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Australia in Champions Trophy final
Australia powered into the final of the Champions Trophy on Thursday, with Spain defeating New Zealand in the championship pool to keep alive their chances of meeting the Australians.
Australia powered into the final of the Champions Trophy on Thursday, with Spain defeating New Zealand in the championship pool to keep alive their chances of meeting the Australians.
The Kookaburras lived up to their world number one ranking, firing home three second-half goals to defeat the Netherlands 4-2 in Pool C and earn the right to chase a record fourth straight title in Sunday's final.
Dutch captain Taeke Taekema said the Netherlands threw everything at the Kookaburras, the dominant force in men’s hockey, but had no answer to Australia's attacking prowess. “They punished our mistakes and when you play a running game like that against Australia you know you’re going to struggle,” he said.
Spain edged past hosts New Zealand 3-2 to take pole position in the race to meet Australia in the final, thanks to a David Alegre goal.
The victory leaves Spain in a strong position ahead of the final round of Pool C matches, but are still likely to need a win against The Netherlands on Saturday if they are to book their place in Sunday's final.
Survival strategy
In Pool D, Pakistan, who are out of medal contention, beat South Korea 6-2.
In Pool D match Germany overcame Britain 2-1, thanks to a last-minute penalty conversion from Jan-Marco Montag.
