Hockey World Cup Delhi - England’s hockey team beat the Australians - at last!
Last updated 01/03/2010 14:26:12
Hockey World Cup Delhi England beat Australia
Security fears and the presence of thousands of police and hundreds of paramilitary commandos were forgotten as England overcame Australia on the opening day of the hockey World Cup in Delhi.
With every player and coach looking over their shoulder after threats from al-Qaeda(not a name used often in these columns) , England beat Australia 3-2 to secure their first win over the Kookaburras since 1985 and their first World Cup win over the Aussies since 1975.
With India beating Pakistan and Spain winning against South Africa on the same day it was a joyous day for the Indians as they prepare for the Commonwealth Games in the same city later this year.
Such was the terrorist threat, particularly surrounding the India – Pakistan game; many teams added to the tension by taking their own security teams to add to the massive operation set up by the hosts.
As it was the opening day passed off without incident, other than some very good hockey.
Jamie Dwyer gave Australia the lead but set-piece expert Ashley Jackson soon levelled the Pool B match in Delhi. James Tindall put England ahead before half-time from a short corner and then followed up to score off a post and make it 3-1. Dwyer pulled one back but England held on thanks to an heroic defensive display.
Going into the game Australia had won 28 of the last 33 matches between the two sides, with five draws.
But England, whose most recent win over their Ashes rivals had come on grass in Melbourne in 1985, produced a superb rearguard action to sink the 2009 Champions Trophy winners and the tournament favourites.
Cannock goalkeeper James Fair excelled as the frustrated Australians poured in 12 penalty corners and 28 shots , while England were ruthless in netting twice from three penalty corners.
Manager Andy Halliday praised the efforts of Fair and his penalty corner defence team, but admitted his side had been outplayed.
"It was a fantastic result but the performance could have been so much better," said Halliday, "I think it's a measure of how much this team has progressed that we can play poorly and beat Australia.
"James Fair and the penalty corner defence were outstanding. We'll certainly not get carried away just because we have won game one."
Hosts India won their opening Pool B match 4-1 against arch-rivals Pakistan amid unprecedented security precautions. Following reports of threats against the World Cup from terrorists, New Delhi's Dhyan Chand Stadium was guarded by nearly 19,000 security personnel to protect players, officials and spectators within a three kilometre radius of the venue.
Paramilitary commandos, sniffer dogs and a bomb-disposal squad were part of the multiple security cordons inside and around the stadium while An Indian Air force helicopter constantly hovered above the ground.
More Optimist Sports News Games Results People