Australia cruise past the Dutch wall

Kookaburras defend World Cup title with 6-1 win.

KARACHI: Australia succeeded in defending their field 2014 Hockey World Cup title Sunday with a 6-1 rout over Olympic silver medallists Netherlands in the final at the Kyocera Stadium, The Hague.

Chris Cirlello scored through three penalty corners, along with Kieran Govers, Glenn Turner and Jamie Dwyer who contributed with one goal each for the humbling victory. Jeron Hertzberger of the Netherlands netted the solitary goal for his side in the 14th minute.

Cirlello’s seventh goal in the tournament made him the second leading scorer, after another penalty corner specialist, Gonzalo Peillat of Argentina, who scored 10 goals to head the charts.

Argentina clinched the bronze with a 2-0 win over England in the play-off for the third and fourth position earlier on Sunday.

Australia have won the World Cup twice before (1986, 2010), and winning this one brings them on par with the Netherlands,

Pakistan captain’s thoughts on Australia’s dominance

The Pakistan national team captain, Mohammad Imran, spoke on the dominance of the Australians and how they are ahead of the pack. Failing to qualify for the World Cup themselves, Imran felt disappointed as he could not take part in the event.

“Australia was seen as favourites to win the title during the event,” he said.

“They played with coordination and their fitness level was perfect for the task.  We all feel sorry about sitting out of the tournament but, at the same time, the players and coaches have noted the technique and endurance of other teams which will be incorporated in our training.”

Imran further said that the Asian teams participating in the World Cup were sub-par throughout the event, falling behind their European rivals.

“The Asian teams haven’t performed well in the World Cup but they have had more practice than us, which will help them at the Asian games.

“Nonetheless, we are looking forward to winning the Asian Games and confirming our appearance at the Olympics.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 16^th, 2014.

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