Australia crush India 7-1 to stay unbeaten
TOKYO: The Australia men’s field hockey team has put on an offensive show to start the Olympics.
The top team in the world rankings rolled past fourth-placed India 7-1 on Sunday. The outburst came a day after the Kookaburras rallied from a 3-1 deficit to defeat Japan 5-3.
After Daniel Beale scored Australia’s first goal in the 13th minute, the Kookaburras were in no danger against India.
Australian forward Blake Govers scored twice while midfielders Flynn Ogilvie and Daniel Beale also scored a goal each.
The men’s European champions the Netherlands booked a hard-fought win against South Africa, conceding three goals in the first 20 minutes before turning the game around and winning 5-3.
In other men’s action on Sunday, New Zealand defeated Spain 4-3 and Argentina beat Japan 2-1.
In women’s play, Germany beat Britain 2-1 to hand them their first Olympics loss in women’s hockey since the London Games.
Elsewhere, New Zealand defeated Argentina 3-0, China beat Japan 4-3 and Australia topped Spain 3-1.
Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2021