Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Australia’s men’s hockey team have started their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Ireland in Wavre, Belgium.
The Kookaburras dominated the first half and led 3-0 at the main break, but Ireland adjusted to Australia’s man-on-man style to win the second half and pile on all sorts of pressure late.
Australia scored first through Joel Rintala in the 7th minute of the match, via a penalty corner which rebounded off the post onto Ireland’s goalkeeper Jamie Carr and back into the goal.
Rintala made it 2-0, halfway through the second quarter, from another drag flick from a penalty corner, which he fired hard and low past Carr’s left into the backboard.
Blake Govers made it 3-0 before halftime, again from a penalty corner, to round out an impressive opening 30 minutes for the Kookaburras.
Ireland improved in the third quarter and adjusted to Australia’s man-on-man marking, and took control of the fourth quarter, forcing multiple saves from Australian goalkeeper Ash Thomas and his defence.
Their goal came in the final term through Alistair Empey, who swatted in after Thomas initially saved Ireland’s PC and the rebound was worked back towards Empey on the left post.
Ireland almost trimmed the margin back to one goal on several occasions, but couldn’t find a way through.
Australia’s next match is against Spain on Tuesday, before their final Pool C fixture against South Africa on Thursday.
