Hockeyroos Remain Undefeated in World Cup
The Hockeyroos have produced an impressive performance against India to win their second game of the World Cup in Argentina and remain undefeated.
Facing a determined India that were hell bent to make amends after their embarrassing 7-1 opening match loss against the Netherlands, the Hockeyroos were challenged many times throughout the match but responded well each time.
Looking to add to the momentum they received after their first round win over Japan, it was only a few minutes into the match before Australia appeared well in control and generated their first scoring opportunity after receiving a penalty corner. The shot was taken by Nicole Arrold and followed up by Casey Eastham who delivered an on target shot on goal, with the Indian goalkeeper making a last second stop by outstretching her stick to deny the goal.
Australia continued to control the ball in the midfield and were given another opportunity to score only moments later when captain Madonna Blyth trapped the ball in the circle just in front of the goalkeeper, showed a great deal of composure and put the ball in the back of the net to give the Hockeyroos an early lead.
The Hockeyroos continued to generate scoring opportunities however were unable to convert their good play to scoreboard pressure.
This allowed India to work their way back into the game, seemingly motivated after conceding the goal.
Eventually their ball possession and attack increased, placing the Hockeyroos defence under great pressure which eventually resulted in a goal to draw the game.
With only minutes remaining in the half the Hockeyroos received another opportunity with a penalty corner. Although the initial push was mistrapped, Australia managed to work the ball into the circle with WAIS scholarship holder Ashleigh Nelson swooping to make it 2-1 just prior to half time.
Despite Australia’s best efforts India scored the opening goal of the second half, once again drawing the match with the momentum seemingly going in India’s direction.
Things became even more difficult for Australia when key player Madonna Blyth left the pitch injured.
This created an opportunity for Casey Eastham to step up and play an important role in the midfield. She was able to assert herself, scoring the goal of the match after finding some space in the circle before delivering a lightening fast shot on goal to again give Australia the lead.
The Hockeyroos were dominant throughout the next ten minutes, scoring twice more to establish an unbeatable lead with Eastham having a hand in both goals.
Although Australia conceded a goal at the 62 minute mark, WAIS athlete Shelly Liddelow ensured that the Hockeyroos ended the match of a positive note, scoring their 6th goal at the 64 minute mark.
“We are pleased to come away with the points but I am a bit disappointed that we let three goals in and I’m disappointed that we didn’t convert some opportunities early, but I am certainly happy to get the three points,” said Hockeyroos coach Frank Murray.
Murray also highlighted the importance of Casey Eastham’s performance after losing Madonna Blyth to injury.
“I think that you saw today that when Madonna got hurt and had to leave the field that Casey stepped up and made a big difference. To loss Munro out of our midfield (retired prior to tournament) and to loss Madonna today it makes it more difficult but as we saw Casey was involved in three of the goal. But hopefully Madonna will be ok for the next game,” said Murray.
Eastham said the team will take confidence for the way they scored their goals after half time.
“Obviously its great to get the first two wins. We have come hard matches coming up so winning these games helps and gives us more confidence throughout the rest of the tournament,” said Eastham.
– Hockey Australia
