Aussie Sharks beat reigning champions Serbia in shock Paris Olympics water polo upset

The Sharks had never beaten Serbia in 17 attempts and went into their group match in Paris as nine-dollar underdogs. But as Aussies love proving at the Olympics, never bet against them.

The Aussie Sharks have pulled off the biggest upset of the Paris Olympics by demolishing reigning Olympic champions Serbia, 8-3.

For water polo, this is the equivalent of the Boomers defeating the Dream Team. The perfect showcase of David taking it up to Goliath and walking away victorious.

The Sharks had never beaten Serbia in 17 previous meetings. In their three Olympic showdowns, the Aussies had fallen short on each occasion. ê

And it was expected to be no different on Tuesday morning. Australia were $9 outsiders with the market predicting a procession for the back-to-back defending gold medallists.

Charlie Negus scored the final goal for the Sharks as they downed the reigning Olympic champions. Picture: Andreas Solaro / AFP

But this plucky Australian team grew in confidence after matching Spain for large portions of their opening match of the Games.

If they turned a few heads on Sunday, they put the entire world on notice against Serbia.

“Everyone else probably looked at this match-up and thought Australia’s got no chance,” goalkeeper Nic Porter said. “But the 13 boys, plus the staff, we believed. We showed it today and we got the win.

“I’m a bit speechless, honestly. I always knew this group had a performance like that in them. And we’ve shown glimpses of it in the Olympic cycle over the past three years.

“But to put a performance like that together in front of all our family and friends at the Olympic Games, I probably couldn’t have imagined this in my wildest dreams.

“A collective team effort like that is a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of.”

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The Aussies set the tempo early with some big defensive moments before their efficiency in attack made the difference. They opened up a 6-0 lead during the second quarter on the back of Matt Byrnes’ hat-trick and a Luke Pavillard double.

They would hold onto that six-goal margin until the final quarter. The Serbians left it too late for a comeback, but it didn’t help their cause that they had Porter in their way who was a brick wall in goal, finishing with a save rate of 75 per cent.

Nic Porter the man of the moment as the Aussies record their FIRST win over Serbia in 18 attempts.

Serbia have won the past two men’s Olympic gold medals. But the Sharks were far too good for them today. #Paris2024pic.twitter.com/CyZ71fdgxx

— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) July 30, 2024

“The boys were defending so well and putting them under pressure so I could see the ball really well,” Porter said. “They did their job exceptionally well and so I could play my small role and do my job.

“I live overseas in Spain, so it’s not often I get to play in front of my mum and dad, my friends and my girlfriend. They were all here today. To see so many Aussie flags in the crowd and the Olympic rings around the pool, it’s the best feeling ever, especially when you win.

“I’m so proud of my defence, so proud of the boys in general and hopefully we continue with some good defence the rest of the tournament.”

Porter was immense in goal, limiting a Serbian side that included powerhouse forward Dusan Mandic to just three goals. Picture: Andreas Solaro / AFP

The Sharks tactically outplayed Serbia and have now blown their Olympic group wide open.

They had a similar moment during the Tokyo Olympics where an early win against Croatia gave them confidence, but they were unable to capitalise on the momentum and make it out of their group.

They’re determined not to let that happen again.

“This group has that potential and we’ve believed in ourselves for a long time,” Porter said.

“It’s really important now that we enjoy this victory for a bit, and then we have full focus on France on Thursday.”

Originally published as Aussie Sharks beat reigning champions Serbia in shock Paris Olympics water polo upset