South Korea versus Australia – Day 7 at the 20th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup – Preview
South Korea will play against Australia on the seventh day of the 20th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which is to be played at the Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium, in Ipoh on May 9.
South Korea
South Korea is one of the strong contestants in Asia, mostly ending up among the top teams. It was the joint-winner of the last Azlan Shah Cup with India, as the final was not played due to heavy showers. It is pertinent to mention here that the Koreans
captured the first title in 1996. They dominated the game in the continent with four victories in the Asian Games respectively, in 1986, 1994, 2002 and 2006.
In the recent action, the squad seems quite composed with a triumph over the Indian team by a single point, 3-2. However, they failed to maintain their level and lost to Pakistan in the very next game by two goals. The fixture between South Korea and New
Zealand was concluded with a one-all draw and both sides were awarded one point. Korea after playing three games is holding 5th place onto the point-chart with four points.
Regardless of past track record, the Koreans have always been one of the capricious squad in hockey and that make them hazardous.
Australia
Australia is currently holding number one position in the world which captured all the major titles including the World Cup, Champions Trophy and the Commonwealth Games in 2010. But, the Kookaburras failed to win the last edition of the Azlan Shah Cup by
securing only a bronze medal. The Aussies won five time the Azlan Shah Cups respectively, in the 1983, 1998, 2004, 2005 and 2007.
Many experienced players are missing from the team including four-time best player of the year, Jamie Dwyer, Luke Doerner, Eddie Ockenden, mark Knowles and Rob Hammond. In addition, some players were not included in the team after they failed to prove their
fitness. These include Graeme Begbie, Des Abbott, Kieran Govers and Joel Carroll.
In the current league, they had not lost any game thus far excluding a draw against India. They also took Malaysia and Pakistan down in the next two fixtures and held second position onto the points chart.
Players to watch
From the Korean side, Jang Jong Hyun will put up a good fight, to lead his side towards showing a competitive fight. From the other side, Jason Wilson, is expected to show the best of his abilities. He played 36 matches and scored 17 goals in the international
hockey.
Head-to-Head Statistics
The last encounter between South Korea and Australia took place last year in 2010 Azlan Shah Cup group match that was ended with a two-all draw. Before that the two sides met each other in a three-match hockey series prior to the World Cup, in which, Australia
won two games.
Prediction
On one side, the Kookaburras are looking to win the title which they missed last year whereas Korea is attempting to defend their title. The match will be a head-to-head game, however, the Aussies are expected to win the game by 4-3
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