13 January 2014, New Delhi: A Kookaburra goal-fest ended Argentina’s unbeaten record at the Hero Hockey World League Final. This pool B match promised much with the current world champions facing the unbeaten Los Leones of Argentina. The Kookaburras set out their stall early on as Dean Beale (3′) stole possession and slotted home a reverse stick goal and it was Ric Charlesworth’s men who ran away 6-1 winners.
After Beale’s opener, Mark Knowles (11′) scored from the penalty spot after a foul in the circle saw umpire, Roel van Eert, pointing to the spot without hesitation. And then Kieran Govers (14′) added to his overall tally of tournament goals with a well taken shot from wide of the goal.
Argentina appeared shellshocked by the speed of the Australian attack, but in the 18th minute they scored, only to see the goal overturned after a successful Australian referral. A succession of Australian penalty corners and a lot of possession by the Kookaburras failed to yield a goal, and it was Los Leones through Facundo Callioni (32′) who eventually found the back of the net after a quick break.
The final minute of the first half saw Govers (35′) double his match tally with a penalty corner strike.
In the second half, Australia extended their lead through two goals scored from open play. First Russell Ford (44′) followed up on a shot that had been saved by Juan Manuel Vivaldi in the Argentine goal, and then Kiel Brown (48′) made it six for the Kookaburras.
Carlos Retegui, Coach of the Argentina Team said, “Australia played very good today and was very effective. For us there is more to look out for in this tournament. We are not shaken up by today’s defeat and will give our best shots against the best teams in the world.”
Post the win Ric Charlesworth, Coach of Australian team said, “Our game today was much better. I dont think we have been playing badly. We have had enough chances to win but did not turn out so well before. Any team can be difficult at any time but we will fight till the very end. India has the fire power. They have not shown it in the last two matches but can turn around anytime. “
Follow the action on the FIH event site at http://events.fih.ch/new/competition/261
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