World Cup champion Australia will now play world champion United States of America in Tuesday’s semifinals while Hungary will face the Netherlands in the other.
Australia started strong with a three-goal burst but that was eliminated by the quarter hooter with China levelling nine seconds from time.
Australia had the lead with the hooter about to sound when Ma Huanhuan sent in a long shot for 6-6.
China led early in the third quarter but Australia held sway with 10-8 at the final break with Kate Gynther closing the scoring with a penalty goal.
Bronwen Knox, having a tremendous Olympics, missed a penalty shot at the start of the fourth period and China reduced the margin by one.
Gynther sent in her fourth goal from well outside but it caught the referee unawares and he disallowed what the action replay showed was a goal.
Gao Ao struck back immediately and the game was level at 10-10.
Gynther stepped up for the next penalty and converted at 3:03. On the next Aussie attack she countered, received a Mel Rippon pass and Australia was suddenly two ahead.
China converted extra man with a lob shot at 0”28 but a smart Aussie ploy retained the ball for the remainder of the game to advance to the semifinals.
Australia is still far from playing consistent top-flight water polo so head coach Greg McFadden, tired from appealing to the referees so much, especially with the costume pulling of the Chinese, needs to get the team in top form for the medal round.
The Netherlands needed a penalty shootout to defeat Olympic champion Italy, finishing 8-8 with no goals in extra time. The Dutch shot first and claimed all five goals while Italy missed its first and had no need for the final shooter.
Results:
Day 4:
Play-off for 7th & 8th: Russia 12 Greece 6. Quarterfinals: Australia 12 (K Gynther 5, N Cuffe 2, M Rippon, B Knox, M Santoromito, R Rippon, G Beadsworth) China 11, Netherlands 13 Italy 11 in penalty shootout (FT: 8-8. ET: 0-0. Pens 5-3).
Beijing, China (August 17).— Netherlands d Italy 13-11, Australia (Gynther 5, Cuffe, M Rippon 2, Beadsworth, B Knox, M Santomorito 1) d China 12-11, Russia d Greece 12-6
