The Hungarians (pictured above, in white cap) are on the hunt for a fourth successive Olympic gold and in Group B with them are Beijing bronze medallist Serbia, Romania and Montenegro.

Britain, making its first Olympic appearance since 1956, has a fight on its hands, according to captain Craig Figes.

"It's a really tough draw," he said.

"Serbia, Montenegro and Romania were the top three teams at the European Championship this year and Hungary has won the gold at the past three Olympic Games.

"Throw the USA into the mix and we certainly have a fight on our hands."

Figes (pictured below) added: "Getting the chance to play against the very best teams in the world is what we train for – there is nothing better than playing against the very best.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for us to see how far we have come in the last few years and the challenge is one we will enjoy."


Group A pits Italy with Greece, Kazakhstan, Spain, Croatia and Australia.

In the women's tournament, Australia, winner of the inaugural Olympic water polo event on home soil at Sydney 2000 and the bronze medallist in Beijing, has been drawn with Britain.

The two nations are joined in Group B by Russia and European champions Italy.

The US, winner of a medal in each of the three Olympic water polo tournaments, sits in Group A with China, Hungary and Spain, but absent is Beijing 2008 champion Netherlands.

The draws, made by FINA President Julio Maglione, took place at the Aquatics Centre in London following last weekend's Visa Water Polo International test event at the adjacent Water Polo Arena.


The four-team women's tournament was won by Australia (pictured above, in dark cap), who defeated the US in the final.

Australia coach Greg McFadden said afterwards that he was relishing the Olympic draw.

"You have to beat them all," he said.

"There is no easy path to the final and I am pretty confident we can beat all three teams."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]