Kookaburras Strike Revenge Against Germany
After suffering two defeats to Germany in the London Invitational Tournament, the Kookaburras earned some measure of revenge when they beat the world’s second-ranked side 3-0 in their own backyard.
The contest, which was played overnight in Mannheim, was the first of two Test matches with the second taking place today.
When the teams met in the Olympic Test event, Australia looked wobbly in front of goal and seeking answers to the Germans’ prowess from corners. However, following a successful pit-stop in Belgium – where they played two, won two – the Kookaburras were able to re-establish the world pecking order and enjoy a morale-boosting win over their old foes.
Australia went ahead after 21 minutes when Jamie Dwyer converted a penalty stroke and might have extended their lead when the German goalkeeper spilled a corner and Glenn Turner was just unable to tuck in the rebound.
However, they did add to their score when Eddie Ockenden – the captain for the night – finished off a neat move down the right, though Turner’s luck in front of goal deserted him again just before half time when he fired wide a minute before the interval.
As Australia’s press kept the Germans pinned down, Turner eventually got the goal he deserved in the 46th minute when he put Australia 3-0 up to seal the game.
“We had a lot of things to work on following the event in London, especially against Germany,” said Ockenden afterwards. “They were really just small things because we never felt we did a whole lot wrong, but we needed to be a bit sharper in defence and put away some of the good chances we created.
“This time our basic skills were a bit sharper and it was nice to get a good result.”
“We’ve always known we are heading in the right direction and doing the right things but it was just good to get the result this time.”
Ockenden, a veteran from the Beijing bronze-medal campaign, added that the pressures of selection were also making things difficult for his team-mates.
“There are 24 guys here so it is pretty tough. It is similar to the build-up to Beijing but I think we have more strength in depth this time, so that makes it harder because there is even more competition.
“Everyone is under pressure but we still try and help each other out,” he said. “We are going to be under pressure in London so I suppose it is perfect practice and I suspect the Germans are going through exactly the same thing.”
– Hockey Australia