Kookaburras draw with rivals 27 July 2012

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• © Mike Hewitt / Getty Images

HOCKEY: The Kookaburras have missed an opportunity to send a message to rivals Germany ahead of the Olympics, drawing 2-2 with the world number 2 team in a practice match today at Riverbank Arena.

After controlling much of the game, the Kookaburras found themselves 2-0 up with seven minutes to go before conceding two late goals, being forced to settle for the draw.

The Aussies were on song early in the first half, with Eddie Ockenden a stand out in the midfield.

Although it was a practice match the game was hotly contested, as expected when these two great rivals meet.

Australia was on the early attack, however the German defence proved to be as solid as ever.

A breakthrough was eventually presented when Australia were awarded a penalty corner, with Kieran Govers delivering an accurate flick to make it 1-0.

Immediately after conceding a goal Germany went on the attack, putting Australian goalkeeper Nathan Burgers under much pressure. However he was up to the task with the score remaining 1-0 at half time.

Matthew Butturini was given an opportunity to extend Australia’s lead shortly into the second half, however the shot was well saved by the German keeper.

The Kookaburras continued to press and looked like scoring again after Govers found some space in the circle, however the shot hit the post.

Eventually they were given some reward for their effort, with the ever dangerous Glenn Turner drawing the goalkeeper before finding some space and making it 2-0.

Despite trailing on the score board the Germans weren’t done yet, scoring two late goals including one impressive penalty corner to level the score.

Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth said while he felt his team played well, they needed to finish off better.

“That was a sharpener for the tournament. I thought we played well but we need to be more thorough. According to our stats we had about eight good chances to score and they had two,” said Charlesworth.