European champions Spain have proved too strong for Australia, beating the Sharks 9-5 in men’s Olympic water polo.

Australia made an encouraging start in their opening Group B game on Sunday despite Spain taking the early lead, maintaining pressure and only trailing by one goal late in the first half.

But a goal on halftime to Spain, then two more early in the second half, snapped the Australian challenge.

Alberto Munarriz starred for Spain with a hat-trick from his five shots and was taken out late when it was clear the game was done.

The Sharks were punished on Spanish counter-attacks, conceding three goals, but Australian goalkeeper Nic Porter was solid and saved six shots.

While the loss gives Australia plenty to think about, Spain were also far from their best in the opening Pool B match.

The Spanish only converted three of their nine extra-player opportunities, while the Australians scored two from their seven.

Angus Lambie and Milos Maksimovic scored two goals apiece for Australia and Jacob Mercep scored the other.

Spain have won bronze at the last two world championships after winning the 2022 title.

They have not won an Olympic medal since claiming gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

The Sharks finished second-last in their group at the Tokyo Olympics.

Pool A in Paris also features men’s water polo powers Serbia and Hungary.

Australia’s next opponents are Serbia on Tuesday.