Australia’s Women’s Water Polo goalie Gabi Palm needed just one word to describe the secret to winning a penalty shoot-out against 2023 world champion The Netherlands in Paris - “belief”.
The 26-year-old Queenslander said the calm and poise the Australians showed after scores were locked at 7-7 at full-time was due to their trust in each other.
The win puts the Aussies, who have played just one game in the Olympic tournament so far beating China, in a strong position in Pool A.
Gabi teamed up with fellow keeper Genevieve Longman for the shoot-out which the Australians won 8-7.
“It was wild,” Gabi said.
“As much as it was crazy and the crowd was going wild, we still had a matter of calm within the team.
“The feeling of belief, it's just really cool to get away with that win.”
Australia went into the match wary of the European powerhouse after a loss at the World Championships in Doha in February.
However the tenacious Stingers side, coached by Sydney Olympic gold medallist Bec Rippon, would not allow nerves to inhibit their Olympic podium aspirations.
“We have a good record against The Netherlands at the Olympics, so it's good to notch another one under our belt,” Gabi said.
“It was pretty tight. We had some good moments. I’m really proud of our defence through that game.
“The girls were going out hard, but I think we kept our composure well.”
Australia will play Canada at 10pm AEST on 2 August.
Mimi Sillar
