Hockeyroos hang on
The Hockeyroos have secured their third successive win in the Champions Trophy
after holding off for a less-than-impressive 1-0 win against world no5 China in
Canberra this evening.
A second half goal by Angie Skirving proved to be the match winning score for
the Australians, despite being completely outplayed in a somewhat lack-luster
first-half effort.
Despite three wins from three matches, there are lamenting signs for the hosts.
After their impressive win in the first round against Germany, they've far from
dominated in their last two matches.
Nikki Hudson was dangerous for the Hockeyroos, setting up several second half
opportunities, while Emily Halliday put in her best performance of the
tournament with some superb defensive work.
China dominated the home side for the entire first half, creating several
scoring opportunities and piercing the arc far more than Australia, but were
unable to capitalise.
The Hockeyroos boasted little possession in the opening half, and with the
little they had, they were generally sloppy and indecisive.
Lucky to enter the break without conceding a goal, Australia looked a far more
rejuvenated outfit in the second half, creating more run and looking far more
positive in attack.
Ten minutes after the break, Hudson hit the cross bar from a penalty corner
shot - the closest either side had come to breaking the deadlock.
It didn't take long until Australia eventually established the lead, with Skirving
converting from a second penalty corner minutes later.
|
Champions Trophy - Third Round |
| Australia |
1 |
|
|
| China |
0 |
@ the National Hockey Centre, Canberra
Half Time: Australia 0-0 China |
The goal lifted the Hockeyroos, as they played with more confidence,
with the pressure firmly set on China to equalise - who were unable to in the
final 23 minutes.
In the earlier match, competition favourites the Netherlands defeated Korea
3-0, while Germany do battle with Argentina later tonight.
The Hockeyroos next challenge sees them battling with Argentina on Thursday
at 8pm.
Each team will play every other once, with the final to be staged on
December 4.
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