Tokyo Olympics Hockey: Australia secure a scintillating win to set up semifinal clash with Germany
Blake Govers of Australia (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal for his side at the Tokyo 2020
Following a dominant performance in the group stages, Australia shines in the shootout to win the second quarterfinals at the Tokyo Olympics. The second quarterfinal between Australia and Netherlands, which was expected to be a cakewalk for the former turned out to be a thrilling encounter.
A dominant first half saw the Aussies enjoy 66% possession but managed only a lone goal. Tom Wickham opened the scoring in the 13th minute. While the side from Down Under was expected to score a flurry of goals in the second half, it was the Netherlands who returned with renewed intensity to level the scores.
Australia to square off with Germany for a place in the finals
The Dutch peppered the five-time World Cup winners with waves after waves of attack forcing them their defense to scamper. It was this intensity that helped them comeback from behind not once but twice with goals from Jeroen Hertzberger and Mink van der Weerden in the 32nd and 51st minute.
Having fought hard, Netherlands faltered in the shootout as they failed to hit the net on three occasions while Australia converted their first three shots to book a semifinal berth. The Aussies will now face Germany who beat defending champions Argentina 3-1 in the first quarterfinal.
Anshuman Mahapatra
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