The Australian women's water polo team have missed out on a spot in the World Cup gold medal match after falling 10-6 to the US in a blockbuster semi-final.
In what marked another epic chapter in the rich rivalry between the two sides, both Australia and the US unleashed 29 shots on goal at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Friday night, but it was the visitors who made the most of their chances.
The Aussie Stingers ended the match with a shot efficiency of just 20 per cent, with their missed chances coming back to haunt them.
It was a slice of sweet revenge for the US, who were beaten by Australia in a dramatic semi-final penalty shootout at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"We knew going in to today's game we would probably have to play our best game in the last couple of years to beat this team," US coach Adam Krikorian said.
"There's something beautiful knowing you have to be your best to win a game. I think this is the greatest rivalry, no offence to the Europeans, in women's water polo.
"They got us last time, we got them now. And who knows who gets it the next."
The US will take on Spain in Sunday's final.
The Europeans secured their spot in the decider with a 5-3 penalty shootout win over Russia in the second semi, after scores were locked at 10-10 following regulation time.
View this post on Instagram
Australia will face off against Russia in Sunday's bronze medal match.
US goalkeeper Amanda Longan was huge against Australia with 10 saves.
"I owe it all to my defence," Longan said.
"They stepped up to help cover for me a lot today and I'm glad I could return the favour.
"Those Aussie Stingers are tough man, so you have to hang in for the whole game. You've got to be smart, you've got to fight all the way from start to finish."
The US will face either Spain or Russia in the final, with Australia to feature in the bronze medal match.
Australia coach Bec Rippon was disappointed with the loss, but praised her team's fighting spirit.
"They (the US) were excellent tonight. Their defence was so tough - to put only six goals against them," Rippon said.
"Even though the score blew out a little bit, it never really felt like the game was over and we fought to the end."
