Hockeyroos Secure Warm-up Win Over Belgium
The Hockeyroos will head into World Cup in confident mood after completing their official match preparations with a 3-1 win over Belgium this week.
Goals from Jane Claxton, Emily Hurtz and Emily Smith helped the Hockeyroos to a win over their European hosts, with the Australians leading from almost start to finish.
South Australia’s Claxton hit the opener in the second minute before strikes from Hurtz and Smith in the latter stages completed the win. Belgium’s Red Pathers, managed to pull back a late consolation through Aline Fobe in the final minute.
The two sides will meet again on Thursday 5 June in Pool A of the World Cup in what will be Belgium’s first appearance at the tournament since 1981.
WAIS scholarship holders Ashleigh Nelson and Jayde Taylor were both involved for the Hockeyroos.
Australian National Coach Adam Commens said the match represented a useful opportunity to prepare for the world cup against a team that would be standing in their way of progression.
“It was, again, a high quality match and the perfect preparation as we head towards the World Cup in The Hague. It was not a particularly inspired first half performance from us but we were a little better in the second and we scored our chances well. Belgium are a tricky team who are improving all the time and we’ll need to be sharp when we play them at the World Cup.”
With the team entering the final stages of its preparation for its opening clash against Korea in The Hague, Commens added, “This was our last official warm-up match but we’ll have a few practice games when we get to The Hague. Those will give us the chance to iron out a few of the things we need to in defence.”
The Hockeyroos went into the match in good form having taken top spot at a four nations tournament in Bremen, Germany, last week and it did not take long for Claxton to register their first goal. With just two minutes on the clock her shot from the top of the circle found its way beyond Aisling D’Hoogue to put Australia ahead.
Both sides won but failed to convert a series of first half penalty corners while Hockeyroos goalkeeper Rachael Lynch was called upon to save from Jill Boon. Camden (NSW) midfielder Emily Hurtz put the result beyond doubt with just under ten minutes remaining before her New South Wales teammate Emily Smith scored Australia’s third goal four minutes later, continuing her fine form with her third goal in as many games. With just a minute remaining, Aline Fobe breached the Hockeyroos’ defence from Belgium’s eighth penalty corner to give the hosts a late consolation.
The Hockeyroos will remain in Antwerp for a couple of days before travelling to The Hague where they will play unofficial practice matches against Argentina, China and the USA. The Australian women’s opening World Cup match is at 8:30pm Perth time on Saturday 31 May against Korea. The match will be shown live on ABC 2.
-HockeyAustralia
