FIH Pro League: Australia’s Young Stars Shock Olympic Champions, Hockeyroos Triumph Over China in Shootout

Lausanne, Feb 6 (NationPress) Australia’s youthful squad bounced back from a loss to Spain the previous day to achieve a surprising 4-2 victory against the Olympic champions, the Netherlands, during a FIH Hockey Pro League match held in Sydney on Thursday.

Later in the day, the Hockeyroos faced China, resulting in a thrilling 2-2 draw followed by a decisive shootout victory.

The young Australians commenced the first quarter significantly stronger than in their previous match, generating multiple early circle penetrations. However, the Dutch capitalized on considerable gaps in the Kookaburras' formation, frequently succeeding with long probing passes and runs through the center, with goalkeeper Jed Snowden performing admirably to thwart them on four occasions during the first quarter.

Australia improved their structure in the second quarter, alleviating much of the self-inflicted pressure. Although the Netherlands continued to create strong chances, the Australians gained momentum as the half progressed, with Jake Harvie putting them ahead with a penalty stroke in the 27th minute, leading 1-0 at halftime.

The lead was extended in the 34th minute when Davis Atkin scored his first international goal with a deft shot over the goalkeeper, after receiving a long overhead pass from Corey Weyer. The Dutch grew increasingly frustrated as the hosts dominated the third quarter, falling three goals behind when Copper Burns netted his first international goal in the 43rd minute. Koen Bijen managed to score a deflection from a recycled penalty corner, making it 3-1 as they entered the final quarter.

Tjep Hoedemakers netted a rebound goal for the Dutch in the 47th minute, but Ky Willott quickly restored the Kookaburras' two-goal advantage with a tap-in at the right post. The match unfolded at a frantic pace as the Dutch pushed hard for a comeback, but no further goals were scored.

Australia’s Liam Henderson was named player of the match, expressing, “Yesterday was a valuable learning experience for us, and to play against Olympic champions today is indescribable, it’s amazing; I have goosebumps just thinking about it, it’s fantastic.”

In the women's match, Australia faced China, ending in a 2-2 draw before securing a 2-1 victory in the shootout.

In a rematch of the Olympic quarterfinal, which China won, Australia dominated the first quarter with several circle entries and opportunities, ultimately rewarded when Claire Colwill scored from a penalty stroke in the final seconds of the quarter.

Australia extended their lead in the 16th minute when Courtney Schonell deflected a shot from open play. However, China gradually took control in the second quarter, converting their third penalty corner with Jinzhuang Tan scoring in the 28th minute.

Both teams created dynamic attacks with dangerous moments in both circles during a goalless third quarter, with Australia holding a narrow 2-1 lead entering the final period.

The Hockeyroos quickly sought to extend their lead, but poor execution of penalty corners in the 46th and 48th minutes allowed China to remain in contention. The Chinese made a bold decision to substitute their goalkeeper with 11 minutes remaining, gaining attacking momentum for the next seven minutes. They equalized when Tan scored her second from a penalty corner in the 56th minute. China quickly reinstated Li Xinhuan in goal, where she saved a penalty corner a minute later.

Lucy Sharman had a critical opportunity to secure victory for the Hockeyroos as time expired, but her shot missed the target. With the points evenly split, Australia triumphed in the shootout 2-1, earning a bonus point.

The player of the match accolade went to Australia’s Grace Young, who remarked, “It was quite challenging out there, especially against China, making it a great contest. However, I believe we adhered to our strategies, and it feels wonderful to be back out there with the team, building from this point.”