Aussies lose shootout
KOOKABURRAS coach Colin Batch admits he’d change his line-up if his team got into another shootout after losing a heartbreaking penalty shootout 4-3 to Netherlands in their semi-final on Saturday night.
Reigning champion Australia was due to meet England last night in the World Cup bronze medal match.
The defeat in India, which included a dramatic finalminute Australian goal to force a shootout, ended the Kookaburras’ pursuit of an historic third-straight World Cup title. The shootout went to sudden death after both teams converted on three of their five shots, however, Australia could only score one more goal.
Aran Zalewski and Tim Brand missed their shots, while Daniel Beale was left devastated after having his second attempt swept away.
“We practise (shootouts) a hell of a lot. We went with the five and Andrew Charter as the goalkeeper. We believe that was the right call,” Batch said. “But it’s hit and miss. Good technique survives sometimes, but you could also be unlucky.”
Batch praised his men for showing courage in coming back from a 2-0 deficit to force the shootout. “I was really proud of the comeback they made,” he said.
“Credit to the boys that they fought through and stayed calm at the end to score. That’s certainly the positive from the game.
“Netherlands are a very experienced team and with that calming affect at the start of the game, they were able to generate those early opportunities.”
The third-place playoff finished what has been a successful year for the men, who retained top spot in the rankings for the entire season.
Batch’s side claimed almost every trophy on offer, including Commonwealth Games gold, the Champions Trophy and Azlan Shah Cup.
After completing their World Cup commitments, the Kookaburras will turn their focus to the inaugural Pro League beginning in February.
“We want to put everything into this bronze-medal match tomorrow, make sure we win that, and then focus on the Pro League,” Batch said. “It’s an exciting competition, obviously the first season of it.
“We’re travelling around the world a lot, but we’re playing at home as well.”