Kookaburras Win Fourth Straight Champions Trophy

The Kookaburras have created further history under the guidance of Ric Charlesworth, after defeating Spain 1-0 in the Champions Trophy final in Auckland to become the first team to win four Champions Trophy titles in a row.

In what was a remarkable showing by the world number one team, they have gone through the tournament undefeated but were pushed by a much improved Spanish team.

The Kookaburras started the match well, having two early shots on goal by Jason Wilson and Matt Gohdes, both which were well saved by the Spanish goalkeeper.

However, as the half progressed Spain worked their way on top, looking the more dangerous team. This resulted in two great opportunities to score, one going to David Alegre who had a one on one with the goalkeeper however the shot went over the goal. Only minutes later Roc Oliva had an even better chance, with Australian goalkeeper Andrew Charter coming out of the net, giving Oliva an open look however his shot went to the left.

The Kookaburras managed to hang on for the remainder of the half despite some more close calls, with the scored locked at 0-0 at half time.

The Kookaburras emerged more focused in the second half, clearly player much better hockey compared to the first half. This resulted in them controlling the entire 35 minutes with a number of circle penetrations.

However with the Spanish defence playing extremely tight, the Kookaburras struggling to find their first goal.

They had two great opportunities via Tim Deavin and Jason Wilson however, both shots went left of the goal.

In the dying stages of the game it looked as though the match would be headed for extra time. However when the Kookaburras were awarded a penalty corner, the first of the match, they were given a perfect opportunity to take the lead.

After Luke Doerner’s initial shot was saved, a scramble in the circle resulted in Australia’s Eddie Ockenden putting away the crucial goal, making it Australia 1 Spain 0.

Now only needing to defend their lead the Kookaburras held of a determined Spain in the dying minutes to take out the final and reinforce their place as the world’s top hockey team.

Ric Charlesworth said he was pleased with his team’s performance

“It was a typical final, very tough. And we played much, much better than that first game against Spain. So I’m happy with the way we played. It was a tough match but I was very pleased we defended well today, and that maybe was the difference,” Charlesworth said.

-HockeyAustralia