For the second time, the Aussies were stung by the Russians, but it wasn’t without fight, with Hannah Bucking scoring the opening goal of the match halfway through the first period.

Russia answered not long after to level the scores. A steal by Bronte Halligan after a blocked shot by the Russian goalie set up a second scoring opportunity for captain Rowie Webster to head into the first break with a 2-1 lead.

Not to be silenced, the Russians came out firing in the second quarter, earning an exclusion in the first possession to get a quick extra-man goal away to bring the scores back level, 2-2.

From there, the home side, spurred on by a vocal crowd kept the Aussies at bay. Another goal to the Russians, followed by pressure from both teams set the pace for the remainder of the game to be a low-scoring affair.

The halftime break saw the home side take the lead 3-2.

A game of two halves, the Aussies definitely came to play putting pressure on Russia. A number of exclusions from both sides that were not converted meant it was still anyone’s games.

With 1:20 to go in the third, Russia managed to net a goal in extra-man to bring the scores to 4-2.

The final quarter saw an early goal from Russia to extend their lead to 5-2 with 6:42 left in the game. Despite a number of shooting opportunities, the Aussies could get not get one past the Russian goalkeeper until 3-minutes to go in the game.

With Webster’s second goal for the match the final one in the game, the home side have continued their undefeated tournament to take now take on the also undefeated United States in the World Cup Final.

Australian Head Coach Sakis Kechagias, said the change in his side tactics from the preliminary games delivered a more consistent game from the Aussies.

“Congratulations to the Russian team… they deserved the win. Both teams could have won today, but like in the group stage, the hosts proved to be stronger.

“We were more competitive provided (by) a number of changes were introduced in our game.”

In other games, China defeated New Zealand 15-6 and Canada defeated Republic of South Africa 21-2, while the United States defeated Spain 11-5.

Playoff for 7th - New Zealand vs Republic of South Africa

Playoff for 5th - People’s Republic of China vs Canada

Bronze Medal - Spain vs Australia

Gold Medal - United States of America vs Russian Federation

GAME 5: AUS V RUS RESULTS (SF)

Australia 3 Russia 5

Qtr time scores: 2-1; 0-2; 0-1; 1-1

Shots on Goal: AUS 3/26 - RUS 5/22

Extra Man: AUS 0/3 - RUS 2/5

AUSTRALIA: 1. Lilian Hedges, 2. Keesja Gofers, 3. Hannah Buckling (1), 4. Bronte Halligan, 5. Isobel Bishop, 6. Bronwen Knox, 7. Rowie Webster (2), 8. Amy Ridge, 9. Zoe Arancini, 10. Alice Williams, 11. Morgan Baxter, 12. Pascalle Casey, 13. Gabriella Palm (8/13)

Full Game Stats: http://www.livewaterpolo.com/92235/summary

AUSTRALIA’S FINA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SCHEDULE
Day 6 Sunday, 9 September - AUS vs ESP 6.00pm (Sunday, 9 September 11.00pm AEST)