Hockeyroos Beaten in Champions Trophy Swansong
Australia has suffered a heavy defeat in the final of the Champions Trophy in China, going down 5-1 to the Netherlands in the last edition of the tournament before the new FIH Pro League.
The Dutch proved too strong, extending a winning sequence that now stands at 43 international matches as they claimed a seventh title and held onto the top world ranking which they’ve owned since October, 2011.
The Hockeyroos despite defeat, will take confidence from a campaign that saw the emergence of new names – including Western Australian debutant Penny Squibb – compete well on the big stage.
Australia retains third place in the international rankings behind Great Britain and will feel confident that they can continue to close ground on the Netherlands in the period ahead towards the next Olympics in 2020.
In the final hosted in Changzhou, the Netherlands started strongly, scoring goals in the eighth and 11th minutes to hold a 2-0 advantage at half-time. A goal to Madison Fitzpatrick shortly after the break rekindled Australian hopes, but the Dutch women were too clinical in attack adding a further three goals to round out comprehensive 5-1 winners.
Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said the team had hoped to perform better but conceded they were beaten by a better team.
“We didn’t play as well as we would’ve liked. We did some good things today but we need to understand there’s another level we need to get to.”
He added: “We made some chances which was pleasing compared to the first game against them (when Australia lost 3-0).
“Credit to them, they’re a quality side. They don’t need too many chances to put goals on the scoreboard.
“We want to play more matches against quality teams and you don’t get any better than Holland at the moment. We embraced this opportunity today.”