Japan faced the second round of the qualifying league as a water polo boy at the Tokyo Olympics, losing to Hungary 11-16 and losing two consecutive games.
In the men's water polo, 12 teams will be divided into two groups to compete in the qualifying league, and the top four teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals.
Japan lost to the United States in the first round of the qualifying league and played against Hungary, who won the gold medal nine times in the second round.
At the end of the second quarter, Japan fell to 8-8, but the lead was widened by scoring three consecutive goals in the third quarter, losing 11-16 to two consecutive losses.
Japan will face Greece in Round 3 of the qualifying league on the 29th.
Captain Okawa "Let's reflect on it and next time"
Captain Keigo Okawa analyzed the cause of the defeat, saying, "In the first half, I was able to make good use of my reflection on the match against the United States, but in the second half I got tired and adjusted to the opponent's pace."
He said, "I have lost two games in a row, but I haven't given up, so I'd like to reflect on it and show you how to win next time."
Yusuke Inaba regretted, "It was a match where we could feel our growth against Hungary, the candidate for the championship, but we couldn't take the chance."
Then, he switched to "I want to concentrate on the remaining three games so that I can score in this situation as an ace."
Coach Hirotsugu Omoto recalled the match, saying, "I was able to fight against Hungary, which is said to be the best in the world, with tactics specializing in attacks in the first half, but I couldn't score points in the match." Regarding future battles, he said, "I think it will be difficult to break through the qualifying league, but I will win all the remaining three games."