Hockeyroos Push World Number One in Four Nations

The Hockeyroos have taken it up to reigning World Champions Argentina on their home soil, drawing 1-1 in Mendoza, Argentina in their final round match of the Four Nations tournament against Argentina, Germany and the USA.

Despite having an extremely inexperienced squad, with six players having debuted at the tournament, Australia were not intimidated by the world number one team and controlled much of the play throughout the match.

With their new more attacking game style working well, the match was played at a fast pace with both teams looking to catch their opponents off guard during counter attacks.

Argentina controlled the opening five minutes, putting the Australian defence under extreme pressure.

However after standing their ground Australia soon became the aggressors, with Casey Eastham looking extremely dangerous through the midfield during her 100th international match.

When AIS-WAIS defender Fiona Boyce received a green card Australia found themselves a player down for two minutes. However Argentina was unable to take advantage thanks in part to the great work from goalkeeper Toni Cronk.

Argentina had four penalty corner attempts in the first half, however all were stopped by the Hockeyroos who looked to play the ball on quickly at all times.

With neither team able to score in the first half, Australia continued to play with confidence after half time and hit the lead thanks to an extraordinary piece of individual brilliance from Eastham who dribbled the ball into the circle and crossed for a goal with only the slightest of margins.

However Australia’s celebrations were only short lived once Argentina were awarded a penalty stroke only two minutes later after the ball hit the body of Jodie Schulz on the way into goal from a penalty corner.

The Hockeyroos continued to push hard and had winners all across the pitch, however were unable to regain the lead with the match ending 1-1.

Despite being unable to record a win, the performance of the Hockeyroos will give the young team a lot of confidence going forward and a belief that they can match it with the worlds’ best.

Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said today’s game was the best of the three games to date at the tournament and the challenge was now to maintain that level.

“This was easily our best performance of the three games we have played here. Tomorrow it will be really important to back it up and control periods of the game a bit better. Argentina will obviously be looking to do this as well so it is important that we maintain this level,” said Commens.

Australia faces Argentina in the final of the 4 nations tournament.

– Hockey Australia