After securing all three points with a clinical first-half that saw them run over Ireland 3-1, the Kookaburras have got the momentum to start their FIH Hockey World Cup campaign. Australia’s Fletcher found plenty of space for Joel Rintala as he netted twice from penalties as the Kiwis dominated the game’s opening part, only to be overwhelmed by the Irish after the break.
Australia dominated the first half and scored in the opening minutes of the second half. By the end of the quarter, a penalty corner had provided them with the opportunity as Rintala’s low effort beat the goal before getting off the wall and going across to the American goal for the 1-0 lead.
The Kookaburras did not get the ball back until the second quarter when Rintala poured in a second goal in the 23rd minute. He scored on the corner to make it 1-0 in his favor and another hurdle for Ireland to surmount.
Blake Govers joined Australia’s three goals four minutes later. The Kookaburras continued to make great use of opportunities from the penalty area with Govers finishing clinically to put his side ahead at the half-time break with a 3-0 lead.
The referee called off the game and Ireland got more going for a third period of the game. Australia’s defence was, however, well structured and managed and they certainly held their opponents at bay for the remainder of the game.
Its slump was finally broken in the 54th minute after a penalty corner by Alistair Empey had Ireland’s momentum for the win. Australian goalkeeper Ash Thomas made some excellent saves to stop a comeback, as did the goal when it came.
So the Kookaburras didn’t make a lot of noise in the last few minutes to secure the win, and start their World Cup campaign off on the right foot. Next, on Tuesday 10pm AEST, Australia will be next against Spain and will be live and free on 7plus.
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