Latest news with #Kookaburras'
The Advertiser
25-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Germans claw their way back to thwart Kookaburras
The Kookaburras are ruing missed opportunities after Germany stormed back from two goals down to claim a 3-2 win in Berlin. It was the home nation's first FIH Pro League meeting of the European campaign. The match on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) fell on a special occasion for Queensland defender Tim Howard, who made his 150th international appearance in green and gold, as the Kookaburras sought to atone for their 1-2 loss to England. Australia came out with the intensity that had seen them win five from six matches on their European tour. But a second-half resurgence from Germany flipped the script, with the hosts delivering a blistering third quarter to snatch the lead and hold on in the final minutes. "It was a tough game out there today,'' Howard said after the match. "I've played with and against a lot of the guys over here in Germany in their domestic competition and they're a really tough team. "They made the most of their opportunities and they really pushed after what was probably a poor start.'' Despite the loss, Howard said his milestone reflected how much he loved the sport and the team. "The past 150 games have been amazing,'' he said. "I'm loving it a lot, I'm loving it more than I probably ever have, and I'm very grateful to still be playing. "I love this team, I love playing international hockey, so I'll try and do it for as long as I can." Kookaburras coach Mark Hager made four changes to the side that went down to England on Sunday night, including the return of prolific striker Blake Govers. Within three minutes, Govers rocketed home the opener off his right foot, his 161st international goal and his seventh in four games of the European tour. Drag-flick specialist Joel Rintala then scored with a thunderous strike to double Australia's lead midway through the first quarter. Germany responded in the second quarter, striking back through Gonzalo Peillat. Australia's Ash Thomas was suddenly the busier of the two keepers, while Howard marked his milestone with a crucial tackle on the halftime buzzer to preserve the Kookaburras' 2-1 lead. However, the third quarter belonged to Germany. They levelled early with a well-worked field goal, then struck again moments later off a penalty corner to take the lead for the first time. Both sides fought hard in the fourth quarter as Australia pushed desperately for an equaliser. Despite a late surge and mounting pressure, the Kookaburras couldn't find a way to send the match to a shootout. The Netherlands lead the standings on 35 points, with the Kookaburras second on 27 points, with Belgium third and Germany fourth. The Kookaburras are ruing missed opportunities after Germany stormed back from two goals down to claim a 3-2 win in Berlin. It was the home nation's first FIH Pro League meeting of the European campaign. The match on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) fell on a special occasion for Queensland defender Tim Howard, who made his 150th international appearance in green and gold, as the Kookaburras sought to atone for their 1-2 loss to England. Australia came out with the intensity that had seen them win five from six matches on their European tour. But a second-half resurgence from Germany flipped the script, with the hosts delivering a blistering third quarter to snatch the lead and hold on in the final minutes. "It was a tough game out there today,'' Howard said after the match. "I've played with and against a lot of the guys over here in Germany in their domestic competition and they're a really tough team. "They made the most of their opportunities and they really pushed after what was probably a poor start.'' Despite the loss, Howard said his milestone reflected how much he loved the sport and the team. "The past 150 games have been amazing,'' he said. "I'm loving it a lot, I'm loving it more than I probably ever have, and I'm very grateful to still be playing. "I love this team, I love playing international hockey, so I'll try and do it for as long as I can." Kookaburras coach Mark Hager made four changes to the side that went down to England on Sunday night, including the return of prolific striker Blake Govers. Within three minutes, Govers rocketed home the opener off his right foot, his 161st international goal and his seventh in four games of the European tour. Drag-flick specialist Joel Rintala then scored with a thunderous strike to double Australia's lead midway through the first quarter. Germany responded in the second quarter, striking back through Gonzalo Peillat. Australia's Ash Thomas was suddenly the busier of the two keepers, while Howard marked his milestone with a crucial tackle on the halftime buzzer to preserve the Kookaburras' 2-1 lead. However, the third quarter belonged to Germany. They levelled early with a well-worked field goal, then struck again moments later off a penalty corner to take the lead for the first time. Both sides fought hard in the fourth quarter as Australia pushed desperately for an equaliser. Despite a late surge and mounting pressure, the Kookaburras couldn't find a way to send the match to a shootout. The Netherlands lead the standings on 35 points, with the Kookaburras second on 27 points, with Belgium third and Germany fourth. The Kookaburras are ruing missed opportunities after Germany stormed back from two goals down to claim a 3-2 win in Berlin. It was the home nation's first FIH Pro League meeting of the European campaign. The match on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) fell on a special occasion for Queensland defender Tim Howard, who made his 150th international appearance in green and gold, as the Kookaburras sought to atone for their 1-2 loss to England. Australia came out with the intensity that had seen them win five from six matches on their European tour. But a second-half resurgence from Germany flipped the script, with the hosts delivering a blistering third quarter to snatch the lead and hold on in the final minutes. "It was a tough game out there today,'' Howard said after the match. "I've played with and against a lot of the guys over here in Germany in their domestic competition and they're a really tough team. "They made the most of their opportunities and they really pushed after what was probably a poor start.'' Despite the loss, Howard said his milestone reflected how much he loved the sport and the team. "The past 150 games have been amazing,'' he said. "I'm loving it a lot, I'm loving it more than I probably ever have, and I'm very grateful to still be playing. "I love this team, I love playing international hockey, so I'll try and do it for as long as I can." Kookaburras coach Mark Hager made four changes to the side that went down to England on Sunday night, including the return of prolific striker Blake Govers. Within three minutes, Govers rocketed home the opener off his right foot, his 161st international goal and his seventh in four games of the European tour. Drag-flick specialist Joel Rintala then scored with a thunderous strike to double Australia's lead midway through the first quarter. Germany responded in the second quarter, striking back through Gonzalo Peillat. Australia's Ash Thomas was suddenly the busier of the two keepers, while Howard marked his milestone with a crucial tackle on the halftime buzzer to preserve the Kookaburras' 2-1 lead. However, the third quarter belonged to Germany. They levelled early with a well-worked field goal, then struck again moments later off a penalty corner to take the lead for the first time. Both sides fought hard in the fourth quarter as Australia pushed desperately for an equaliser. Despite a late surge and mounting pressure, the Kookaburras couldn't find a way to send the match to a shootout. The Netherlands lead the standings on 35 points, with the Kookaburras second on 27 points, with Belgium third and Germany fourth. The Kookaburras are ruing missed opportunities after Germany stormed back from two goals down to claim a 3-2 win in Berlin. It was the home nation's first FIH Pro League meeting of the European campaign. The match on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) fell on a special occasion for Queensland defender Tim Howard, who made his 150th international appearance in green and gold, as the Kookaburras sought to atone for their 1-2 loss to England. Australia came out with the intensity that had seen them win five from six matches on their European tour. But a second-half resurgence from Germany flipped the script, with the hosts delivering a blistering third quarter to snatch the lead and hold on in the final minutes. "It was a tough game out there today,'' Howard said after the match. "I've played with and against a lot of the guys over here in Germany in their domestic competition and they're a really tough team. "They made the most of their opportunities and they really pushed after what was probably a poor start.'' Despite the loss, Howard said his milestone reflected how much he loved the sport and the team. "The past 150 games have been amazing,'' he said. "I'm loving it a lot, I'm loving it more than I probably ever have, and I'm very grateful to still be playing. "I love this team, I love playing international hockey, so I'll try and do it for as long as I can." Kookaburras coach Mark Hager made four changes to the side that went down to England on Sunday night, including the return of prolific striker Blake Govers. Within three minutes, Govers rocketed home the opener off his right foot, his 161st international goal and his seventh in four games of the European tour. Drag-flick specialist Joel Rintala then scored with a thunderous strike to double Australia's lead midway through the first quarter. Germany responded in the second quarter, striking back through Gonzalo Peillat. Australia's Ash Thomas was suddenly the busier of the two keepers, while Howard marked his milestone with a crucial tackle on the halftime buzzer to preserve the Kookaburras' 2-1 lead. However, the third quarter belonged to Germany. They levelled early with a well-worked field goal, then struck again moments later off a penalty corner to take the lead for the first time. Both sides fought hard in the fourth quarter as Australia pushed desperately for an equaliser. Despite a late surge and mounting pressure, the Kookaburras couldn't find a way to send the match to a shootout. The Netherlands lead the standings on 35 points, with the Kookaburras second on 27 points, with Belgium third and Germany fourth.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Germans claw their way back to thwart Kookaburras
The Kookaburras are ruing missed opportunities after Germany stormed back from two goals down to claim a 3-2 win in Berlin. It was the home nation's first FIH Pro League meeting of the European campaign. The match on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) fell on a special occasion for Queensland defender Tim Howard, who made his 150th international appearance in green and gold, as the Kookaburras sought to atone for their 1-2 loss to England. Australia came out with the intensity that had seen them win five from six matches on their European tour. But a second-half resurgence from Germany flipped the script, with the hosts delivering a blistering third quarter to snatch the lead and hold on in the final minutes. "It was a tough game out there today,'' Howard said after the match. "I've played with and against a lot of the guys over here in Germany in their domestic competition and they're a really tough team. "They made the most of their opportunities and they really pushed after what was probably a poor start.'' Despite the loss, Howard said his milestone reflected how much he loved the sport and the team. A massive congratulations to Tim Howard who is set to reach 150 matches for the Kookaburras today against Germany! 🇦🇺👏A rock in defence and a true leader on and off the pitch - congrats on 150 Timo! — Kookaburras (@Kookaburras) June 24, 2025 "The past 150 games have been amazing,'' he said. "I'm loving it a lot, I'm loving it more than I probably ever have, and I'm very grateful to still be playing. "I love this team, I love playing international hockey, so I'll try and do it for as long as I can." Kookaburras coach Mark Hager made four changes to the side that went down to England on Sunday night, including the return of prolific striker Blake Govers. Within three minutes, Govers rocketed home the opener off his right foot, his 161st international goal and his seventh in four games of the European tour. Drag-flick specialist Joel Rintala then scored with a thunderous strike to double Australia's lead midway through the first quarter. Germany responded in the second quarter, striking back through Gonzalo Peillat. Australia's Ash Thomas was suddenly the busier of the two keepers, while Howard marked his milestone with a crucial tackle on the halftime buzzer to preserve the Kookaburras' 2-1 lead. However, the third quarter belonged to Germany. They levelled early with a well-worked field goal, then struck again moments later off a penalty corner to take the lead for the first time. Both sides fought hard in the fourth quarter as Australia pushed desperately for an equaliser. Despite a late surge and mounting pressure, the Kookaburras couldn't find a way to send the match to a shootout. The Netherlands lead the standings on 35 points, with the Kookaburras second on 27 points, with Belgium third and Germany fourth.
Perth Now
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Germans claw their way back to thwart Kookaburras
The Kookaburras are ruing missed opportunities after Germany stormed back from two goals down to claim a 3-2 win in Berlin. It was the home nation's first FIH Pro League meeting of the European campaign. The match on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) fell on a special occasion for Queensland defender Tim Howard, who made his 150th international appearance in green and gold, as the Kookaburras sought to atone for their 1-2 loss to England. Australia came out with the intensity that had seen them win five from six matches on their European tour. But a second-half resurgence from Germany flipped the script, with the hosts delivering a blistering third quarter to snatch the lead and hold on in the final minutes. "It was a tough game out there today,'' Howard said after the match. "I've played with and against a lot of the guys over here in Germany in their domestic competition and they're a really tough team. "They made the most of their opportunities and they really pushed after what was probably a poor start.'' Despite the loss, Howard said his milestone reflected how much he loved the sport and the team. "The past 150 games have been amazing,'' he said. "I'm loving it a lot, I'm loving it more than I probably ever have, and I'm very grateful to still be playing. "I love this team, I love playing international hockey, so I'll try and do it for as long as I can." Kookaburras coach Mark Hager made four changes to the side that went down to England on Sunday night, including the return of prolific striker Blake Govers. Within three minutes, Govers rocketed home the opener off his right foot, his 161st international goal and his seventh in four games of the European tour. Drag-flick specialist Joel Rintala then scored with a thunderous strike to double Australia's lead midway through the first quarter. Germany responded in the second quarter, striking back through Gonzalo Peillat. Australia's Ash Thomas was suddenly the busier of the two keepers, while Howard marked his milestone with a crucial tackle on the halftime buzzer to preserve the Kookaburras' 2-1 lead. However, the third quarter belonged to Germany. They levelled early with a well-worked field goal, then struck again moments later off a penalty corner to take the lead for the first time. Both sides fought hard in the fourth quarter as Australia pushed desperately for an equaliser. Despite a late surge and mounting pressure, the Kookaburras couldn't find a way to send the match to a shootout. The Netherlands lead the standings on 35 points, with the Kookaburras second on 27 points, with Belgium third and Germany fourth.
The Advertiser
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Kookaburras' Pro League dream dies with England defeat
Australia's hockey men have fallen short in their bid to successfully defend their international hockey Pro League title, a 2-1 defeat to their old rivals England in London finally ending the Kookaburras' terrific unbeaten streak. The defeat for Tim Brand's side, after a brilliant sequence of six straight wins in Argentina and Europe, finally put paid to their hopes at the Lee Valley Centre with the Netherlands sealing the title that the Aussies had won in 2024. It was a frustrating end to their thrilling European push and they only had themselves to blame, Tom Craig having a penalty stroke brilliantly saved by a diving England keeper James Mazarelo and the team managing to convert only one of 16 penalty corners. While England celebrated their first victory in hockey's 'Ashes' for 11 years, there was frustration for Brand as he reflected: "It's a shame to let that one slip today. "But we've come away to learn on this tour, and second (place in the league) is still up for grabs. I'm very proud of what we've done so far, it's not over yet. "We played well, created a lot of chances, we were physical and we had a lot of energy, but we just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. We'll go away and look at that, it's a young group and we'll take a lot from this game." Coming off a sensational 4-3 comeback win against the same opposition on Saturday, the Kookaburras had to win and also prevail in their final two league matches against the hosts in Germany next week to snatch the title from the Dutch. But Brand proved the only Aussie to get on the scoresheet, tapping home following one corner to level the scores after England had taken the lead in the third quarter against the run of play through Jack Waller after the Kookaburras had already squandered 11 short corners and missed the penalty stroke. Then Waller proved the home hero, scoring a brilliant winner in the fourth quarter to give the hosts their first win after nine straight losses against Australia since 2014. "Our playing style at the moment is as good as anyone's, we can match anyone in the world," said Brand. "The game just didn't fall our way today." Meanwhile, the Hockeyroos delivered a brilliant 4-3 come-from-behind triumph over Germany in Berlin to end their Pro League season on a high. Just 24 hours after getting hammered 4-0 by the hosts in Berlin, the Aussie women turned the tables emphatically on a sweltering afternoon, overcoming a 3-1 halftime deficit to win thanks to 15-minute burst in the second half. Goals from Greta Hayes, Courtney Schonell, Grace Stewart and Lexie Pickering earned the famous win in their last match before September's three-match World Cup qualifying showdown against New Zealand in Darwin. "What a way to finish this Pro League season! It's been an up-and-down campaign over here in Europe," player of the match Hayes conceded. The Hockeyroos are in fourth place in the standings with the Netherlands women having long since wrapped up the title. Australia's hockey men have fallen short in their bid to successfully defend their international hockey Pro League title, a 2-1 defeat to their old rivals England in London finally ending the Kookaburras' terrific unbeaten streak. The defeat for Tim Brand's side, after a brilliant sequence of six straight wins in Argentina and Europe, finally put paid to their hopes at the Lee Valley Centre with the Netherlands sealing the title that the Aussies had won in 2024. It was a frustrating end to their thrilling European push and they only had themselves to blame, Tom Craig having a penalty stroke brilliantly saved by a diving England keeper James Mazarelo and the team managing to convert only one of 16 penalty corners. While England celebrated their first victory in hockey's 'Ashes' for 11 years, there was frustration for Brand as he reflected: "It's a shame to let that one slip today. "But we've come away to learn on this tour, and second (place in the league) is still up for grabs. I'm very proud of what we've done so far, it's not over yet. "We played well, created a lot of chances, we were physical and we had a lot of energy, but we just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. We'll go away and look at that, it's a young group and we'll take a lot from this game." Coming off a sensational 4-3 comeback win against the same opposition on Saturday, the Kookaburras had to win and also prevail in their final two league matches against the hosts in Germany next week to snatch the title from the Dutch. But Brand proved the only Aussie to get on the scoresheet, tapping home following one corner to level the scores after England had taken the lead in the third quarter against the run of play through Jack Waller after the Kookaburras had already squandered 11 short corners and missed the penalty stroke. Then Waller proved the home hero, scoring a brilliant winner in the fourth quarter to give the hosts their first win after nine straight losses against Australia since 2014. "Our playing style at the moment is as good as anyone's, we can match anyone in the world," said Brand. "The game just didn't fall our way today." Meanwhile, the Hockeyroos delivered a brilliant 4-3 come-from-behind triumph over Germany in Berlin to end their Pro League season on a high. Just 24 hours after getting hammered 4-0 by the hosts in Berlin, the Aussie women turned the tables emphatically on a sweltering afternoon, overcoming a 3-1 halftime deficit to win thanks to 15-minute burst in the second half. Goals from Greta Hayes, Courtney Schonell, Grace Stewart and Lexie Pickering earned the famous win in their last match before September's three-match World Cup qualifying showdown against New Zealand in Darwin. "What a way to finish this Pro League season! It's been an up-and-down campaign over here in Europe," player of the match Hayes conceded. The Hockeyroos are in fourth place in the standings with the Netherlands women having long since wrapped up the title. Australia's hockey men have fallen short in their bid to successfully defend their international hockey Pro League title, a 2-1 defeat to their old rivals England in London finally ending the Kookaburras' terrific unbeaten streak. The defeat for Tim Brand's side, after a brilliant sequence of six straight wins in Argentina and Europe, finally put paid to their hopes at the Lee Valley Centre with the Netherlands sealing the title that the Aussies had won in 2024. It was a frustrating end to their thrilling European push and they only had themselves to blame, Tom Craig having a penalty stroke brilliantly saved by a diving England keeper James Mazarelo and the team managing to convert only one of 16 penalty corners. While England celebrated their first victory in hockey's 'Ashes' for 11 years, there was frustration for Brand as he reflected: "It's a shame to let that one slip today. "But we've come away to learn on this tour, and second (place in the league) is still up for grabs. I'm very proud of what we've done so far, it's not over yet. "We played well, created a lot of chances, we were physical and we had a lot of energy, but we just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. We'll go away and look at that, it's a young group and we'll take a lot from this game." Coming off a sensational 4-3 comeback win against the same opposition on Saturday, the Kookaburras had to win and also prevail in their final two league matches against the hosts in Germany next week to snatch the title from the Dutch. But Brand proved the only Aussie to get on the scoresheet, tapping home following one corner to level the scores after England had taken the lead in the third quarter against the run of play through Jack Waller after the Kookaburras had already squandered 11 short corners and missed the penalty stroke. Then Waller proved the home hero, scoring a brilliant winner in the fourth quarter to give the hosts their first win after nine straight losses against Australia since 2014. "Our playing style at the moment is as good as anyone's, we can match anyone in the world," said Brand. "The game just didn't fall our way today." Meanwhile, the Hockeyroos delivered a brilliant 4-3 come-from-behind triumph over Germany in Berlin to end their Pro League season on a high. Just 24 hours after getting hammered 4-0 by the hosts in Berlin, the Aussie women turned the tables emphatically on a sweltering afternoon, overcoming a 3-1 halftime deficit to win thanks to 15-minute burst in the second half. Goals from Greta Hayes, Courtney Schonell, Grace Stewart and Lexie Pickering earned the famous win in their last match before September's three-match World Cup qualifying showdown against New Zealand in Darwin. "What a way to finish this Pro League season! It's been an up-and-down campaign over here in Europe," player of the match Hayes conceded. The Hockeyroos are in fourth place in the standings with the Netherlands women having long since wrapped up the title.
Perth Now
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Kookaburras' Pro League dream dies with England defeat
Australia's hockey men have fallen short in their bid to successfully defend their international hockey Pro League title, a 2-1 defeat to their old rivals England in London finally ending the Kookaburras' terrific unbeaten streak. The defeat for Tim Brand's side, after a brilliant sequence of six straight wins in Argentina and Europe, finally put paid to their hopes at the Lee Valley Centre with the Netherlands sealing the title that the Aussies had won in 2024. It was a frustrating end to their thrilling European push and they only had themselves to blame, Tom Craig having a penalty stroke brilliantly saved by a diving England keeper James Mazarelo and the team managing to convert only one of 16 penalty corners. While England celebrated their first victory in hockey's 'Ashes' for 11 years, there was frustration for Brand as he reflected: "It's a shame to let that one slip today. "But we've come away to learn on this tour, and second (place in the league) is still up for grabs. I'm very proud of what we've done so far, it's not over yet. "We played well, created a lot of chances, we were physical and we had a lot of energy, but we just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. We'll go away and look at that, it's a young group and we'll take a lot from this game." Coming off a sensational 4-3 comeback win against the same opposition on Saturday, the Kookaburras had to win and also prevail in their final two league matches against the hosts in Germany next week to snatch the title from the Dutch. But Brand proved the only Aussie to get on the scoresheet, tapping home following one corner to level the scores after England had taken the lead in the third quarter against the run of play through Jack Waller after the Kookaburras had already squandered 11 short corners and missed the penalty stroke. Then Waller proved the home hero, scoring a brilliant winner in the fourth quarter to give the hosts their first win after nine straight losses against Australia since 2014. "Our playing style at the moment is as good as anyone's, we can match anyone in the world," said Brand. "The game just didn't fall our way today." Meanwhile, the Hockeyroos delivered a brilliant 4-3 come-from-behind triumph over Germany in Berlin to end their Pro League season on a high. Just 24 hours after getting hammered 4-0 by the hosts in Berlin, the Aussie women turned the tables emphatically on a sweltering afternoon, overcoming a 3-1 halftime deficit to win thanks to 15-minute burst in the second half. Goals from Greta Hayes, Courtney Schonell, Grace Stewart and Lexie Pickering earned the famous win in their last match before September's three-match World Cup qualifying showdown against New Zealand in Darwin. "What a way to finish this Pro League season! It's been an up-and-down campaign over here in Europe," player of the match Hayes conceded. The Hockeyroos are in fourth place in the standings with the Netherlands women having long since wrapped up the title.
