Stingers slay 'Goliaths' Hungary in thrilling shootout win as Australia seals top spot for quarter-finals

Bronte Halligan converted the winning penalty as the unbeaten Stingers sealed top spot in Group A with a thrilling 14-12 win over world No.2 Hungary on Sunday.

Australia will now play Greece in the quarter-finals on Wednesday (3am AEST) and on form are a great chance of winning their first gold medal since water polo was introduced at the Olympics at Sydney 2000.

The Stingers won 5-3 on penalties after Hungary's Dora Leimeter locked the score at 9-9 with 51 seconds to play.

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Australia won all four group games and two of them on penalties.

"These Australians just keep finding a way to slay the Goliaths, don't they?" Nine commentator Jon Harker said.

"Absolute joy for the Stingers."

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After a relatively sedate first quarter, the goals came thick and fast in a see-sawing clash between two strong medal contenders.

It was 3-3 at halftime before Alice Williams' second half rampage for Australia.

The 25-year-old scored all four of her goals in the second half, with a beautifully executed lob the highlight.

Williams then converted her shootout attempt for good measure.

Goalkeeper Gabi Palm also had a strong game for the Stingers but was subbed out for Genevieve Longman during the shootout.

"We definitely like to keep our fans on their toes but full credit to Gabi and the girls today, they were absolutely phenomenal. So exciting - I'm a bit lost for words at the moment," Longman told Nine.

Longman didn't make a save during the shootout but Palm joked her "intimidation" forced a Hungary shot to hit the post.

Zoe Arancini, Keesa Gofers, Charlize Andrews, Abby Andrews and Elle Armit were Australia's other goal scorers during regulation.

Greece thrashed France 11-4 on Monday (AEST) to finish fourth in Group B.