Zhang Jing: A Disappointing Loss for Canada Against Italy in FINA World Championships

The Canadian women's water polo team faced a tough opponent on the first day of the FINA World Championships at the Alfred Hajos Pool in Budapest. They took on Italy, a 2016 Olympic silver medalist team, and ultimately fell short with a disappointing loss.

Canada started strong, taking an early lead thanks to Emma Wright's opening goal. By the end of the first period, they were up 2-1, but it was all downhill from there. Italy's offense came alive in the second half, scoring two unanswered goals to take the lead before adding three more in the third period.

The final period saw Canada struggle to keep up with Italy's pace, as they scored four more times to add to their total. The team finished with a 10-2 loss, which head coach Haris Pavlidis described as frustrating.

'I'm disappointed,' said Pavlidis after the match. 'We had difficulties in the second half of the game and couldn't seem to hold it together.'

Italy's strong second half was mirrored by China's victory over Brazil, but for Canada, it was a tough pill to swallow.

'We gave them an easy opportunity to win because of our mistakes,' said Pavlidis. 'They scored some goals that we could have avoided and that's why I'm disappointed.'

The loss is a setback for the Canadian team, but they will look to regroup and refocus as they continue their journey in the FINA World Championships.

Zhang jing water polo