Professional League: Argentina Battle Again To Take Shootout Bonus Level

Two remaining quarter objectives noticed Argentina spoil the homecoming of native stars Eddie Ockenden, Josh Beltz and Jack Welch because the South Individuals defeated the Kookaburras 4-2 in a penalty shootout of their FIH Professional League match in Hobart.

The Kookaburras had management of the primary half, with newly inked captain Jeremy Hayward slamming dwelling two penalty nook objectives with aplomb inside eight minutes.

After rising from the primary break with intent, Hayward was denied his hat-trick within the thirty fourth minute earlier than the Kookaburras discovered themselves on the again foot.

Argentina fired a warning on Kookaburras goalkeeper Johan Durst’s purpose within the forty second minute when Matias Rey struck the crossbar with a venomous penalty nook flick.

The visiting skipper then introduced his facet again into the competition with an unstoppable set piece rebound within the forty ninth minute.

Durst was underneath siege and made necessary back-to-back saves to guard the Kookaburras’ benefit, solely to see Tobias Martins equalise within the 54th minute.

The Kookaburras responded to the problem late on, forcing Argentina to barter a late penalty nook effort from Hayward earlier than Lachlan Sharp noticed his again submit effort slide narrowly huge on the loss of life.

Within the shootout, it was the Argentineans who claimed the bonus level when Augustin Bugallo transformed the decisive try and safe the 4-2 shootout victory.

“To get to 2-0 was actually constructive and we had been doing a little issues proper however to concede a two purpose lead is disappointing,” mentioned Beltz.

“These are high quality video games and opponents you get within the Professional League, so we’ll take any alternative to play in entrance a house crowd. We’ll get well and look to go once more tomorrow.”

The Kookaburras return to tackle Spain at 7pm AEDT tomorrow.

Match Particulars
Kookaburras 2 (Hayward 15’/23’)
Argentina 2 (Rey 49’, Martins 34’)
Argentina wins shootout 4-2
@ Tasmanian Hockey Centre

Kookaburras: 1.Lachlan Sharp, 2.Tom Craig, 4.Jake Harvie, 6.Matthew Dawson, 7.Nathan Ephraums, 8.Johan Durst (gk), 9.Jacob Anderson, 10.Josh Beltz, 11.Eddie Ockenden, 13.Blake Govers, 14.Dylan Martin, 16.Tim Howard, 17.Aran Zalewski, 19.Craig Marais, 20.Ky Willott, 21.Jack Welch, 32.Jeremy Hayward (c)
Unused substitute: 18.Ben Rennie (gk)

Hockey Australia