Germany secures first medal in women’s water polo with final victory over USA.
The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games women’s water polo tournament ended in extraordinary fashion on Saturday, 26 July as the champions, Germany, held Team USA scoreless through the first half. Captain Sinia Plotz led the remarkable charge for the winners, scoring three goals in the host country’s defeat of the Red, White and Blue.
It looked like the local crowd knew an exceptional final was incoming—for they showed up in top form.
“It was so amazing,” Plotz said, beaming. “We had like all our fans, and the crowd, the families, friends. Everyone was screaming for us, so it was incredible. I don’t know. I have no words, honestly.”
Black, red, and yellow balloons littered the stands as cheers for “Deutschland” echoed over the outdoor pool in Duisburg. Little voices were some of the loudest to sing the chants while a megaphone and drum kept the sold-out stadium on beat.
Darja Heinbichner, Germany’s superb goalkeeper, shared Plotz’ loss for words over the atmosphere. “They helped us a lot. I had goosebumps the whole game, to be honest. It’s just amazing. I don’t have words.”
Scoreless first half for USA
Even standing room became precious as Germany built a strong lead early. Sinia Plotz set the tone after two minutes with a top right penalty shot so strong it lodged the ball perfectly between net and post. Deutschland went on to score three more in the first half, all while shutting out Team USA.
“I think the difference was definitely our goalkeeper. She was amazing, and then also that we all helped each other,” the captain said.
“We were talking a lot on defence. We were picking each other up when they were driving and, well, I think in the end it was our goalkeeper, but we played amazing together.”
In water polo, it’s almost unheard of to hold this kind of dominance throughout an entire half. The United States side had been used to sharing the scoring amongst many throughout the tournament, so their offensive woes seemed to catch them by surprise.
At the halftime break, US head coach Adam Wright was seen directing a huddle with his players. As he tried to get them back on course, he yelled: “You can’t play afraid.”
However, the Germans knew what to expect coming back from the intermission and impeccable defence was always part of the plan. After their semi-final win over New Zealand, the women mentioned the importance of defence in the final match and carried that value through to the end.
“My defence was perfect,” Heinbicher said of her teammates after winning gold. “It helped me a lot. We were really concentrated.”
A solid first half didn’t mean the locals were in the clear yet, however. At half, conversations on the German side focused on the importance of closing out in the same way they had started.
“I remember I told the team, don’t celebrate too early because we were just three goals in front. It doesn’t mean anything in water polo in one minute, everything can change,” Heinbicher said.
Plotz reflected on her team’s offensive dominance throughout the match as well, highlighting how the host team never stopped attacking.
“We didn’t want to let them counter us because they are really fast. And I think it worked.”
History made at home
Germany—with assistance from a vibrant atmosphere—kept up the pace and landed themselves in the history books with their country’s first women’s water polo medal at the FISU Games. An exciting fact that was not lost on the team.
“It’s our first medal with the German team,” the goalie said. “And to achieve this in front of my family, my friends, the family and friends of my teammates. It’s the best thing that could have happened.”
In almost every post-game interview the student-athletes mentioned making history, and at one point, even stormed the mixed zone together for a cheer of excitement.
Italy also medalled on the women’s side thanks to a 10-5 win over New Zealand.
Also on Saturday, Italy became the first country in FISU Games history to tally three straight gold medals in men’s water polo with a 16-12 win over the USA. Germany defeated Hungary 21-20 in a shoot-out for bronze.
The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games take place from 16-27 July. Watch all the competitions live on fisu.tv. Click on the link to find the full schedule.
Written by Sarah Maat, FISU Young Reporter, Canada
The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.
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