Kookaburras Defeat Pakistan 3-0

The Kookaburras secured their first win at the 2014 Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday night, after a 3-0 win over Pakistan that has set up a quarter final clash with Argentina.

Jeremy Hayward opened the scoring for Australia, following up on Glenn Simpson’s penalty corner drag flick in the second quarter of the match. Hayward doubled the Kookaburras’ advantage during the third quarter, with a well taken drag flick, extending to a 2-0 lead.

Jake Whetton sealed the deal for Australia with moments remaining, after Tom Craig fed through a perfect ball for Whetton to deflect past Pakistan’s goalkeeper Imran Butt.

Speaking after the match, Kookaburras Head Coach Graham Reid said, “Tonight was a better controlled performance, we held the ball and moved it around well, which is what we were trying to achieve. There was a lot more atmosphere tonight and we expected Pakistan to be a completely different team to what they were when they played England.”

Speaking about the Kookaburras’ teamwork, Reid added, “It’s always difficult to start out with a different group of players however, they are now starting to connect well as a team. We are seeing some good progress with this team so far.”

Australia is confirmed to face Pool B opponents Argentina in the quarter final Thursday, after they finished second in their pool standings on six points. Discussing the Kookaburras preparation, Reid said, “Argentina are a team that have been better and better each game. It will be a difficult task on Thursday night however, our boys will be up for the challenge.”

-HockeyAus