Great Britain turned the tables on Australia to register its biggest-ever win over the World champion in an official match with a 5-2 victory in the Hockey World League Finals here on Sunday.
Britain attacked from the beginning, took an early lead and then strangled the opposition with tight defence and quick counters.
The systematic dismantling of Australia was as much a shocker to its supporters as to the team itself.
This was also the first time Britain beat Australia by a margin of more than two goals and only sixth ever. Its last victory in an FIH tournament was way back in 1988, at the Seoul Olympics.
“I know it is big because I have played against them and we could never score so much,” coach Bobbby Crutchley admitted.
Britain went ahead in the ninth minute and doubled the lead four minutes later.
The aggression and speed took Australia by surprise but it tried to bounce back in the second quarter.
The Australians had their chances, though. They earned six penalty corners but could convert only one.
They also missed a few close chances despite attacking relentlessley. But on this day, GB defence stood firm.
In the other Pool A match, Belgium highlighted how vast the gap was between it and 14th-placed Canada with a 7-2 thrashing.
The Red Lions scored three goals in as many minutes in the first quarter, taking full advantage of Canada which was a man down, to be up 4-0 in the first 15 minutes.
After that, all the Belgians had to do was sit tight and control possession. Canada tried to fight back and even got a goal each in the second and third quarters.
But, Belgium was never under pressure, scoring a few more goals in the last quarter to wrap up the victory.
The results:
Pool A: Great Britain 5 (Henry Weir, Chris Grassick, Ian Sloan, David Condon, Phil Roper) bt Australia 2 (Jeremy Hayward, Matt Gohdes).
Belgium 7 (Florent van Aubel 2, Sebastien Dockier, Thomas Briels, Jerome Truyens, Arthur van Doren, Tom Boon) bt Canada 2 (Mark Pearson Devohn Noronha Teixeira).
