Hockeyroos begin well in Spain

The Australian Women's Hockey team has commenced their 2006 World Cup campaign impressively with wins in their first two starts.

The Hockeyroos, coming off a rather disappointing string of results over the past six months, edged out South Africa 1-0 in their first game on Wednesday night, before accounting for the United States 3-1 yesterday evening.

The two triumphs have pushed the 'Roos into top position - on goal difference - in the Group B table with six points, ahead of Argentina (six), Korea (four), South Africa (one), Japan (zero) and the USA (zero).

Three points are awarded for a win; one for a draw and zero for a loss. All teams have played two matches.

Australia faces a tough draw leading into the finals, with their final three remaining classification matches against the Koreans (Saturday 10pm EST), the Japanese (Monday 8pm EST) and the Argentineans (Thursday 2am).

The two top teams from both Groups - A and B - progress to the semi finals on October 6, with the winner of those matches facing off in the gold medal game on October 8.

Nerves played an enormous part for many of the Hockeyroos' players in their game-one victory against the South Africans.

Though, once the early mental barrier was shrugged out of their systems as the match progressed, the team began to run and attack with greater confidence.

Madonna Blyth shot home Australia's only goal in the first half - and ultimately, the match - two minutes from the break, however, the team had more than sufficient possession, circle penetrations and attacking opportunities to be greater than a goal up against the Proteas.

Both teams failed to score in the second half, and if it weren't for more turnovers in attack, the Hockeyroos could have rammed home a far more impressive victory.

Signs were better in attack for the 'Roos a day later in the opening moments of their match against the United States.

After applying strong pressure on the USA's defence, Sarah Taylor latched onto a rebound to slot home the first goal after eight minutes.

However, they were given little chance to settle when Kelly Doton replied for the United States moments later, completely against the run of play, to level the score at 1-1.

Both teams attacked relentlessly for the remainder of the half, and it appeared as thought they'd enter the break on even terms, however, Australian captain Nikki Hudson had other ideas, slotting home a brilliant reverse-stick goal from a long corner to sting the opposition.

Early pressure by the USA in the second half kept the Hockeyroos on watch, but Angie Skirving's deflection and resulting goal in the 58th minute from a penalty corner all but sealed the result.

Australia 1 (Madonna Blyth FG 34m)
South Africa 0
@ Madrid, Spain, 27/09/2006. Match 3. Half time: Australia 1-0.

Australia 3 (Sarah Taylor PC 8m, Nikki Hudson FG 34m, Angie Skirving PC 57m)
USA 1 (Kelly Doton PC 11m)
@ Madrid, Spain, 28/09/2006. Match 8. Half time: Australia 2-1.

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