Hockeyroos Defeat Korea in Four Nations Clash

The Hockeyroos have made the best possible response to the disappointing 3-0 loss to Germany, defeating Korea 2-1 at the Berlin 4 Nations tournament.

The final score didn’t reflect how well the Hockeyroos played as there was significant progress in how they generated their attack and circle penetrations.

After their defence was exposed late against Germany in the previous game, they too responded well with a much more composed defensive effort to restrict Korea’s scoring opportunities.

The Hockeyroos established their control on the game early, with young striker Emily Hurtz opening the scoring at the five minute mark.

Australia continued to generate chances, with 16 circle penetrations in the first half, however were unable to add their lead.

A lapse by the Hockeyroos allowed Korea to get back into the game early in the second half, drawing level at 1-1.

However veteran Megan Rivers regained the lead for the Hockeyroos at the 57 minute mark, giving the team further confidence as they head towards the Champions Trophy which will be played in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from June 25 – July 3.

Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said he was pleased with the way the team responded.

“It was a very good performance for the majority of the match. In what was a far more composed defensive effort, Korea struggled for chances, while we created many. Whilst we did not score many goals there was significant progress in how we generated attacks and the positions we got into the circle. All in all a pleasing comeback after yesterday’s disappointment,” said Commens.

Prior to the Champions Trophy, they will play one test match against the Netherlands on Thursday 23 June at 12.30am (EST).

Earlier:

The Hockeyroos paid the price for an inaccurate first half against world number three, Germany, failing to convert their early dominance to see Germany run away 3-0 winners in Berlin.

In what was a game of two halves, the Hockeyroos came out strong early in the game, completely controlling play in the first half.

This resulted in 13 circle penetrations to Germany’s seven and more importantly nine shots on goal to Germany’s one.

However a combination of missed chances and some excellent saves from the German goalkeeper denied the Hockeyroos the opportunity to take the lead.

The Hockeyroos continued to play well early in the second half, but lost control of the game in the final 15 minutes, with Germany completely dominating late.

Conceding three goals in the final 15 minutes, including two penalty strokes, Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said the last 15 minutes of play was disappointing, but a good learning experience for the young team.

“It really was a game of two halves, we had a very good first half as seen by the stats. We played quite well until the 55th minute, with the last 15 minutes being very poor structurally as we chased the game. We lost our structure, lost our basics and lacked leadership in defence,” said Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens.

-Hockey Australia