Reigning champs remain unbeaten after first half goal frenzy
The game was just 24 seconds old when Australia opened their account against England in the third pool B match of the day. Matt Gohdes took advantage of a turnover by GlennTurner and slammed the ball past George Pinner in the England goal to signal the start of a 5-0 demolition job that left England stunned and demoralised.
That England met Australia on a day where every ball seemed to bounce kindly for them was unfortunate for the world number four side, and there is a growing sense that Ric Charlesworth’s men are not only playing well, but they are also improving with each match and, perhaps more importantly, revelling in the atmosphere that has been created at this 2014 World Cup.
On 13 minutes Liam de Young doubled the Australian lead through a penalty corner, and with the clock approaching the half hour, Jamie Dwyer (30′) was on hand to tap in a cross from the tenacious Jacob Whetton.
The most audacious goal of the day came on the stroke of half time. Mark Knowles threw a terrific aerial ball from just beyond the half-way line and, as it started its trajectory into the circle, and unmarked Kieran Govers was on hand to trap it mid-air and angle it past Pinner into the goal. The England goalkeeper was furious with his defence, but there was a feeling that this was a day when all Australia touched would turn to gold.
As with many of the Australia games this tournament, there was an easing of pressure in the second half. Only one goal was scored, this time fromAran Zawelski (38′), who turned and shot home with precision and power. Just seconds later Australia nearly went 6-0 up, but an incredible save by Barry Middleton on the line spared England’s blushes further.
As the second half progressed, there was a sense that Australia were holding something in reserve, but an increasingly tired England were unable to take advantage of any laxity that might have appeared in the Australia approach.
“When I came to the ground I would have been happy with a draw, because that would have got us to the big games,” said Ric Charlesworth after the game. “The first quarter of the game was a bit of an arm wrestle, but then we scored the goals. I would have liked to have seen more chances put away in the second half.”
His England counterpart,Bobby Crutchley said: “We were chasing the game and that was hard work. I thought some of our players stood up really well towards the end. There was a lack of concentration at the start and end of the first half and we gave them two goals.”
Talking about the fourth Australian goal, captain of the Kookaburras, Mark Knowles, said: “We know that many teams switch off in the final seconds of a half, so it is worth trying to get the ball into the circle. Kieran (Govers) played such a good lead, and that was how I got the ball to him. Scoring just before half time like that can really hurt the opposition.”