- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
The Hockeyroos have kicked off their World League Finals campaign with a 1-0 win over China in Rosario, Argentina.
In a game that seemed in control for most of the contest, the Hockeyroos edged in front at the 43rd minute mark through Georgina Morgan.
Another goal should have followed moments later when Kathryn Slattery looked to have the Chinese keeper beaten but the ball hit her foot for a penalty.
China imposed good defensive pressure for most of the game but continued to struggle to score. From their past 42 games they have averaged 0.6 goals a game, even though they have proven to be tough to score against also.
In her 150th international game, Jodie Kenny continued to control things in defence, using her height and reach to strip the ball from her Chinese opponents on several occasions. Young emerging Hockeyroo Gabrielle Nance looking lively up forward and Australia always looked the more threatening team.
China had the chance to take the lead early in the second half but Peng Yang’s goal was disallowed and then Morgan’s goal put the Hockeyroos in front. In the final quarter, both teams come out playing physical hockey with many cards handed out during the final 10 minutes.
At one point in the last five minutes, the Hockeyroos had to play with only nine players on the field. It nearly proved costly, too, when a penalty was awarded against them for a dangerous ball decision. The call was referred and upheld, but following the penalty corner Chinese player De Jiaojiao screamed her shot just past keeper Rachael Lynch’s goal.
The Hockeyroos were able to hold on in the end to record a 1-0 win to start the World League Finals on the right note.
Captain Madonna Blyth said after the game that the Hockeyroos were happy to come away with the win.
“I think we are happy with patches of our play. We played some really good hockey, but we couldn’t quite put the game away as we needed. In the end and we had a couple of players sitting on the bench, it’s a bit of run and gun hockey. In the end, though, we’re really happy to come away with the win,” she said.
Even with players off the field and a willing opponent who wouldn’t lie down Blyth said the girls just want to continue to play our way.
“It’s something we really try to do when the game’s getting frantic, try to play the same style of hockey from start to finish and trust that it will work for us and tonight it did.”
The Hockeyroos now turn their attention to host Argentina, who they will play on Monday morning at 11am (AEST) and will be live on Fox Sports.
Send your support for the Hockeyroos through social media #Roovolution #MakeYourMark #HWL2015. Follow Jason on Twitter: @jased1973