New Delhi: A bright start by India threatened to provide the shock of the tournament but Australia showed just why they are world champions by turning a 2-0 deficit into a 7-2 victory at the Hero Hockey World League Final in Delhi.
This fourth quarter-final started with a big surprise as host nation India went 2-0 ahead in front of a loudly cheering and very enthusiastic crowd in the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Birenda Lakra (6’) opened the scoring when his shot on goal was deflected by an Australian defender’s stick. Yuvraj (11’) doubled the lead a few minutes later much to the delight of the crowd.
India fought hard to keep ahead of the world champions and their resilience paid off up to the 24th minute when Nicholas Budgeon put the Kookaburras on the scoreboard by smashing in a penalty corner.
Before halftime Jason Wilson’s (29’) equaliser came from open play and the crowd saw the Kookaburras eventually turning the score around when Glenn Turner (35’) made it 3-2 finishing a great team move marking his 100th cap with a goal.
The world champions were dominating throughout the second half. First, it was Russell Ford (41’) extending the lead to 4-2. Then Simon Orchard (45’) smashed in a shot from the top of the corner making it 5-2. The 6-2 was brought home by Ford (47’) scoring his second goal of the day. Jacob Whetton’s (65’) 7-2 came five minutes before full-time.
