Australia versus Great Britain: Sultan Azlan Shah Cup – Half-time Analysis
Australia, the World Champions, and Great Britain, the European Champions, are currently face-to-face in the combat field, contesting for the eighth day game of the Azlan Shah Cup at the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium in Ipoh, Malaysia, May 12.
With the very first minute of the game, the two sides were found making attacks and counter-attacks besides showing stiff defence. The speed of the play was slow at the start with both sides playing a much disciplined game.
The Aussies started to play offensive game onto the field to establish their early dominance in the game. James Tinsdall managed to take the ball at the top of the circle and unleashed a reverse-shot that went wide.
In a counter-offence, Jacob Whetton made a lengthy run towards the downfield and earned first penalty corner for Australia. Brent Dancer was on the strike and comfortably converted the short corner with a shot home to put Australia ahead on the scoreboard,
1-0.
After conceding the first goal, the British players started more offensive game in search of equaliser. They carried out back-to-back strikes, but these were blocked by the opponent side.
The Australians though were playing very attacking game, but the pace has been reduced. The Kookaburras earned their second short corner in the 23rd minute of the game that was attempted in the hands of Fergus Kavanagh. But it was easily deflected
by the palms of British goalie.
Owing to fast and furious game, the Kookaburras received third penalty corner in the 29th minute of the game that was brilliantly converted in the hands of Christopher Ciriello, expanding the lead up to two goals, 2-0.
In a counter-attack, the Britain team earned their first short corner in the 31st minute of the game that was attempted by Richard Smith. However, it was not fruitful, as the custodian blocked the strike.
After an end-to-end play, the opening period was ended with Australia leading by 2-0 over Great Britain. Despite scoring chances, the English players failed to get the scoring. In the meantime, the second half of play has been started between the two squads.
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