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Kookaburras into hockey World Cup quarters

3 minute read

Australia have sealed their place in the knockout stages of the hockey World Cup in India with a 3-0 victory over England.

PIETER VAN STRAATEN of France and MATTHEW SWANN of Australia battle for possession during day 2 of the FIH Hockey World League Semi Finals Pool A match between Australia and France at Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa.
PIETER VAN STRAATEN of France and MATTHEW SWANN of Australia battle for possession during day 2 of the FIH Hockey World League Semi Finals Pool A match between Australia and France at Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images for FIH

Defending champions Australia have booked a quarter-final berth in the men's hockey World Cup quarter-finals after a final-quarter blitz sealed a 3-0 win over England in Bhubaneswar, India.

Seeking a third consecutive World Cup title, the Kookaburras are guaranteed to finish top of pool B even before their final pool match against China on Friday.

Pinpoint finishes in a 10-minute burst during the final quarter from Jake Whetton (47'), Blake Govers (50') and Corey Weyer (56') sealed the three points against England on Tuesday.

The two sides had been evenly matched in the first half before world No.1 Australia stepped up their assault.

The Australians dominated all the key statistics, with 23-12 circle penetrations, 3-1 penalty corners, 9-4 shots and 56-44 per cent possession in the opposition half.

Defender Matthew Swann was named player of the match and had rich praise for the team's attackers

"Team work makes the dream work," said Swann..

"Our boys put some quality goals on. That last quarter was amazing. Whetty's goal, Blake's goal, Wiz's goal, they were all incredible."

Australia broke the deadlock two minutes into the last period when Whetton smashed a superb shot into the backboard from just inside the D after Tom Craig's slalom run.

Govers produced some magic with a scintillating shot two minutes later, before Weyer capped a fine Swann raid to make it 3-0.

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