Kookaburras Suffer Defeat to Spain in Four Nations Clash
The Kookaburras have finished off their Four Nations tournament with a disappointing 2-1 loss to Spain in Monchengladbach, Germany.
The loss comes despite the Kookaburras, missing many of their senior players due to injury, controlling much of the game and generating far more circle penetrations and shots on goal, however they were unable to convert.
The Kookaburras got off to the perfect start when Matthew Butturini opened the scoring only minutes into the game. They continued to control the game and did all of the attacking in the first half, however despite some close calls they were unable to add to their score.
Glenn Turner was again a focal point for the Kookaburras in attack and Australia seemed likely to take their one goal lead into half time. However Spain managed to work their way onto the scoreboard thanks to a well executed penalty corner in the dying minutes of the half and levelled the score.
Spain continued their momentum into the second half and scored early to take the lead for the first time in the match.
The Kookaburras, who were playing well but couldn’t manage to finish off around goal, continued to create chances.
They were also made to work hard in defence and at one stage successfully defended four successive penalty corner attempts.
They received their final chance when they were awarded a penalty corner with only one minute remaining, however the shot was defended well and Spain were able to hang on for the win.
The Kookaburras will now travel to France to compete in a Five Nations Challenge to complete their tour of Europe.
Earlier:
The Kookaburras have responded well from their recent 6-1 defeat by the Netherlands, bouncing back to defeat world number 2 team Germany 3-1 at the Four Nations tournament in Monchengladbach, Germany over night.
The win will restore much confidence to the young Kookaburras team, with key player Simon Orchard once again leading from the front.
In stark contrast from their last performance against the Netherlands the Kookaburras created many opportunities early in the match, with Glenn Turner a focal point in attack.
Striker Jason Wilson got Australia on the board at the 32 minute mark with a clever reverse stick shot at the 32nd minute mark to give Australia a 1-0 lead at half time.
Germany were able to equalise after half time at the 53rd minute, but the Kookaburras responded well only two minutes later with Glenn Simpson finishing a great build up by Orchard to once again give the Kookaburras the lead.
With three minutes remaining Turner put the game beyond doubt to keep Australia alive in the Four Nations tournament.
-Hockey Australia
