ID :
191354
Mon, 06/27/2011 - 16:20
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/191354
The shortlink copeid
Hockeyroos lose to NZ at Champions Trophy
(AAP) - The mammoth rebuilding task facing the Hockeyroos ahead of the London Olympics has been laid bare with an unthinkable loss to New Zealand at the Champions Trophy.
Australia's women squandered a host of opportunities and eventually lost 3-2 to the Kiwis in their group match in Amsterdam.
It leaves the Hockeyroos needing mathematics and miracles to qualify for the medal rounds of a tournament they have won six times - more than any other nation.
It was only New Zealand's 10th win in 85 matches against Australia and the first time they have beaten Australia at the Champions Trophy.
Yet Hockeyroos' skipper Madonna Blyth remains hopeful her side - featuring eight players with less than 30 caps and three teenagers - can produce the impossible against Germany in their final group match on Tuesday night (AEST).
They must beat Germany by two clear goals and hope The Netherlands, who have already qualified for the medal rounds, beat New Zealand in the other match.
"It's a tough job but, if we play to our potential, we are capable of beating any side in the world," Blyth told AAP from Amsterdam.
"We're still in with a shot, but it's a pretty likely result the Dutch beating New Zealand, then we have to make sure we do our job."
The Black Sticks ambushed Australia early, opening up a 3-0 lead thanks to goals to Katie Glynn, Krystal Forgesson and Cathryn Finlayson.
Australia clawed back two goals late in the second half through Jade Close and Casey Eastham, but they couldn't get another. They are stuck at the bottom of Pool B after two matches.
The world's top eight teams use 2011's most prestigious women's hockey tournament to build towards next year's Olympics.
But Blyth believes regardless of whether her team can make the medal rounds, their learning curve under new coach Adam Commens is on the right track.
"You never like to lose, but it shows us that we have got a lot of work ahead of us," Blyth said.
"If we want to be considered one of the best teams in the world, we have to improve and improve pretty quickly.
"It's disappointing, the results, but it's a good reminder of where we're at."
Australia's women squandered a host of opportunities and eventually lost 3-2 to the Kiwis in their group match in Amsterdam.
It leaves the Hockeyroos needing mathematics and miracles to qualify for the medal rounds of a tournament they have won six times - more than any other nation.
It was only New Zealand's 10th win in 85 matches against Australia and the first time they have beaten Australia at the Champions Trophy.
Yet Hockeyroos' skipper Madonna Blyth remains hopeful her side - featuring eight players with less than 30 caps and three teenagers - can produce the impossible against Germany in their final group match on Tuesday night (AEST).
They must beat Germany by two clear goals and hope The Netherlands, who have already qualified for the medal rounds, beat New Zealand in the other match.
"It's a tough job but, if we play to our potential, we are capable of beating any side in the world," Blyth told AAP from Amsterdam.
"We're still in with a shot, but it's a pretty likely result the Dutch beating New Zealand, then we have to make sure we do our job."
The Black Sticks ambushed Australia early, opening up a 3-0 lead thanks to goals to Katie Glynn, Krystal Forgesson and Cathryn Finlayson.
Australia clawed back two goals late in the second half through Jade Close and Casey Eastham, but they couldn't get another. They are stuck at the bottom of Pool B after two matches.
The world's top eight teams use 2011's most prestigious women's hockey tournament to build towards next year's Olympics.
But Blyth believes regardless of whether her team can make the medal rounds, their learning curve under new coach Adam Commens is on the right track.
"You never like to lose, but it shows us that we have got a lot of work ahead of us," Blyth said.
"If we want to be considered one of the best teams in the world, we have to improve and improve pretty quickly.
"It's disappointing, the results, but it's a good reminder of where we're at."
