Kookaburras Go Down to India

The Australian Men’s Hockey Team are swiftly turning their attention to the knockout stages of the Paris 2024 Olympics, as they continue the charge for their first Olympic gold medal in 20 years.

The Kookaburras finished third on the Pool B standings after a tough 2-3 loss to India, in their fifth and final pool match in Paris. They face the world number three the Netherlands in the quarter finals on Sunday at 1.30am AEST.

“In the quarterfinals we always know we are going to have tough games,” five-time Olympian Eddie Ockenden said post-match. 

“It doesn’t matter where you finish. You’re sort of ready for that. No one knows who they’re going to play yet. So we’re expecting a tough game no matter what.”

Heading into the match with a healthy head-to-head against India in 2024, the Kookaburras were taking confidence from their recent 5-0 win over New Zealand, sitting two points clear of India in second on the table.

A fit-again Jake Whetton in his third Olympic Games appearance almost opened the scoring as the Kookaburras found much-needed space in the circle.

But a blistering India counter-attack eventually caught up with Australia early, as the Tokyo bronze medallists got off to an early two-goal lead in the space of 60 seconds thanks to Abhishek Abhishek and skipper Harmanpreet Singh who have been in scalding goalscoring form. 

The Kookaburras finally found a way through India’s defence in the second with Tom Craig finishing off a fine cross from Blake Govers at the penalty corner.

Experienced Indian goalkeeper Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh ensured they would hold the lead over Australia, saving multiple attempts on goal in what is his last international outing and denying the Kookaburras crucial opportunities.

Skipper Harmanpreet Singh bagged his double off a penalty stroke, as Australia were penalised for leaving a foot on the line at the start of a penalty corner.

Flag Bearer Eddie almost helped claw back the deficit on his history-making 450th appearance for Australia but it would come down to leading goal scorer Blake Govers.

Delivering with his unstoppable drag flick, the Kookaburras charged on to fight for a draw with just five minutes left on the clock.

A few late desperate shots on goal wouldn’t go Australia’s way and the clock wound down handing India their first win over Australia at an Olympic Games in 52 years.

The Kookaburras will play in the quarter-finals on Sunday. 

Article courtesy of AOC