Late goals end run of Aussie outs

THREE goals in the final quarter have ensured Australia’s progression to the semi-finals of the Hockey World League Final in India after a 4-1 win over Spain.

The Kookaburras fought back from going behind to score four unanswered goals, converting four of their six penalty corners, to set up a final four showdown against either Germany or the Netherlands today or tomorrow.

“We obviously started a bit slow,” man of the match Matt Dawson said.

“It’s always nice to build into the tournament. It’s good to get a win.”

Australia trailed during the contest when Marc Garcia put Spain ahead but Jeremy Hayward levelled proceedings with a penalty corner before halftime.

Australia had a goal disallowed after Lachlan Sharp’s effort was negated by the video referee.

Despite the Kookaburras dominating possession it stayed that way until early in the final quarter when Aaron Kleinschmidt swept home a rebound from a penalty corner on 48 minutes.

Blake Govers added the icing on the cake with two drag flicks in quick succession to crucially give Australia their first victory in the Hockey World League Finals after three group-stage draws. THREE Gold Coasters have been named in Hockey Australia’s national women’s development squad for 2018 in another boost for the sport.