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Steph Kershaw has struck twice to complete a stunning comeback from Australia’s Hockeyroos as they defeated Germany 2-1 in the bronze-medal match at the Women’s World Cup in Spain.
After the falling behind in the 14th minute in Sunday’s match in Terrassa, Kershaw’s seven-minute double in the final quarter was enough to seal the Aussies’ third-place finish at the global tournament during which they suffered just one defeat.
But the Queensland striker Kershaw wasn’t the only hero as Jocelyn Bartram also delivered a player of the match performance in the Australian goal, pulling off a string of world-class saves to repel the German attacks.
The only loss for the Hockeyroos, who will now head off for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in good heart, came in the semi-final against the eventual champions, the Netherlands.
“Out of this tournament we can’t doubt ourselves … we have a young team but also have some experience, so we can move on to future tournaments with more confidence of what we can achieve,” delighted captain Jane Claxton said.
Lena Micheel had given the Germans the lead just before quarter time and the Australians were frustrated by the excellence of opposition goalie Nathalie Kubalski, who denied Rosie Malone from close range.
Bartram produced a stunning, diving save in the 35th minute to keep the Hockeyroos in the game and as the Australians turned up the heat. Kershaw struck in the 49th minute, winning possession in the attacking circle before smashing home her first goal of the tournament.
Aussie teenager Claire Colwill, in her maiden World Cup, fired a low shot on the reverse but after Kubalski blocked, Kershaw was quickest to react, knocking the ball home to trigger jubilant scenes in the green-and-gold camp.
Later on Sunday, the Dutch women, who beat Australia 1-0 in their semi, went on to beat Argentina 3-1 in a repeat of their Olympic final triumph and lift the title for the third time in succession.
© AAP