Kookaburras down India 3-2 to go fourth in Pro League
The Kookaburras have surged to fourth on the FIH Pro League standings, after a clinical, high-pressure 3-2 defeat of India to remain unbeaten as they continue their FIH Pro League title defence in Europe.
Less than 24 hours after their dramatic come-from-behind win over the same foes, the Kookaburras unleashed more firepower in Antwerp, as prolific goalscorer Blake Govers marked his return to international competition for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
It took the NSW striker just five minutes to find the back of the net with a trademark rocketing strike to score his 155th goal in 168 appearances.
"It's awesome to be back. The boys got around me and to get that first clutch, first goal was pretty nice," Govers said.
"I would've liked to have gotten a few more. But it's been a disjointed year and it's just good to be back playing.
"Everything's behind me, the body's feeling a hundred percent, and I'm looking forward to the rest of this tournament."
Govers' goal came at a pivotal moment for Australia, as they answered to India's early lead with aggressive pace.
Reeling from five consecutive FIH Pro League defeats, India opened with fury through Sanjay, who struck early from a penalty corner to claim a 1-0 lead inside three minutes.
But the Kookaburras answered immediately, with Tim Brand deftly deflecting a sublime Ky Willott strike before Govers' solo effort flipped the match.
After three goals in three minutes, Australia were in full control with a 2-1 lead, applying relentless first-half pressure, and earning repeated penalty corners, which soon led to their third goal.
Showing their versatility at the penalty corner, Victoria's Cooper Burns rifled home a strike to score his fourth goal in just 10 international outings, since his debut in February earlier this year.
India clawed a goal back in the third quarter through Dilpreet Singh, sparking hopes of a comeback.
But despite a late surge and even pulling their goalkeeper in a final desperate push, they couldn't find the equaliser.
"We're really pleased with that, it was an intense match, and that's what we expect in a game against India, it's always back and forth, and we've played them a lot over the last few years," Player of the Match Nathan Ephraums told 7plus.
The Kookaburras' European campaign has gained serious momentum. They sit in fourth on the FIH Pro League standings with 18 points, just one point behind third-placed Belgium.
The Kookaburras have surged to fourth on the FIH Pro League standings, after a clinical, high-pressure 3-2 defeat of India to remain unbeaten as they continue their FIH Pro League title defence in Europe.
Less than 24 hours after their dramatic come-from-behind win over the same foes, the Kookaburras unleashed more firepower in Antwerp, as prolific goalscorer Blake Govers marked his return to international competition for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
It took the NSW striker just five minutes to find the back of the net with a trademark rocketing strike to score his 155th goal in 168 appearances.
"It's awesome to be back. The boys got around me and to get that first clutch, first goal was pretty nice," Govers said.
"I would've liked to have gotten a few more. But it's been a disjointed year and it's just good to be back playing.
"Everything's behind me, the body's feeling a hundred percent, and I'm looking forward to the rest of this tournament."
Govers' goal came at a pivotal moment for Australia, as they answered to India's early lead with aggressive pace.
Reeling from five consecutive FIH Pro League defeats, India opened with fury through Sanjay, who struck early from a penalty corner to claim a 1-0 lead inside three minutes.
But the Kookaburras answered immediately, with Tim Brand deftly deflecting a sublime Ky Willott strike before Govers' solo effort flipped the match.
After three goals in three minutes, Australia were in full control with a 2-1 lead, applying relentless first-half pressure, and earning repeated penalty corners, which soon led to their third goal.
Showing their versatility at the penalty corner, Victoria's Cooper Burns rifled home a strike to score his fourth goal in just 10 international outings, since his debut in February earlier this year.
India clawed a goal back in the third quarter through Dilpreet Singh, sparking hopes of a comeback.
But despite a late surge and even pulling their goalkeeper in a final desperate push, they couldn't find the equaliser.
"We're really pleased with that, it was an intense match, and that's what we expect in a game against India, it's always back and forth, and we've played them a lot over the last few years," Player of the Match Nathan Ephraums told 7plus.
The Kookaburras' European campaign has gained serious momentum. They sit in fourth on the FIH Pro League standings with 18 points, just one point behind third-placed Belgium.
The Kookaburras have surged to fourth on the FIH Pro League standings, after a clinical, high-pressure 3-2 defeat of India to remain unbeaten as they continue their FIH Pro League title defence in Europe.
Less than 24 hours after their dramatic come-from-behind win over the same foes, the Kookaburras unleashed more firepower in Antwerp, as prolific goalscorer Blake Govers marked his return to international competition for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
It took the NSW striker just five minutes to find the back of the net with a trademark rocketing strike to score his 155th goal in 168 appearances.
"It's awesome to be back. The boys got around me and to get that first clutch, first goal was pretty nice," Govers said.
"I would've liked to have gotten a few more. But it's been a disjointed year and it's just good to be back playing.
"Everything's behind me, the body's feeling a hundred percent, and I'm looking forward to the rest of this tournament."
Govers' goal came at a pivotal moment for Australia, as they answered to India's early lead with aggressive pace.
Reeling from five consecutive FIH Pro League defeats, India opened with fury through Sanjay, who struck early from a penalty corner to claim a 1-0 lead inside three minutes.
But the Kookaburras answered immediately, with Tim Brand deftly deflecting a sublime Ky Willott strike before Govers' solo effort flipped the match.
After three goals in three minutes, Australia were in full control with a 2-1 lead, applying relentless first-half pressure, and earning repeated penalty corners, which soon led to their third goal.
Showing their versatility at the penalty corner, Victoria's Cooper Burns rifled home a strike to score his fourth goal in just 10 international outings, since his debut in February earlier this year.
India clawed a goal back in the third quarter through Dilpreet Singh, sparking hopes of a comeback.
But despite a late surge and even pulling their goalkeeper in a final desperate push, they couldn't find the equaliser.
"We're really pleased with that, it was an intense match, and that's what we expect in a game against India, it's always back and forth, and we've played them a lot over the last few years," Player of the Match Nathan Ephraums told 7plus.
The Kookaburras' European campaign has gained serious momentum. They sit in fourth on the FIH Pro League standings with 18 points, just one point behind third-placed Belgium.
The Kookaburras have surged to fourth on the FIH Pro League standings, after a clinical, high-pressure 3-2 defeat of India to remain unbeaten as they continue their FIH Pro League title defence in Europe.
Less than 24 hours after their dramatic come-from-behind win over the same foes, the Kookaburras unleashed more firepower in Antwerp, as prolific goalscorer Blake Govers marked his return to international competition for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
It took the NSW striker just five minutes to find the back of the net with a trademark rocketing strike to score his 155th goal in 168 appearances.
"It's awesome to be back. The boys got around me and to get that first clutch, first goal was pretty nice," Govers said.
"I would've liked to have gotten a few more. But it's been a disjointed year and it's just good to be back playing.
"Everything's behind me, the body's feeling a hundred percent, and I'm looking forward to the rest of this tournament."
Govers' goal came at a pivotal moment for Australia, as they answered to India's early lead with aggressive pace.
Reeling from five consecutive FIH Pro League defeats, India opened with fury through Sanjay, who struck early from a penalty corner to claim a 1-0 lead inside three minutes.
But the Kookaburras answered immediately, with Tim Brand deftly deflecting a sublime Ky Willott strike before Govers' solo effort flipped the match.
After three goals in three minutes, Australia were in full control with a 2-1 lead, applying relentless first-half pressure, and earning repeated penalty corners, which soon led to their third goal.
Showing their versatility at the penalty corner, Victoria's Cooper Burns rifled home a strike to score his fourth goal in just 10 international outings, since his debut in February earlier this year.
India clawed a goal back in the third quarter through Dilpreet Singh, sparking hopes of a comeback.
But despite a late surge and even pulling their goalkeeper in a final desperate push, they couldn't find the equaliser.
"We're really pleased with that, it was an intense match, and that's what we expect in a game against India, it's always back and forth, and we've played them a lot over the last few years," Player of the Match Nathan Ephraums told 7plus.
The Kookaburras' European campaign has gained serious momentum. They sit in fourth on the FIH Pro League standings with 18 points, just one point behind third-placed Belgium.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
EPL Forest head coach Nuno pens new three-year deal
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has signed a new three-year contract to remain at the City Ground until at least 2028. The 51-year-old guided Forest to a seventh-place finish in the English Premier League last season, securing European qualification for the first time since the 1995-96 season. For much of the campaign, it looked as though Forest were going to qualify for the Champions League, but they lost five of their last eight games. However, that has not prevented owner Evangelos Marinakis from rewarding Nuno following the club's highest league finish for 30 years, while they also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup before losing to Manchester City. "Since we arrived at Forest, we have worked extremely hard to create a special bond between the players, the fans and everyone at the Club, which helped us achieve great things last season. "I would like to thank our owner, Mr Marinakis, for his constant support and backing. It is important to me to share a strong relationship with our ownership and we have thoroughly enjoyed working together ever since I arrived at Forest. "Now is the time to work harder than ever as we strive for more special memories together." The former Wolves and Tottenham boss arrived at the City Ground in December 2023 following the sacking of Steve Cooper, and helped the club avoid relegation on the final day of the season. Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has signed a new three-year contract to remain at the City Ground until at least 2028. The 51-year-old guided Forest to a seventh-place finish in the English Premier League last season, securing European qualification for the first time since the 1995-96 season. For much of the campaign, it looked as though Forest were going to qualify for the Champions League, but they lost five of their last eight games. However, that has not prevented owner Evangelos Marinakis from rewarding Nuno following the club's highest league finish for 30 years, while they also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup before losing to Manchester City. "Since we arrived at Forest, we have worked extremely hard to create a special bond between the players, the fans and everyone at the Club, which helped us achieve great things last season. "I would like to thank our owner, Mr Marinakis, for his constant support and backing. It is important to me to share a strong relationship with our ownership and we have thoroughly enjoyed working together ever since I arrived at Forest. "Now is the time to work harder than ever as we strive for more special memories together." The former Wolves and Tottenham boss arrived at the City Ground in December 2023 following the sacking of Steve Cooper, and helped the club avoid relegation on the final day of the season. Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has signed a new three-year contract to remain at the City Ground until at least 2028. The 51-year-old guided Forest to a seventh-place finish in the English Premier League last season, securing European qualification for the first time since the 1995-96 season. For much of the campaign, it looked as though Forest were going to qualify for the Champions League, but they lost five of their last eight games. However, that has not prevented owner Evangelos Marinakis from rewarding Nuno following the club's highest league finish for 30 years, while they also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup before losing to Manchester City. "Since we arrived at Forest, we have worked extremely hard to create a special bond between the players, the fans and everyone at the Club, which helped us achieve great things last season. "I would like to thank our owner, Mr Marinakis, for his constant support and backing. It is important to me to share a strong relationship with our ownership and we have thoroughly enjoyed working together ever since I arrived at Forest. "Now is the time to work harder than ever as we strive for more special memories together." The former Wolves and Tottenham boss arrived at the City Ground in December 2023 following the sacking of Steve Cooper, and helped the club avoid relegation on the final day of the season.
Perth Now
2 hours ago
- Perth Now
EPL Forest head coach Nuno pens new three-year deal
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has signed a new three-year contract to remain at the City Ground until at least 2028. The 51-year-old guided Forest to a seventh-place finish in the English Premier League last season, securing European qualification for the first time since the 1995-96 season. For much of the campaign, it looked as though Forest were going to qualify for the Champions League, but they lost five of their last eight games. However, that has not prevented owner Evangelos Marinakis from rewarding Nuno following the club's highest league finish for 30 years, while they also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup before losing to Manchester City. Nuno said: "I am delighted to be able to continue our journey at this fantastic football club. "Since we arrived at Forest, we have worked extremely hard to create a special bond between the players, the fans and everyone at the Club, which helped us achieve great things last season. "I would like to thank our owner, Mr Marinakis, for his constant support and backing. It is important to me to share a strong relationship with our ownership and we have thoroughly enjoyed working together ever since I arrived at Forest. "Now is the time to work harder than ever as we strive for more special memories together." The former Wolves and Tottenham boss arrived at the City Ground in December 2023 following the sacking of Steve Cooper, and helped the club avoid relegation on the final day of the season.
News.com.au
9 hours ago
- News.com.au
‘Toothpick leg' Gulden makes AFL return
AFL: Errol Gulden has made his long-awaited return to the AFL after a nasty pre-season ankle injury, opening up post-game about his journey to get back to the Swans first grade side.
