Kookaburras end World Cup campaign on winning note

The Kookaburras have finished their World Cup campaign on a high, beating England 2-0 to secure fifth place in the tournament.

Goals from Blake Govers and Ky Willott proved the difference as Australia produced a composed performance to keep England goalless.

It was a tight tussle in the opening quarter with both sides battling for control, but neither could trouble the scoreboard.

Chances were limited at both ends as the teams went into the first break locked at 0-0.

Australia came out firing in the second quarter, immediately putting pressure on the England defence and earning their first penalty corner of the match.

Govers stepped up for the drag flick, firing low to the goalkeeper’s right, but England No.1 James Mazarelo was equal to the task.

England soon earned a penalty corner of their own with Hayden Beltz unfortunately caught in the face by a stray ball off the pads of goalkeeper Ash Thomas, forcing the Australian defender from the field.

The Kookaburras continued to push forward and earned another penalty corner with Govers again going low to the goalkeeper’s right.

The initial effort was saved before Tim Howard attempted to capitalise on the rebound, only to send his effort wide.

With just 22 seconds remaining in the half, Australia finally found the breakthrough.

Another penalty corner gave Govers his opportunity and this time he made no mistake, finding the back of the net to hand the Kookaburras a 1-0 advantage.

The third quarter followed a similar pattern to the opening term, with the sides going head-to-head but unable to create a decisive opening.

Australia remained in control on the scoreboard and in the final quarter, the Kookaburras found the crucial second goal.

Mazarelo made another save from a penalty corner but couldn’t keep out Willott’s rebound.