Kookaburras Move Through to Finals Round at Champions Trophy
Kookaburra champion Jamie Dwyer has done his world player of the year nomination chances no harm after scoring three goals and leading the Kookaburras to a 6-1 win over Pakistan today at the Champions Trophy in Auckland, New Zealand.
Dwyer along with teammate Eddie Ockenden were today nominated as world player of the year candidates and both were instrumental the Kookaburras massive win today.
The win sees the Kookaburras remain undefeated at the Champions Trophy and take solid form into the finals rounds which begin on Thursday.
Spain has also made it to the finals rounds and will be joined by two of Germany, the Netherlands or New Zealand depending on the final game today against Netherlands and New Zealand.
Given that the Kookaburras 3-2 win over Spain from earlier in the tournament will be carried into the finals round pools, the Kookaburras are in a strong position to continue to do well throughout the tournament.
With Pakistan having defeated the Kookaburras during their last encounter in Perth recently, Australia did not take them lightly despite having already qualified for the finals round of the tournament.
The opening stages were fairly even, with neither team really able to gain an edge over the other. With Pakistan playing defensive hockey, the Kookaburras struggled to break them down, restricting the number of circle penetrations and shots of goal for the world number 1 team.
The Kookaburras got their break through following a shot on goal from the baseline by Jamie Dwyer which hit the goalkeepers pads and bounced into the back of the net to give Australia a 1-0 lead.
The Kookaburras continued to build their momentum as the half went on, with their fitness allowing them to take control of the game. This allowed them to extend their lead late in the half when Eddie Ockenden followed up a strong shot on goal by Kieran Govers, with Ockenden perfectly timing his shot while on the run to give the Kookaburras a 2-0 lead leading into half time.
The Kookaburras continued their good form in the second half and were given further breathing space when Luke Doerner converted a penalty corner at the 40 minute mark to make it 3-0.
With the game still slightly in the balance, Dwyer put an end to any comeback hopes by Pakistan , scoring two consecutive goals, including one amazing one from a deflection on a tight angle to put the result beyond doubt.
With the flood gates open the Kookaburras continued for all-out attack, scoring their 6th goal thanks to a great pass from Tim Deavin which found Mark Paterson alone in the circle, with Paterson making no mistake.
Pakistan brought some respectability to the scoreboard when they converted a late penalty corner, but the game belonged to the Kookaburras as they look to be building as the tournament progresses.
Kookaburra coach Ric Charlesworth said the result was deserved by his team.
“I think it was a thorough performance. It was an arm wrestle for a long time, but I think eight shots to one in the first half was starting to tell but we had to keep grinding away, they are a dangerous team if they were to get some wind in their sails but fortunately they didn’t,” said Charlesworth.
Charlesworth also paid tribute to his three players nominated for their awards today.
“Eddie’s form has been terrific including today and Jamie just keeps popping up in the right places. I think Matthew Swann is someone who also deserves recognition (he was nominated for world young player of the year),” said Charlesworth.
To view footage of the Kookaburra’s win click here.
-HockeyAustralia
