Hockeyroos Down Germany In Shootout Nail-Biter
Published Sun 10 Feb 2019
The Hockeyroos have continued their strong start to the FIH Pro League with a 3-1 shootout win over Germany after a nail-biting 2-2 draw in front of more than 2,500 fans in Hobart on Sunday.
Rachael Lynch and Grace Stewart were amongst the best for Australia but it was Victorian newcomer Sophie Taylor who earned Player of the Match honours after scoring her first international goal.
Goals to Taylor and Stewart weren’t enough to secure a Hockeyroos victory in regular time as the Australians couldn’t find an answer for Hanna Granitzki who scored twice off penalty corners.
Eddie Bone, Brooke Peris and Mariah Williams were the goal scorers for Australia in the shootout whilst Germany’s only goal came through Nike Lorenz.
Lynch was spectacular in the shootout defending three of the four shots that came her way.
The win leaves the Hockeyroos second in the FIH Pro League standings with two wins, one shootout win and a loss to their name, having beaten China PR 4-3 on Saturday.
Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said: “We’re pleased with the determination of the girls after playing yesterday.
“We wanted to play a little bit better but there’s lots to learn from that game.”
Taylor opened the scoring in the ninth minute from a penalty corner but Granitzki levelled in the 22nd minute.
Stewart restored Australia’s lead early in the second half with a cool finish from Savannah Fitzpatrick’s pass.
Both sides received yellow cards in the third before Granitzki netted for a second time in the 47th minute, poking home from close range.
Lynch was heroic in the shootout, making three saves, while the Hockeyroos were faultless nailing all three attempts.
The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos host Great Britain in an FIH Pro League double-header next weekend in Perth.
Australia 2 (Taylor 9’, Stewart 32’)
Germany 2 (Granitzki 22’, 47’)
Australia won 3-1 in shootout
Australia 3 (Bone O, Peris O, Williams O)
Germany 1 (Lorenz O, Grave X, Hauke X, Pieper X)