WAIS Stars Set Up Hockeyroos Win
The Hockeyroos have kept their World Cup dreams alive by defeating New Zealand 4-1 in Argentina today. The win was set up by goals to AIS-WAIS athletes Kobie McGurk, two to Ashleigh Nelson and strike from Shelly Liddelow.
Entering the match needing at least a draw to remain in contention for a semi finals berth, the Hockeyroos were outplayed in the first half but gradually worked on top after half time to score four unanswered goals.
With the Netherlands already assured a spot in the semi finals, Australia and Germany will fight it out for the second and final spot in the pool for a chance to play in the semis when they face each other in the final round match on Tuesday 7 September.
A draw will see Germany advance due to them having a one goal better goal difference.
Against New Zealand, the Hockeyroos were under pressure from the opening stages of the game, with New Zealand making the dream start by catching Australia off guard with a series of quick passes to score the first goal at the five minute mark.
After an even ten minutes the Hockeyroos found their equaliser, executing a well worked penalty corner where Nicole Arrold passed to Kobie McGurk who beat the keeper to give the Hockeyroos some momentum.
However there is no doubt that the first half belonged to New Zealand, with the world number seven side taking advantage of numerous passing errors by the Hockeyroos.
Looking extremely dangerous near goal, they successfully stretched the Australian defence and worked the ball into the circle with speed and precision. If not for some individual defensive efforts to the likes of Nicole Arrold, Kobie McGurk and AIS-WAIS athlete Kim Walker, the Hockeyroos could have easily found themselves trailing at half time.
Australia took to the pitch with a new focus after half time, addressing their passing issues and their inability to close New Zealand’s space.
It almost paid off immediately when Madonna Blyth received the ball in the circle, however pressure from the New Zealand defence ensured the shot wasn’t accurate.
Only minutes later the same opportunity presented itself again, with this time Ashleigh Nelson left unmarked in the circle. However the New Zealand goalkeeper was up to the task and blocked the shot.
Despite Australia being unable to score from these opportunities it was evident that the momentum of the game had changed and it was now the Hockeyroos in control.
Some individual efforts of brilliance from the likes of Megan Rivers and AIS-WAIS athlete Jayde Taylor continued to lift Australia’s spirits, eventually gaining the ascendency when a deflection from Kobie McGurk found its way to Ashleigh Nelson who made no mistake from close range to give Australia the lead.
A much more intense team after half time, the Hockeyroos continued to hunt for goals, with the continual pressure on the circle and determination to follow up on every loose ball resulting in goals to Shelly Liddelow and another to Nelson.
They will now take to their next match against Germany full of confidence.
“I think (the Germany game) is something that the team is looking forward to. We knew that it could come down to this game to make the final. The fact that a draw won’t help us due to the goal difference means that we will have to be a bit more attacking but our goal was to make it to the finals so this is another step in doing that,” said Hockeyroos captain Madonna Blyth.
Hockeyroos coach Frank Murray said he was pleased with the way Australia made the most of their second half opportunities.
“I think both teams definitely made plenty of opportunities and fortunately we were the team that was able to convert in the second half. I think the first half was very open with end to end stuff and it probably took its toll on a few players and certainly by the end there were some very tired players,” said Murray.
– Hockey Australia
