Australia through to hockey final

India knocked out of Azlan Shah Cup, Pakistan still in the hunt.

KARACHI:

World champions Australia secured a place in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final after narrowly defeating Great Britian 2-1 in Ipoh, Malaysia yesterday.

With 13 points from five matches, Australia top the table but coach Ric Charlesworth said the team could improve. Australia scored the opening goal in just the eighth minute off their first penalty corner when Brent Dancer’s drag flick sailed into the net. The lead was doubled in the 28th minute courtesy another penalty corner, this time by Christopher Ciriello.

However, a fightback by Great Britian in the second-half ensured an exciting latter part. A goal by Richard Mantell, off a penalty corner again, halved Australia’s lead but despite a lot of chances, Great Britain failed to equalise.

Jason Lee, the losing side’s coach, said his team could have at least earned a draw.

“We had a chance to score and at least come away with a point,” said Lee. “It is disappointing that we couldn’t play better as we had ample rest to prepare for the match. It was a scrappy affair, but the Australians did well to win.

“Still, we remain in the title race and we have to beat South Korea.”

NZ hopes alive

Meanwhile, New Zealand are just about alive in the tournament after they destroyed India 7-3, knocking the co-defending champions out of the tournament.

The Kiwis will squeeze into the final if they win their last game and Great Britain and Pakistan both lose.

South Korea, who shared the honours with India in last year’s tournament, also crashed out of contention as they were defeated 3-1 by Malaysia who registered their first win.





Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2011.