Sharks push gold medal favourites Montenegro in opening water polo match
Australia's men's water polo team have thrown away a handy early lead against world No.1 Montenegro, going down 15-10 in their opening pool match.
The Sharks shot out to a 4-1 advantage in the first quarter thanks to two goals from Richard Campbell, to stun their highly-fancied rivals.
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Australia's Aaron Younger prepares to shoot against Montenegro. Getty
Australia continued their early onslaught to lead 7-6 at halftime, but the powerful Montenegrins - who are chasing their first Olympic medal - finished off the match in dominant fashion with a 9-3 scoring run.
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There was a costly moment for Australia when the match was delicately poised, with the Aussie coach Elvis Fatovic calling a time-out just moments before his side scored. The goal was therefore denied.
The Sharks were also hampered by a tough call when a penalty was denied and Montenegro scored soon after.
When a video review was ruled against the Sharks, the commentator exclaimed: "if that's not a penalty, I'm an astronaut".
"So frustrating for the Australians," the commentator added.
Campbell ended up with three goals for the Sharks.
Australia coach Elvis Fatovic talks to his team during the match against Montenegro. Getty
Montenegro made Australia pay dearly for conceding fouls, scoring eight out of nine from their extra player shots, while the Sharks were four from 10.
Australia's next match in Pool B, regarded as the 'Pool of Death', is against Spain on Tuesday.
