Kookaburras Crowned Azlan Shah Champions

The Kookaburras have added the 2011 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to their extensive trophy cabinet after recording a golden goal 3-2 win over Pakistan in the final in Malaysia.

The game was tied (2-2) at full-time, meaning the match went into golden goal, sudden death. A frantic first half of golden goal produced a number of chances for the Kookaburras, but great defence from Pakistan kept them in the game. The decisive goal by Christopher Ciriello in the 83rd minute gave the Kookaburras their first Azlan Shah Cup Championship since 2007.

The Kookaburras started off the match in great fashion, scoring through Ciriello in the 11th minute via a penalty corner. The first half was fast and furious, with both teams giving everything they had.

Pakistan was quick to reply with a 30th minute goal, through Abbas just before half time. Both teamshad plenty of chances at goal, with the goalkeepers at both ends making some amazing saves to keep the scores level.

The Kookaburras started off the second half with a bang through Glenn Turner, who scoredan amazing individual goal from long range in the 44th minute. The Kookaburras were trying desperately to hold on late in the second half, but conceded a penalty corner in the 62nd minute. The resulting goal levelled the scores at the full time whistle.

The golden goal period ensued, with the Kookaburras having three chances to end the game in the first half of sudden death. A late penalty corner to Pakistan had all the Kookaburras nervous, but a great save by goalkeeper George Bazely kept the Kookaburras’ hopes alive.

The second half of golden goal was all Pakistan’s, with multiple early chances nearly sealing victory. A gallant Kookaburras outfit fought on hard and earned themselves a penalty corner in the 83rd minute (2 minutes remaining till penalty shoot-out). The golden goal was scored by Ciriello,to complete his brace and give the Kookaburras their first Azlan Shah Cup Final win since 2007.

– With Hockey Australia