McGurk Strikes on Hockeyroos Comeback

The Hockeyroos have been given a boost of confidence leading into their World Cup Qualifier event, defeating Chile 4-0 in Santiago, Chile.

The match against Chile forms part of the Hockeyroos preparation for the World Cup Qualifier event which begins in Chile on Saturday 24 April.

Having lost the Oceania Cup last year to New Zealand, the Hockeyroos were denied direct access to the 2010 World Cup and must now win this tournament to qualify for the event which will be played in Argentina from 30 August – 12 September.

Despite the four goal end result, the Hockeyroos did not have it all their own way early. Buoyed by their home crowd Chile took it up to Australia, keeping them goalless in the first half.

Eventually the class of the Hockeyroos proved too great, with Australia dominating the second half to score four unanswered goals.

Midfielder Casey Eastham said the momentum began to favour the Hockeyroos late in the first half before Australia stamped their dominance after half time.

“We dictated the tempo more and came out firing in the second half. We set the tone with our press towards the end of the first half which lead into the second half. This caused some turn overs and allowed us to get some dangerous circle penetrations which we made the most of,” said Eastham.

The performances of strikers Claire Messent and Amy Korner, whom were brought into the team specifically to add more fire near goals, will no doubt please coach Frank Murray given that they both scored during this match.

The game also saw a fantastic return by WAIS-AIS athlete Kobie McGurk who played her first game since injuring her ACL ten months ago, capped off by her scoring the final goal of the match.

– Hockey Australia