Australia maintained their unbeaten record with a 4-3 victory over a feisty and desperate South Korea in an entertaining match at the women's field hockey World Cup on Saturday.
MADRID: Australia maintained their unbeaten record with a 4-3 victory over a feisty and desperate South Korea in an entertaining match at the women's field hockey World Cup on Saturday.
Korea went into the encounter with four points from two matches and had to win this to keep their top four hopes alive. Later on, Japan and USA drew 0-0 in a crucial game for both sides as neither had any points from two previous matches.
Korea gained a quick lead, to which Australia responded with four first-half goals. Korea then scored on the stroke of half-time, and on their return from the dressing room managed another goal before forcing Australia all the way.
Australian coach Frank Murray admitted they had every respect for their opponents.
"This was a crunch match for us today, we rate Korea highly and I am very pleased we came away with the points," said Murray.
"It still is not enough to guarantee us a semi (final) berth. We believe we need at least one more point from the next two games and a good goal difference to go through."
Korea started at a furious pace in a bid to shake up Australia, a tactic which led to their first goal in the sixth minute when a deflected corner goal was scored by Jung Hee. Amid a furious pace, Australia responded with long passes and soon Korea's resolve was put to the test.
Australia equalised in the 17th minute when a breakaway play set up a goal from Angie Skirving followed immediately by a great goal from Nikki Hudson.
Hudson was in the play again when she penetrated down the right sideline and set up Australia's third goal, scored by Karen Smith in the 23rd minute. This was extended to 4-1 through a Hope Munro goal, however a forced corner from Korea led to their second goal on the stroke of half-time.
In the second half Korea were reduced to running all over the park as Australia threw the ball from stick to stick, all great entertainment. Then Park Mi Hyun scored from a corner deflection and Australia had to survive a torrid final five minutes to win and remain undefeated.
In the other match, Japan took the game to USA and showed better technical skills. Tomomi Komori had the USA defence scrambling down the left with a great set up for Misaki Ozawa who just shot wide in the 30th minute.
USA started with more authority in the second half however their midfield were not controlling the ball. The draw leaves both teams seemingly destined for the 9-12 playoffs.
USA coach Lee Bodimeade expressed disappointment after the match saying: "I thought we had the better of the play today, we are very disappointed we did not come away with a win.
"We still have a chance to make the 5-8 playoffs if we take our chances."
Argentina must win against South Africa later Saturday to retain their unbeaten record.
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