Bright Start for Hockeyroos New Generation
The Hockeyroos have begun their era under new coach Adam Commens on a positive note, taking it up to world number 3 team Germany to record a 1-1 draw in Argentina this morning.
Competing in a 4 Nations tournament against Germany, Argentina and the USA, this was the Hockeyroos first hit out of 2011 and the first with Adam Commens at the helm.
With seven new players in the squad for this tournament, it was a completely different looking team to what won gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games only a few short months ago.
Given the level of inexperience and new structures enforced by Commens for the Hockeyroos, it was no surprise to see Germany start the match the more confident team.
Despite Australia’s best efforts it was Germany who struck first on the scoreboard, with Eileen Hoffmann taking advantage of her opportunity and scoring at the 11 minute mark.
Desperate to hold onto their lead Germany changed their tempo after scoring the opening goal, taking on a more defensive style in order to maintain possession.
However the pressure mounted by the Hockeyroos proved too much, with Jade Close in only her 7th international game scoring for Australia at the 29 minute mark to level the game.
Having now gained their exposure Commens made some needed adjustments at half time which saw an improved performance from the Hockeyroos, however neither team managed to score again resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Commens said despite a relatively scrappy game form both teams he saw some promising signs from the Hockeyroos.
“We got off to a shaky start and there is no doubt that there were some nerves there from some of the new players. Germany were well on top in the first 20 minutes but after that we gained our composure well. For our first game I think we showed some promising signs, but there is still a lot of work to do,” said Commens.
The Hockeyroos will next play the USA on Friday 11 February.
