Hockey Australia Media Release
Sunday 7 March 2010
Kookaburras 2 Spain 0 (1-0 half time)
The Kookaburras have all but booked a spot in the semi finals at the 2010 World Cup, defeating Spain 2-0 overnight in India.
The win sees the Kookaburras secure second place on the points table of pool B, now one game ahead of Spain with a superior goal difference, with only one match remaining in the round matches.
Knowing a spot in the semi finals was on the line, the Kookaburras started the match strongly, making some genuine shots on goal in the opening ten minutes.
Striker Grant Schubert was handed a golden opportunity when he found himself alone in front of the goal, but couldnt control the ball and the score remained 0-0.
Spain themselves had an opportunity to score early in the match after being awarded a penalty corner at the seven minute mark, however the powerful flick was saved on the line by defender Kiel Brown.
An Eddie Ockenden forced penalty corner gave defender Luke Doerner an opportunity to extend his good form from the previous match against South Africa, with the Victorian converting his 6th penalty corner goal for the tournament and giving the Kookaburras the lead.
Spain were determined to hit back as soon as possible, and were awarded several penalty corners in the late stages of the first half, with their last one being saved by Luke Doerner on the goal line.
With time running out Spain took more chances with their counter attacks in order to get on the scoreboard, ultimately exposing their defense. After Spain received a yellow card the Kookaburras took advantage, with Glenn Turner scoring Australia's second goal at the 60 minute mark to hand the Kookaburras the victory.
Australia will next play Pakistan on Monday 8 March.