Canada and USA to contest women's world final in Rome

THERE'S never much love lost between the USA and Canada and the bitter rivals will go head to head for women's water polo World Championship gold on Friday.  

IN WITH A SHOUT: Canada's Krystina Alogbo does her best to avoid the attentions of Theresa Klein en route to the final in Rome

Defending champions and Olympic silver medallists USA have Elizabeth Armstrong and Elsie Widnes to thank for reaching the final.

Widnes notched five goals from seven attempts while goalkeeper Armstrong pulled off a vital save with just two seconds left on the clock in their 8-7 semi-final victory over Greece.

Canada also came through 8-7 in their semi-final against Olympic bronze medallists Russia.

Emily Csikos was the star of the show for Canada, scoring three goals out of three attempts.

Canada are a relative surprise package of the tournament, having failed to qualify for last year's Olympics.

They have shown improved form this season and boast a 9-5 victory over the Americans from a World League preliminary game in May.

But USA were far superior when the two teams met again in the World League Super Final in June, claiming a 9-6 victory.