Australia's Hockeyroos succumbed to a strong Dutch outfit on Monday night, losing 0-1 to the world number one team in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Netherlands striker Marilyn Agliotti scored the only goal of the game, with her early open play strike enough to gift victory to Oranje. The win was the perfect response from the team of Max Caldas, who fell to a surprise 4-1 defeat against Australia on Sunday. The victory suggests that the current Champions Trophy holders are hitting good form ahead of their opening CT match against China, which takes place in Rosario, Argentina on Saturday 28th January 2012.
Australia started the match slowly, which allowed Netherlands' striker Agliotti to open the scoring in the 6th minute. The Dutch dominated the opening 20 minutes of the match amassing 6 shots on goal from 10 circle penetrations. The Hockeyroos were efficient in attack, managing four shots on goal from four circle penetrations.
The Hockeyroos managed to assert themselves in the second half, producing a number of great chances to equalize the match. Unfortunately, the equalizer didn't come the way of the Hockeyroos with three chances going just wide of the net. The Hockeyroos doubled their circle penetrations for the half but could only manage 4 shots on goal. The Dutch recorded identical statistics for the half displaying the closeness of the contest.
Hockeyroos Coach Adam Commens said "While we didn’t win today, it was excellent to see we are once again capable of competing with and defeating the number 1 team in the world. The belief we take out of these matches is crucial and an excellent step forward in our preparation to London.”
In their next match, Australia - who are not competiting in this year's Champions Trophy tournament - will face Germany on Wednesday 25th January in Rosario, Argentina.
Hockeyroos 0 - 1 Netherlands 1 (HT 0-1)
Scorer: Maralyn Agliotti, FG, 6mins
Source material: Hockey Australia media release
