The Australian Hockeyroos have marched through the group stage of the Commonwealth Games without many issues, but that might be all about to change when they take on one of the favourites, India, in the second semi-final. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 9:15pm (AEST).
Australia have barely faced a battle in the group stage. Their only bump in the road was against one of the better sides in the world, New Zealand, when they drew 0-all.
On that day, the Hockeyroos looked more like the team presented at the Olympics in 2016 than the one who has beaten everyone in their path since then.
The nil-all draw saw Australia squander countless opportunities and struggle to break the game open at other moments, both elements they will have to avoid if they hope to get the better of India.
With the exception of that game, Australia have run up eight goals in their other three. Their attack isn’t the strong point though, with the Hockeyroos yet to concede a goal during the tournament.
Their defence has been excellent at getting back behind the ball and defending every potentially dangerous situation which has come to life.
India are expected to cause plenty more of those dangerous situations though. The sub-continent nation are one of the best in the world. They sit tenth in the world rankings, but arguably, are better than that.
The Indian team finished second in their group behind England, but that could have easily been reversed had they not lost to Wales in their first game. They haven’t lost a game since, beating England 2-1 on Monday.
In that performance Navneet Kaur led the charge, as India came back from 1-0 down, scoring two goals in a period of six minutes. If they find a way to get on top of the match and be the dominant team, Australia steely defence will be put to the test.
Sustained pressure is the only way India are going to break it down though, while Australia, who have struggled on offence, could face similar problems, but at the same time, should find a way to score.
Prediction
Australia, with the home crowd behind them are going to be strong, but then, India are no easy beats. It wouldn’t even surprise me if we see a shootout at the end of this one, but I’ll take Australia to advance to the gold medal game.
Australia 2 – India 1.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the second hockey semi-final from 9:15pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Wayne
Roar Guru
As a Hockey Player. That goal was Great. Field Goals are so much rarer than PC Goals nowadays, and the skill and control to put the ball in the back of the net without creating danger to the defender was all class
Glen
Guest
Great work Hockeyroos - amazing athletes.
Maggie
Guest
Thanks for the call Scott. I love watching the hockey, skilful, fast, tactical. And very suited to TV watching. Australia looking good.
Maggie
Guest
Correction: Match 4: Defeat Scotland 2-0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me this evening right here on The Roar for our live coverage of the 2018 Commonwealth Games as the Australian Hockeyroos qualified for the gold medal match on Saturday. Hopefully you enjoyed the call. We have a huge weekend of live sport coming up from both Australia's football codes and the Games, so be sure to keep it locked to The Roar. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the match Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME Time running away for India now. They get it into the circle twice in the final 60 seconds, but they just can't get it in the back of the net. The Hockeyroos with yet another clean sheet. What a brilliant defensive performance in the last ten minutes to hang onto their 1-0 lead. The Aussies dominated possession there and deserve their passage through to the gold medal match against Trans Tasman rivals New Zealand. A brave Indian outfit will play England in the game for bronze. Australia 1 India 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Lovely through pass from Vandana to Rani who has turned and hit from the middle of the circle, but it goes wide! That could have tied it up as well. India creating opportunities, but not quite executing. Australia 1 India 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Ekka pushing onto the attack for India now. Everyone up forward. It simply doesn't matter if they give up a goal here - they have to score. Australia clear though and we are down to 90 seconds remaining. Australia 1 India 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' India again on the attack. They are pushing hard here, but at the moment, not able to find a way through. Australia 1 India 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' The Hockeyroos just racing back in defence this time. They have packed it, but a ball finds it's way into the circle! Lovely pass from Monika, but Lynch! That could have been a shot on goal, but Lynch has made the save. Brilliant work racing out of the goal. Australia 1 India 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 3' India force their way onto the attack, but Fey deflects the shot over the baseline. Australia 1 India 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 4' India subbing their goalkeeper out now, desperately trying to get an advantage over Australia. Ekka will put the red shirt on and play as their last line of defence. Seems to be a long way from the finish to be making a play like that. Australia 1 India 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 4' Time really starting to run away for India now. Into the final stanza of this game and Rani will like to race forward, eventually linking with Monika, but it's taken away by Holzenberger. Australia 1 India 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 5' Australia's defence is just all over this game. India made a cracking play down the right, but Gurjit's pass is taken away by Fey who just gets in the way of it. Australia 1 India 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 6' India's attack breaking down again here. They are struggling to build something proper, just trying to bash the ball into the circle. It's making life pretty easy for the Aussie defensive line right at the moment, time starting to run down. Australia 1 India 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 7' India with it. Deepika to the right and a long ball goes through, but it's cleared absolutely everyone and headed over the baseline. Australia 1 India 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 8' The Hockeyroos were into the circle for a brief moment there and thought they had a penalty corner, but didn't refer. India use it to go on the counter now, but a poor backhand flick is defended away. Australia 1 India 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 8' The Indian team with it in defence now, but Hurtz gives away a free hit battling for possession here. Australia 1 India 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 9' Australia's defence pushing back now as they try to protect this one-goal lead. Deepika with a good run down the right, but a poor ball towards the circle and Australia go the other way, Hurtz losing it over the sideline. Australia 1 India 0