Kookaburra's Annihilate South Africa 10-0!!
13th August 2008
It took just two minutes to erase any doubts over Jamie Dwyer's fitness as the Kookaburras superstar helped Australia to a record-equalling 10-0 thumping of South Africa in their Olympic pool match.
Barely 48 hours after being stretchered off the field, Dwyer punched a hole in South Africa's defence in the opening minutes and never let up as Australia maintained a perfect start to their title defence.
Young striker Eli Matheson bagged a hat-trick on Wednesday to seal a win that equalled Australia's 10-0 victory over Mexico at the 1972 Munich Games.
But all eyes were on Dwyer (hip) and his captain Bevan George (ankle, ribs) as they pulled up from heavy knocks from Australia's 6-1 Olympic opening thrashing of Canada.
Both received the green light just before the match - much to South Africa's frustration.
By the second minute, Dwyer was on the board after pouncing on an Eddie Ockenden cross.
Dwyer - considered the world's best player - seemed to be everywhere as Australia jumped to a 5-0 halftime lead over the hapless world No.13 South Africans, the third lowest ranked team in the men's competition.
By the 42nd minute he had notched his second after using what looked like a cover drive to thump the ball into the box.
It was an apt shot - because it was becoming a cricket score at the Olympic Green Hockey Stadium.
David Guest also bagged a double when he scored either side of the half.
Australia reached double figures with three minutes left on the clock when excitement machine Des Abbott's diving effort finished off clever lead-up work by Travis Brooks.
It was Abbott's fourth goal in two games following his hat-trick heroics against Canada.
South Africa have never finished better than 10th in their three Olympic tournaments and that doesn't look like changing at Beijing.
They lost their opening game 5-0 to two-time Olympic champions the Netherlands on Monday.
(article thanks to AAP)
Article by Hockey South
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