Semi-Final #2
India – Australia 0-3 (0-2 halftime)

Australia will go for a record five consecutive Champions Trophy titles after winning its semi-final game against India today on home field in Melbourne, 3-0. Under sunny skies and in front of a full house, the Kookaburras dominated the Indians with a speedy, relentless attack.

The World #2 Australians will meet #3 Netherlands in the gold medal game tomorrow, while #11 India and #9 Pakistan are the surprise entrants in the bronze medal game.

Both teams entered today’s second semi-final game on a mission. The Aussies were looking to re-establish themselves as the unbeatable team in men’s hockey after missing out the Olympic gold medal, while the Indians were looking to re-establish their national team program on the eve of the launch of the Hockey India League.

Jamie Dwyer was a difference in the game. He struck twice in a ten-minute span in the first half to lift the Aussies to the early 2-0 lead. Dwyer popped in a rebound on a Chris Ciriello penalty corner flick and then easily converted a penalty stroke mid-half to send a clear message early on.

Kieran Govers extended the lead as he swept in front the India net and converted the streaking shot to give Australia a solid 3-0 lead with 26 minutes left in the game. The Aussies continued to apply steady pressure as India never really had a chance to work its way into the game and threaten the hosts’ solid lead. It was a valiant effort on both sides, but in the end Australia was the better team.

India still has the chance to earn a major moral victory for the national team program as it can go for its second-ever Champions Trophy medal and its first since 1982 in the bronze medal game against Pakistan. That game is sure to be barn burner as the rivals always put on an entertaining show.

Notes: Former Australian players Nathan Burgers, Luke Doerner and Grant Schubert were recognized before the game for their outstanding careers with the Kookaburras.