Reporting from Rio de Janeiro — They could have kicked back and watched the opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics on television. Perhaps even taken a few smiling selfies from the village in their official team gear like other teams did on Friday night.
No one would have blamed the U.S. men’s water polo team for sitting it out, especially with a start time of 10:20 the next morning against defending Olympic champion Croatia.
So did showing up on Friday hurt them on Saturday?
Sparked by a strong second half, Croatia defeated the United States, 7-5, in their Group B opener. Maro Jokovic and Andelo Setka each scored twice for Croatia, while five-time Olympian Tony Azevedo had two goals for the United States.
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The U.S. players rejected the theory of ceremony fatigue, noting that they were able to leave the stadium well before the end of the event and were back in the Athletes Village by 10:30 p.m.
“In all honesty, I think it was important for us to be there,” said U.S. goalkeeper Merrill Moses, who is competing in his third Olympics. “Especially for the [nine] first-timers to be walking in the opening ceremony.
“I don’t think that had anything to do with the result of the game. I just think we didn’t put away our power plays. I’ve always said, six-on-five, five-on-six is going to be the difference between winning and losing.
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He added, smiling, “I wouldn’t have gone to bed until 11 even if I was sitting at home.”
Croatia was down by a goal four times but put the game away with four consecutive goals in the second half.
“As far as losing out there, it had nothing to do with our physical shape,” Azevedo said. “We made three very stupid mistakes that really finished us in that game. ...There were two calls that were for sure penalties that they didn’t call, which is kind of ridiculous. If those aren’t penalties, I don’t know what are.”
He echoed what Moses said about the importance of Friday night.
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, TUESDAY, AUGUST 9 2016. - U.S. boxer Carlos Balderas Jr. is tended to in his corner between rounds against Japan’s Daisuke Narimatsu in a Men’s Light (60kg) prelim at Riocentro Pavilion 6. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 - Rafael Alcantara jumps into the ecstatic crowd to celebrate a win over Germany in the Men’s Football Gold Medal Match at Maracana. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 - Fans erupt in joy as Brazil scores a goal in the first half of the Men’s Football Gold Medal Match at Maracana. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 - U.S. boxer Shakur Stevenson covers his head in disappointment after losing a split decision to Robeisy Ramirez of Cuba in the Men’s Boxing Bantam Weight Final at Riocentro Pavilion 6. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016 - Rhythmic Gymnastics, Men’s Basketball. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016 - Kerri Walsh Jennings, right, and April Ross console each other as Brazil celebrates a 2-0 win over the U.S. in a Women’s Beach Volleyball Semifinal at the Beach Volleyball arena. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 2016 - Argentina Tennis Player Juan Martin Del Potro shows his frustration as he competes against Andy Murray of Great Britain in the Men’s Singles Tennis Final at the Olympic Tennis Centre. Del Potro lost in four sets to win a Silver Medal. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 2016 - Gymnast Chunsong Shang of China prepares the equipment before her uneven bars routine at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games, at the Rio Olympic Arena.(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 2016. - Women’s fencer Alina Komaschuk of Ukraine, right, competes against Yuliya Gavrilova of Russia. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 2016. Michael Phelps gives an emotion filled wave to the crowd after competing in what possibly was his last Olympic competition, the Men’s 4x 100m Medley Relay at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium. Phelps and his U.S.A. teammates won the Gold Medal. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 2016. - Women’s fencer ALINA KOMASHCHUK of Ukraine celebrates after winning point during a match against Yuliya Gavrilova of Russia. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 2016. - The Italian team competes in the Men’s Team Pursuit race during the track cycling competition at the Rio Olympic Velodrome. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016. - Katie Ledecky pulls away from the pack midway through the Women’s 800m Freestyle at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium. Ledecky earned a Gold Medal with a world record time of 8:04.79. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016. - Swimmers push off to start the Women’s 200m Backstroke at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016. - Swimmer Michael Phelps laughs in the pool after finishing in a three way tie for the Silver Medal in the Men’s 100m Butterfly at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016. - U.S. swimmer Maya Dirado celebrates after edging Katinka Hosszu of Hungary for first place in the Women’s 200m Backstroke at Olympic Aquatics Park. Hosszu led nearly the whole way only to have Dirado close and pass her in the last 10 meters. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016. - USA boxer Carlos Balderas recites a short prayer in the corner of the ring moments before battling Cuba’s Lazara Alvarez in the Men’s lightweight (60kg) Quarterfinals. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016. -Michael Phelps receives his fourth Gold Medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics for winning the Men’s 200m Individual Medley at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016. - U.S.A. swimmer Missy Franklin embraces teammate Maya Dirado after the Women’s 200m Backstroke Semifinal at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium. Franklin did not qualify for the finals. Dirado won the heat and qualified. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10 2016. - U.S.A. swimmer Missy Franklin swims the second leg of the Women’s 4x200 Freestyle Relay prelim at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10 2016. - Swimmer Michael Phelps takes a moment to reflect moments after winning a qualifying heat in the Men’s 200m Individual Medley at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10 2016. - Italian fencer Elisa de Francisca, left, battles Yongshi Liu of China in the Women’s Foil Individual preliminaries at the Carioca Arena 3. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016. - Michael Phelps competes in the Men’s 200m Butterfly semifinal at the Olympic Aquatic Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2016. USA swimmer Ryan Held, second from left, breaks down in tears as he stands with teammates Nathan Adrian, left, Michael Phelps and Caleb Dressel as the National Anthem plays during the Gold Medal Ceremony for the Men’s 4x100 Freestyle Relay at the Olympic Aquatic Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2016. Serena Williams of the U.S.A. competes against Australia’s Daria Gavrilova in the opening round of the Women’s Singles at the Olympic Tennis Center. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 2016 - U.S. Gymnast Alexander Naddour exhults as he finishes a Medal worthy performance in the Men’s Pommel Horse at Rio Olympic Arena. Naddour’s score of 15.700 landed him in third place. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Chase Kalisz pushes toward the finish line to win a qualifying heat of the Men’s 400m Individual Medley at the Olympic Aquatics Center. His time of 4:08.12, qualified him for the finals.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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A disappointed Chase Kalisz soaks in the reality that he finished second in the Men’s 400m Individual Medley.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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USA swimmers Elizabeth Beisel, left, and Maya Dirado share a warm embrace after the Women’s 400m Individual Medley. Next to them are Hannah Miley of Great Britain, right, and Mireia Belmonte Garcia of Spain. Belmonte finished third and Dirado second to Katinka Hosszu of Hungary with a world record time of 4:26:36 at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Swimmers distorted by refracting light, begin to surface at the start of the Men’s 100m Breastroke semifinal.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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A packed photo platform waits for swimmers as last minute cleanup is peformed at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Simone Manuel, Abbey Weitzel and Dana Vollmer (L-R) of the USA’s Women’s 4X100 Freestyle Relay team looks on in disappointment after finishing second to Australia.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Brittany Elmslie, Bronte Campbell and Emma McKeon (L-R) of Team Australia celebrate a gold medal performance in the Women’s 4x100 Freestyle Relay.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Yana Shemyakina of the Ukraine, left, and USA fencer Courtney Hurley compete in an early round match at Carioca Arena 3. Shemyakina beat Hurley in overtime.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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U.S. swimmer Chase Kalisz finishes second to Japan’s Kosuke Hagino, left, in the 400-meter individual medley. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times )
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Armenia’s Artur Hovhannisyan receives a punch from Spain’s Samuel Carmona Heredia during a men’s light flyweight 49-kg preliminary boxing match at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.
(Frank Franklin II / AP)
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Spain’s Francisco Garrigos, right, competes with Germany’s Tobias Englmaier during their men’s -60kg judo contest match of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Saturday.
(JACK GUEZ / AFP/Getty Images)
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Bui Baravilala of the U.S. runs with the ball while Timaima Ravisa of Fiji tries to tackle during the Women’s Pool A rugby match between the U.S. and Fiji on Day 1 of the 2016 Olympic Games at Deodoro Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
(Mark Kolbe / Getty Images)
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The peloton rides during the Men’s Road cycling race in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.
(Eric Feferberg / AFP/Getty Images)
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USA’s gold medallist Virginia Thrasher, center, poses on the podium with China’s silver medal winner Du Li, left, and China’s bronze medallist, Yi Siling, during the medal ceremony for the women’s 10-meter air rifle shooting event Saturday at the 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Shooting Centre in Rio de Janeiro.
(Pascal Guyot / AFP/Getty Images)
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Arthur Mariano of Brazil reacts after performing on the horizontal bar during the men’s qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games artistic gymnastics eventsSaturday at the Rio Olympic Arena in Barra da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro.
(Tatyana Zenkovich / EPA)
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USA’s Joshua Samuels, left, takes a shot as Croatia’s Luka Loncar defends during their men’s water polo preliminary round match Saturday at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
(Sergei Grits / Associated Press)
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Brazil’s left wing Fernanda Franca da Silva celebrates a goal during the women’s preliminaries Group A handball match Norway vs Brazil for the Rio 2016 Olympics Games at the Future Arena in Rio on August 6, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFEFRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
(Franck Fife / AFP/Getty Images)
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Brazil’s center back Ana Paula Belo, center, shoots during the women’s preliminaries Group A handball match Norway vs. Brazil on Saturday for the 2016 Olympics Games at the Future Arena in Rio de Janeiro.
(Franck Fife / AFP/Getty Images)
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Japan’s Kohei Uchimura competes in the qualifying for the men’s vault event of the artistic gymnastics at the Olympic Arena on Saturday during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
(Emmanuel Dunand / AFP/Getty Images)
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Japan’s Kohei Uchimura competes in the qualifying for the men’s parallel bars event of the artistic gymnastics Saturday at the Olympic Arena during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
(Ben Stansall / AFP/Getty Images)
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Japan’s Nozomi Sato, left, competes against Russia’s Tatiana Logunova during their women’s individual epee qualifying bout Saturday as part of the fencing event of the 2016 Olympic Games at the Carioca Arena 3 in Rio de Janeiro.
(Kirill Kudryavtsev / AFP/Getty Images)
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Armenia’s Artur Hovhannisyan, right, lands a punch on Spain’s Samuel Carmona Heredia during a men’s light flyweight match on Aug. 6 at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. (Yuri Cortez / AFP/Getty Images)
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Sergio Sasaki of Brazil reacts after competing in the artistic gymnastics men’s team qualification on Saturday during the 2016 Olympic Games at Rio Olympic Arena in Rio de Janeiro.
(Alex Livesey / Getty Images)
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Maya Dirado celebrates after finishing second in the Women’s 400m Indivdual Medley.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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USA’s Carli Lloyd jumps into the arms of teamate Tobin Heath after scoring a goal against France in the 2nd half at Belo Horizonte in the 2016 Rio Olympics Saturday.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USA’s Alex Morgan, left, and Tobin Heath battle for the ball with France’s Camille Abily in the 1st half in Belo Horizonte at the 2016 Rio Olympics Saturday.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USA’s Hope Solo makes a save on a shot by France in the 2nd half at Belo Horizonte at the 2016 Rio Olympics Saturday.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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“With nine new guys, you go into an opening ceremony and there’s nothing you can explain,” Azevedo said. “The feeling of going in there. Especially when you get stuck in the rhythm of every single day for four years. You’re training nine hours a day. You’re stuck in your hotel.
“I think it was a great opportunity to understand what the Olympics are about. What the United States is about and I really think this inspired a lot of our guys.”
One of the highlights for the Brazilian-born Azevedo was running into the U.S. basketball players, especially DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors.
“I was with DeMar DeRozan and he’s a Moore League [guy],” Azevedo said. “From Compton and I’m from Long Beach Wilson. We talked about old-school Moore League days. That was fun.”
Lisa Dillman is a former sports reporter for the Los Angeles Times; she left in 2016. She has covered the Kings, the Ducks, the Clippers, professional tennis, soccer and Olympic sports at five Summer Games and two Winter Games for the newspaper since 1992.
