Hockeyroos Share Spoils with World Number One
The Hockeyroos appear set for a big Champions Trophy campaign after drawing 3-3 with world number one team Argentina in a 4 Nations tournament match in Berlin, Germany.
While drawing with the current world champions, who were at full strength including having the services of seven time world player of the year Luciana Aymar, shows good signs for the young Hockeyroos, the result could have been even better given that Australia were up by two goals with only eight minutes to go.
The Hockeyroos made the best possible start when veteran Renee Trost, who has only just made her way back into the squad having not competed in 2009 and 2010, opened the scoring at the 22 minute mark.
The first half played out as a fairly even affair, with the Hockeyroos having eight circle penetrations to Argentina’s seven. The Hockeyroos gained further advantage when South Australian debutant Georgie Parker scored her first international goal just prior to half time to give Australia a vital 2-0 lead against the reigning world champions.
Both teams had their chances in the second half, and it was only a matter of time before Argentina hit back, doing so through Sole Garcia who converted their first goal at the 50 minute mark to bring them back into the game.
When Hockeyroos striker and AIS-WAIS athlete Ashleigh Nelson scored Australia’s third goal to give them a two goal lead with only eight minutes remaining an upset looked likely.
However Argentina proved why they are still the number 1 team in the world, scoring two late goals to deny the Hockeyroos the victory.
Despite the draw, the young Hockeyroos will take lots of positives away from the match, including the fact that although they conceded eight penalty corners, they were able to deny every attempt. The result will give them lots of confidence that they can take it up to any team in the world.
“It was a good beginning to the tour. It is the first time we have seen Argentina at full strength in 2011 and we competed well. Whilst both teams were below their best, there were some excellent passages of play. It was great to see Georgie Parker score on debut. We still have significant improvements before the Champions Trophy,” said Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens.
Captain Madonna Blyth, Jodie Schulz and goalkeeper Toni Cronk were amongst Australia’s best players.
The Hockeyroos will continue at the 4 Nations tournament, next facing world number three Germany on Saturday 18 June at 12 midnight (EST) and then Korea on Sunday 19 June at 8pm (EST).
They will then play one test match against the Netherlands on Thursday 23 June at 12.30am (EST) before heading to the 2011 Champions Trophy which will be played in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from June 25 – July 3.
-Hockey Australia
