Close opening FIH Pro League games for Hockeyroos and Kookaburras

The Hockeyroos and Kookaburra’s both had close games to open the 2020 FIH Pro League season in Sydney. The Hockeyroos won their opening game in a penalty shootout, before losing the second in another shootout. The Kookaburras narrowly lost both games to the now world number one Belgian side.

The Hockeyroos had mixed fortunes against Belgium in the opening two games of the 2020 FIH Pro League season with both matches going down to penalty shootouts. The Hockeyroos took the early lead in game one with WA’s Georgia Wilson causing a turnover to set up the opening goal, to lead 1-0 at half time.

Belgium scored three goals in 20 minutes to take what looked like an unbeatable 3-1 lead with minutes to play. A late fightback by the Hockeyroos snared them two goals in the final minutes to level the game at three a piece.

The Hockeyroos carried their late surge in to the penalty shootout shooting four goals to Belgium’s three to take the game.

“In the second half we almost stopped playing. We weren’t committing to execute things but what was pleasing was finding a way to get back into the game,” said Hockeyroos Head Coach Paul Gaudoin.

“That’s something that we’re going to need to build on… there will be times you are going well and times when you aren’t, so it was pleasing to see the girls get something out of the game.

“Whilst we will acknowledge the fightback and finding a way to win, it won’t mask the bigger picture that we have to play better for 60 minutes, take our chances when they come and deny them easy opportunities.”

Game two picked up right where the opening left off with the sides closely matched throughout the game, which included a 55 minute rain delay. The scores were again tied at full time sending it to penalty shootout. The Belgian’s got the better this time winning the shootout 3-1.

“Over the two games there were some really good things and some things where we have to demand more of ourselves individually and collectively, so we’re looking forward to playing against Great Britain and testing ourselves against another quality team,” said Gaudoin.

Much like the women’s matched the Kookaburra’s opening contest with Belgium couldn’t have been closer. Belgium took the early lead before Australia added the next two goals to lead 2-1 heading in to the final minutes. A goal with a minute to go evened the scores at two a piece and sent the game to a penalty decider. Belgium carried their late finish over to take the shootout 4-2.

“I think both teams were a bit cautious in the first quarter and then Belgium got on top in the second quarter, so we needed to change that at half time and we were able to do that without really hurting them on the scoreboard,” said Head Coach Colin Batch .

“Full marks to the guys to get in front but it was disappointing that we didn’t finish the game on a positive note when they scored with just over a minute to play and then went on to win the shootout.

“But overall it’s a good start for us. We’re certainly in a better position than this time last year so I think we can go into tomorrow’s game confident.”

The second game for the Kookaburra’s saw a clinical Belgium control the game to take a 4-2 win to move back to the top of the world rankings.

Both the Hockeyroos and Kookaburra’s play Great Britain at the Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre, February 1-2.