10 January 2014, New Delhi: Jacob Whetton secured Australia all three points in the opening match of the Hero Hockey World League Final in Delhi. Despite the tenacity of Belgium who fought back twice, the Kookaburras emerged with a 3-2 win. The winning goal was scored with two minutes remaining on the clock.
The first half started with Australia putting early pressure on the Belgian defence. The Kookaburras remained in control of the ball but they failed to create any meaningful opportunities.
Belgium had their chance to take the lead when the Kookaburras were short-handed after Eddie Ockenden (21’) was sent off with a yellow card.
It took up to the 32nd minute until the spectators in the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium saw the first penalty corner. Kieran Govers (33’) skilfully scored the opening goal of the Hero Hockey World League.
However, it took Belgium less than one minute to equalise through a shot from a wide angle by Tom Boon (34’). “We must keep possession, Australia have such a good counter attack”, said Red Lions coach Marc Lammers at halftime.
Despite Lammer’s warning to his team, the Red Lions ran into another Aussie counter-attack which led to their third penalty corner. It was again Govers (48’) taking the shot and scoring.
Following this Belgium raised the speed of the game, eventually equalising again thanks to Thomas Briels (53’). With less than two minutes remaining on the clock Whetton (69’) scored the winner.
Speaking post the match Australia Coach, Ric Charlesworth said “it was not a tough match but yes some moments in the match were crucial but the result is satisfactory. The players made some mistakes on the field and we could have scored a few more goals. The way forward is to continue the winning note and enter the finals”.
Speaking on the loss in the opening game Belgium Coach, Marc Lammers said “it was a tough match for us, but the boys played good hockey. The team gave a good fight in the second half of the match but the Australians took the match away from us in the last minute. We missed on the penalty corner opportunities and we have also need to work on our passes for the next match”.
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