The Australian men's water polo team have suffered semi-final heartbreak at the World Cup in Sydney, with a late blocked shot ensuring Hungary walked away with a thrilling 13-12 win.
World No.9 Australia stunned defending world champions Spain in Thursday's quarter-final, and another boilover loomed on Saturday night against world No.2 Hungary.
Australia came from two goals down at three-quarter time to level the scores, before Hungary edged one goal ahead with 70 seconds remaining courtesy of Gergo Zalanki.
The Aussie Sharks had one final chance to send the match to penalties when Charlie Negus unleashed a powerful long-range shot with just four seconds remaining.
But Hungary goalkeeper Kristof Csoma was up to the task, his reflex save securing his side victory and a spot in Sunday's gold medal match against world No.3 Greece, who beat Italy 10-9 in the other semi-final.
Australian players were left heartbroken after the clash.
"They've been a great team for a long, long time and it was a fitting game tonight," Australia coach Tim Hamill said.
"I said to the players after the win against Spain I was incredibly proud of them and I still am now.
"We can't just decide how proud we are based on win or lose. I think this game showed, and also the game against Spain showed, where we are in water polo, and I'm bloody excited where we're going to head towards LA."
Matthew Byrnes starred for Australia with four goals, while Nicolas Constantin-Bicari scored three.
Hamill is confident his players will be able to pick themselves up for the bronze medal match against world No.6 Italy.
"One thing about this group is that they have an amazing ability to get back up, play against adversity, play in difficult times," Hamill said.
"So, yes, tonight's going to hurt a great deal but they'll recover and they'll be good to go."
The Australian women's team will take on Russia in Sunday's bronze medal match after losing their semi-final to the US on Friday.
The Americans are up against world No.1 Spain in the title decider.
