Kookaburras Qualify for Champions Trophy Final
The Kookaburras are within reach of creating history by becoming the first team ever to win the illustrious Champions Trophy four years in a row following an impressive 4-2 win over the Netherlands today in Auckland, New Zealand.
The win gives them a guaranteed spot in the tournament grand final on Sunday despite having one more match today to play against New Zealand on Saturday.
The Kookaburras, ranked number one in the world, are so far undefeated at the tournament and are assured of a top two finish in their pool, giving them a spot in the tournament grand final.
It was a family affair in the second half that helped get the Kookaburras over the line, with Jamie Dwyer again increasing his already stellar reputation and finding his way onto the scoresheet along with his younger cousin Matt Gohdes who scored twice.
The opening stages of the game played out as a fairly even match up as expected. The Netherlands were extremely controlled, maintaining possession well and looking very patient when moving forward.
Great defence saw the Kookaburras eventually work on top as the first half progressed with Australia dominating the remainder of the half without really getting the reward on the scoreboard. Their best early chance coming via a deflection by Jamie Dwyer close to goal, however the Netherlands goalkeeper Jacob Stockmann was up to the challenge.
A penalty corner to Australia followed minutes later, taken by Chris Ciriello but was once again well saved.
The Kookaburras continued to pepper the goals with chances also going to Jason Wilson and Glenn Simpson. However neither found the back of the net.
Eventually the sheer number of circle penetrations paid off for the Kookaburras and when they were awarded a penalty corner with six minutes remaining in the half, they were given a great opportunity to take the lead.
It was Ciriello who again took the corner, with his first shot saved only to follow it up with another shot, this time beating the keeper and giving the Kookaburras the lead.
The Netherlands appeared more switched on in the second half, putting the Kookaburras under some early pressure. This continued when they were awarded their first penalty corner of the match which was taken by Taeke Taekema, but went left of the goals.
The Kookaburras eventually found their rhythm in the second half and once again looked dangerous. They had two real chances, one to Luke Doerner from a penalty corner and another to Matthew Butturini from a break away, however both shots were once again well saved by the Dutch goalkeeper.
The Netherlands eventually made Australia pay for their inaccuracy, scoring their first goal at the 47 minute mark to make it 1-1.
Showing the sign of a great team the Kookaburras responded immediately, with a penalty corner initially taken by Ciriello saved only to be regained by Liam De Young who pushed the ball towards goal which allowed Matt Gohdes to finish off to regain the lead.
Gohdes wasn’t done there, scoring arguably goal of the day only minutes later after his first shot was saved, rebounding back to his at half volley allowing him to deliver an incredibly fast shot which gave the keeper no hope.
Not wanting to be shown up by his younger cousin, Jamie Dwyer got in on the action, scoring his seventh goal of the tournament to put the result beyond doubt.
The Netherlands managed a late goal in the final minute of the match, however the damage was already done, with the Kookaburras winning 4-2 and giving themselves a place in the tournament final and a chance to create history.
Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth said he was pleased with the first half, however noted that the team still has much improvement.
“I was very happy with the first half, that was some of the most solid hockey we have played. I don’t think we are anywhere near solid enough yet. The goalkeeper from Holland made three or four miraculous saves, otherwise it could have been more (the end result),” said Charlesworth
Charlesworth said despite already qualifying for the grand final they will not relax during their upcoming game against New Zealand.
“We will play as hard as we play every time, it’s only fair for every other team and there won’t be any other approach from us,” said Charlesworth.
The match versus New Zealand will be played at 6pm NZ time (4pm AEST) on Saturday 10 December. The tournament grand final will be played at 6pm NZ time (4pm AEST) on Sunday 11 December. The Kookaburras will wait to see who they will face in the grand final out of the Netherlands, Spain or New Zealand.
-HockeyAustralia
