Kookaburras March On

Australia has taken a another significant step towards the semi finals of the men’s hockey tournament in Beijing over night after claiming a 3-1 win over Pakistan.

Australia was forced to come from a goal behind however, after Pakistan took the lead via a fabulous strike from a narrow angle from skillful attacker Shakeel Abbasi.

The Kookaburras proved that they would be good value to match their gold in Athens by wrestling back the initiative, and they struck level soon after through Grant Schubert who was on the end of some smart build up play through midfield for Australia.

After half time was reached at 1-1, Australia produced a ruthless second half and physically stepped up their advantage over their rivals, a factor that incurred several flash points with tempers flared on numerous occasions.

The brilliant Jamie Dwyer put Australia ahead early in the second half after Australia made a hash of a penalty corner. The Kookaburras were good enough however, to improvise and after a series of flicks and fakes the ball made its way to Captain Bevan George, who had a deflected effort on goal fall to Dwyer’s advantage.

Eddie Ockenden gave the crowd a generous glimpse of his skills and tricks, toying with the Pakistani defence on the left flank before mazing a path through the wall of defenders to set up a back post tap in for the well placed Travis Brooks.

Australia needs now just a draw from its remaining two matches to qualify for the semi finals of the Olympic tournament. Australia plays Netherlands in its next match in a contest that will give a clear indicator as to Australia’s real pedigree and form. The final group match is against Great Britain.