Australia win record fifth Champions Trophy
Australia clinched a record fifth straight Champions Trophy field
hockey title with a 2-1 extra-time win over the Netherlands in the final
in Melbourne on Sunday.
The second-ranked 'Kookaburras' went some way to erasing the pain of
their bronze medal at this year's London Olympics with victory over the
world number three Dutch in a tense final.
After dominating much of the match the Australians were frustrated by
Dutch goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann with their many shots on goal.
The Netherlands struck first with an early penalty corner, however
the Kookaburras levelled the score minutes later through Russell Ford.
Australia had the chance to go in front before half-time, but the
penalty stroke was missed by Jamie Dwyer.
The Kookaburras dominated the second-half, but the home side could
not break through and the game went to extra-time. Australia continued
to push in the golden goal period with Kieran Govers firing in a
brilliant shot from the top of the circle, finally beating Stockmann to
give Australia victory before their home fans.
AFP |