Kookaburra's denied by late Taekema Strike
18th August 2008
A last minute penalty corner goal to the Netherlands has caused a draw between Australia and the Netherlands in their round four match at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The match finished 2:2, effectively sending both teams through to the semi finals of the Beijing 2008 Games, thanks to their massively superior goal difference of Great Britain, the team closest to them in Pool B.
The match was a thrilling contest enjoyed by a large crowd who were entertained from the first minute to the very last second. The Netherlands were full of attack early, but could not find a way past Australia goalkeeper Stephen Lambert.
The Netherlands took the lead in the 55th minute when arguably the world’s best corner flicker stepped up and launched a typically unstoppable effort into the goal. Australia were unlucky to be behind, having been the better team in the second half. However, it did not take long to equalise, with the supremely talented Eddie Ockenden getting an important field goal for his team. Three minutes later, Luke Doerner proved that he is also impressive in penalty corner situations to put Australia 2:1 ahead. It seemed that Australia were going to take all three points, but another brilliant penalty corner from TAEKEMA split the points.
On balance, it was a fair reflection of a game that was in spells dominated by both teams. Australia play Great Britain in their pool match, with the Netherlands facing Pakistan.
Article by FIH
« back
|
News Feeds