34th Champions Trophy: Australia brush aside India 3-0
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 08: Jamie Dywer of Australia hits the ball past Sushant Tirkey of India in the match between Australia and India during day five of the 2012 Champions Trophy at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on December 8, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.
Despite India’s resurgence in the 34th Champions Trophy, it was Australia who started as favourites going into their semifinal match on Saturday. And the Kookaburras exhibited that in no uncertain terms.
The yellow and green brigade brushed aside India 3-0 in the semifinal to set up a final date with Netherlands, who clobbered Pakistan 5-2 in the other semifinal.
India now take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the bronze medal play-off match on Sunday.
Australia got proceedings off to an electrifying start mounting attacks at will even before India could settle down. The initial wave of attacks paid off when veteran Jaimie Dyer put Austraia in the 6th minute when he put a rebounding following a penalty corner flick.
Indian goalkeeper TR Potnuri thwarted Australia from scoring from their three penalty corners, but the sustained attacks from the hosts ensured that the Indian defence was constantly under pressure.
It was Dwyer again who doubled the lead for Australia, converting a penalty stroke in the halfway point of the first half.
India had their share of chances but few and far between. SV Sunil produced a good run from the left side of the Australian goal laying it for his teammates, but none of them could make the most of that precise pass.
Yuvraj Walmiki produced some individual brilliance when he sped to the top of the Australian strikeing circle before unleashing a reverse flick, which sailed wide.
Australia went into half time with a 2-0 scoreline.
Australia continued their attacking momentum in the second half, which resulted in Kieran Govers scoring the third goal in the 44th minute.
Australia maintained the two goal cushion with strong play in the midfield, not allowing India to come back into the contest.
India earned a couple of penalty corners in the closing stages of play, but on both occasions the Australia asked for a review and their appeal was upheld and the short corners denied to India.
Australia pressed hard and forced two consecutive penalty corners in the dying minutes of the games but the Indian defence stood firm.