Kookaburras Into World Cup Semi Finals

A blistering third quarter burst and late heroics from goalkeeper Andrew Charter have sent the Kookaburras into the last four of the FIH Men’s World Cup 2023 after a tense 4-3 win over Spain in Bhubaneswar.

The character and resolve of the world number one ranked Australians including NSWIS scholarship holders Lachlan Sharp, Tom Craig, Matthew Dawson, Blake Govers, Flynn Ogilvie and Tim Brand, was fully tested as they were forced to overcome a two goal deficit before holding off a late Spain surge.

Four goals in the space of eight electrifying minutes – from Flynn Ogilvie, Aran Zalewski and a quickfire double from Jeremy Hayward – turned the tide in the Kookaburras’ favour.

Then with the Kookaburras ahead 4-3, Spain had the chance to equalise with four minutes to play when they were awarded a penalty stroke but Charter stepped up to superbly save captain Marc Miralles’ attempt.

It proved to be the game’s telling moment as the Kookaburras march on to the semi finals where they will meet the winner of the Quarter Final between England and Germany.

The Kookaburras started brightly, some magic from Eddie Ockenden earning the first penalty corner of the match in the 5th minute. Blake Govers’ subsequent drag flick was saved and Tim Brand narrowly missed connection on the rebound.

Hayward then had a drag flick saved and Spain pounced on the counter attack with Charter making a crucial block to diffuse the chance.

The Kookaburras have reached the semi finals of every world cup since 1978 but that record was under threat as Spain absorbed the pressure and took a two goal lead after 24 minutes.

First Xavier Gispert produced a stunning strike on the reverse before Marc Recasens doubled the advantage when he ghosted in at the far post.

Just as the Kookaburras appeared to be heading into the main break two goals down, Flynn Ogilvie found space in the attacking circle to fire home with five seconds remaining in the half.

With their tails up, the Kookaburras reappeared for the second half revitalised and within two minutes of the restart were level when Zalewski finished off after some superb work along the baseline form Jake Whetton created the opening.

Five minutes later the Kookaburras turned the game on its head as they suddenly had a two goal advantage courtesy of two successful drag flicks from Hayward.

Tom Craig thought he had added a fifth only for the goal to be controversially overturned by the video umpire.

Spain took the slice of fortune as Miralles pegged a goal back in the 41st minute to make it 4-3.

As both sides looked to keep their world cup dreams alive, the Kookaburras managed to hold their nerve.

Charter’s save from the penalty stroke deflated Spain’s hopes as Tom Wickham had an opportunity to put the result beyond doubt saved by the keeper in the dying minutes.

“Being two goals down made it really hard. The third quarter really brought us back into the game and tested our mettle so we’re proud to come away with the win,” Andrew said.

“When Spain were awarded the stroke I was just trying to calm the nerves down. Take a couple of deep breaths and then try and work out which way he is going and I picked the right way.”

“Now we prepare for whoever we face in the semi. We have a some things to clean up defensively so that’s what we’ll be focussing on.”

The Kookaburras’ semi final is scheduled for 10pm AEDT on Friday 27 January.

Match Details
Kookaburras 4 (Ogilvie 30’, Zalewski 32’, Hayward 33’/37’)
Spain 3 (Gispert 20’, Recasens 24’, Miralles 41’)
@ Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar

Article and image courtesy of Hockey Australia