It may not be quite the same as the rivalry in swimming, but the United States and Australia still maintain close matches in the pool.
On Wednesday, however, the quarter-finals of men's water polo were held in Paris, with the winner going on to have a chance of winning a medal.
It looked like the Stars and Stripes were headed home trophyless, but they staged a miraculous comeback to eventually win in a penalty shootout.
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Marko Vavic, right, celebrates victory over Australia in the men's quarter-final match at Paris La Defense Arena on August 7, 2024, during the Paris Olympic Games in Nanterre, France. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Down 7-6 with just over 30 seconds left, the United States was on a power play when Alex Bowen found the back of the net, ultimately sending the game to a penalty shootout.
Both the United States and Australia scored on their first two penalty attempts, but U.S. goalkeeper Adrian Weinberg blocked Australia's third shot. When Bowen scored, the United States controlled its own destiny.
In the fourth round, both shot attempts were blocked (Weinberg even made a save with his face), and after Australia tied the shootout in the fifth round, a goal would have sent the United States to the semifinals.
Team USA celebrates victory over Australia at the Paris Olympics on August 7, 2024. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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Marko Vavic then stepped up and fired past the Australian goalkeeper to clinch an 11-10 victory.
It is the first time the United States has reached the semifinals in men's water polo since 2008. That year, they settled for silver against Hungary.
The United States has six medals in the event: three silver and three bronze.
Members of Team USA sing the national anthem before the men's quarterfinal match against Australia on Aug. 7, 2024. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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The Americans will be back in action Friday — a loss would send them to play Sunday at 4:35 a.m. ET for bronze, but with a win, they'll go for gold at 8 a.m. Sunday, the final day of the Paris Olympics.
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