half remaining, Bronte Halligan scored to tie the game at 8-8. Both teams had chances to clinch it in regular time, but it ultimately came down to a penalty shootout.

The Stingers, already battle-tested with two shootout victories in Paris, displayed nerves of steel.

Both teams scored on their first five attempts, but the turning point came when Gabi Palm made a crucial save on the USA’s final penalty, sealing the Stingers’ place in the gold medal match.

Remarkably, the Aussies never led during the match until Palm’s decisive save.

They will now face Spain on Saturday night with the gold medal on the line.

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