USA vs. South Africa Water Polo FREE LIVE STREAM (07/26/21): Watch the Tokyo Olympics 2021 online | Time, TV, channel

The US water polo team will face South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics 2021 on Monday, July 26, 2021 (07/26/21) at the Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Center in Tokyo, Japan.

Fans can watch the game for free via a trial version of fuboTV.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Tokyo Olympics, men’s water polo

Who: USA vs. South Africa

When: Monday, July 26th, 2021

Where: Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Center

Time: 9:00 p.m. ET

TV: CNBC

Channel finder: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum / Charter, Optimum / Altice, Cox, DIRECTV, Dish, Hulu, fuboTV, Sling.

Livestream: fuboTV (free trial version)

***

Shortly after the US ended a grueling victory over China in the Tokyo Olympics, Rachel Fattal and her teammates got back to work in the Tatsumi Water Polo Center’s warm-up pool.

Fattal and Co. have a saying that comes up so often in conversations and on social media that its meaning for the reigning Olympic champion is clear.

“The recovery never stops,” said a smiling Fattal after the United States won 7-12 on Monday. “That is the motto of our team.”

It is one of the most important keys for any team in Tokyo who does a grueling sport almost every other day during their stay at the Olympics. Each game is 32 minutes long and includes constant swimming, kicking and contesting for position with another of the best players in the world.

It’s tedious, and figuring out a way back 100% before the next game can make a difference when it comes to winning a medal – or going home empty-handed.

“I think recovery is the most important thing during training,” said Italy captain Matteo Aicardi, “because you have to load and unload, and the unloading time is sometimes forgotten.”

The recovery routine depends on the player and what they had to do in the previous game. The player’s position and age also influence his plans.

“For me … it’s definitely about keeping moving. If I stop, the problems start, ”said Australian Bronwen Knox after a 15:12 win over the Netherlands. “So I’m going to take a nice long bath, make sure I recover properly. I’m going to take ice baths tonight. I will expand it. … So I’ll be ready tomorrow. “

The U.S. women’s team uses a variety of tools to aid recovery, said coach Larnie Boquiren.

Cupping, a form of muscular decompression using glass or plastic cups in a discomfort area, is popular. Bulky black Normatec sleeves – like a blood pressure cuff – support the blood circulation in the players’ legs. They also use Game Ready systems on their shoulders and hips.

“It’s like an attachment, like a shoulder attachment that you put your sleeve on,” Boquiren said. “And then a unit, the Game Ready unit, pumps cold water in and it will be on for about 20, 30 minutes. … Especially when we stay to watch a game, we bring it with us and maximize our time. “

It can take time to educate players about the importance of recovery when they first join their national teams. When they’re young, they feel like they can swim forever without affecting their game.

“So there is a lot of education along the way and something that works for you too?” said Boquiren. “As if not everyone is really a cold piston, like going into the cold tub. Well, if you’re not in the cold tub, what kind of recovery will work for you? “

Culture also plays a role. The importance of recovery has been passed down for years among US women. So when players come into the program and see the preparation of players like Fattal or captain Maggie Steffens, it makes an impression.

“When you join this team, just take the older girls with you,” said Aria Fischer, a 22-year-old center woman. “The way that’s what we do, that’s our culture, that’s what we do before a game, during a game, after a game. So you get used to it pretty quickly. “

Fattal and Fischer helped the US rally win its twelfth straight win at the Olympics and survived a physical test against China. Steffens was forced out in the second half when she started bleeding from her nose but coach Adam Krikorian said he thinks she would be fine.

Fattal scored two goals in nearly 30 minutes, and Fischer’s goal with 1:00 to go in the third put the United States 8-6 ahead. Fattal also won the inaugural sprint at the beginning of each quarter and gained valuable possessions for her team.

“She is an absolute warrior,” said Krikorian.

Playing in their fourth Olympic Games, Knox scored two goals in Australia’s impressive victory over the Dutch. Hannah Buckling, Rowie Webster and Abby Andrews each scored three goals.

Hungary drew 10-10 against the ROC and Spain ended the day with a 14-10 win over Canada.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Comments are closed.