Australia was defeated by Spain this evening in the World Cup final. Final score Spain 1 - Australia 0. Australia was certainly not disgraced and the low score line indicates the tight tussle with Spain for the whole game.

Australia's performance at this year's world championships have certainly turned a few heads.

The game against Spain was a real tug a war of a match with end to end hockey, it was certainly worthy of being the curtain raiser to the World Championship final.

As expected, it was a game where possession was the key with the first ten minutes being crucial for both teams. Spain was being given too many opportunities early in the game which included two power plays but they were unable to convert. Opportunities in the first half to Australia were very few, but as expected, the Australian players gave nothing to the Spaniards and just kept coming each time they gained possession. Australia had a couple of chances in the first half but was not able to convert.

Near the end of the first half, Spain scored a goal from point which gave them a lead at half time.

Australia re-grouped at half time and knew that they had to ignite that famous Aussie fighting spirit if they were to have any chance of equalizing in the second half.

The second half continued with the way of the first with no team giving an inch. Australia had its opportunities. Australia got a chance to score with a 4 minute power play but they almost conceded a goal themselves. Despite the man advantage, Australia's power play teams could not convert.

As the game closed to its end, the Spaniards controlled the puck extremely well making Australia come to them. Time was running out but a turnover saw Australia launch an attack and with a shot taken and then a flurry of sticks in and around the Spanish goal keeper, it appeared that Australia had scored. In fact, the goal was awarded but then withdrawn. The Australian players were obviously annoyed but with the explanation given, the score remained unchanged with Spain still   leading one - zero.

Australia re-grouped and continued to try and score the equalizing goal. With two minutes remaining, Australia won a faceoff and pulled its goal keeper. Australia set up and were working for the one shot that would draw the match before the end of normal time.

The shot was taken but was deflected and Spain skated down the rink with a two on one but in what was an incredible blunder on the part of the two Spaniards, (who obviously took the situation too lightly and expected to score with the open net), they missed the net and Australia pounced sending the puck back up the rink with some eight seconds remaining. With less than two seconds remaining Australia had their final opportunity but the shot from point sailed over the cross bar.

Final score Spain 1 - Australia 0

FACTS ABOUT AUSTRALIA'S PERFORMANCE AT THE 2010 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

·         For the first time ever, Australia progressed to the medal rounds at a World Championship event

·         Finished   with a silver medal  in the World Cup

·         Played 7 games in 6 days

·         Highest points scorer after round robin, - Dean Dunstan

·         Best Goalie after round robin - Michael Smart

·         After the preliminary rounds, Australia had the least number of goals scored upon them

·         After the preliminary rounds, Australia had the second highest goals for - only 2 behind Germany who had the highest.

·         Australia missed out by one goal in finishing top of pool C and progressing to the quarter finals of the world championships.

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Australia will now play Spain in the gold medal game after Spain narrowly beat Great Britain in the other semi final in overtime.

Australia's performance today needs to improve if they have any chance of winning the gold medal in the curtain raiser game for the World Championship.  

The game against Columbia today went as expected with tight, end to end hockey for the first ten minutes before Dean Dunstan scored Australia's first goal. The game continued with possession changing frequently before a defensive lapse by Australia saw Columbia score.

Half time Australia 1 Columbia 1

With the resumption of play Australia seemed to be off their game and with an ensuing power play, Columbia scored due to Australia's defence not clearing the man out of the slot. This goal took Columbia to a 2 - 1 lead and this seemed to lift the Columbian's who then started to play with more passion and puck control. However, a turn over by Columbia in their defensive zone saw Stephen Belic pass to Dean Dunstan who then scored his second goal of the game. Within another minute, Australia had its third goal through a slap shot from Anthony Collins.

The next five minutes was an arm wrestle but Australia then score again through a nice tip in from Dean Dunstan. This goal certainly settled Australia and continued to maintain possession before Dean Dunstan scored again.

Final score Australia 5 Columbia 2.

Australia started the game this morning with plenty of control and patience.  The first goal was not scored until the 15^th minute when leading point scorer of the tournament Dean Dunstan slipped one past the Venezuela goal keeper. From the ensuing face off, Stephen Belic scored and within another two minutes Dean Dunstan scored his second goal of the game.

Half time Australia 3 Venezuela 0.

With the resumption of play Australia scored again through the efforts of Dean Dunstan. For the remaining time in the game Australia just controlled all facets of the game and never looked in danger of losing. A procession of goals followed with goals by Kyle Smith (his first of the tournament), Stephen Belic, Anthony Collins, Dean Dunstan with the final goal scored by Chris Brophy.

Venezuela was able to score a consolation goal in the last 90 seconds of the game with the final score Australia 9 Venezuela 1.

Australia had to then wait for the outcome of the next game between Mexico and Argentina to see if they were to progress to the final eight in the world or whether they were to play for a medal in the World Cup division. Australia needed Argentina to either win or have a score draw. That was not to be with the final result being Mexico 6 Argentina 4. In fact that win allowed Mexico to leap frog Germany and be top of pool C.

Based on results and head to head outcomes, Australia has finished fourth in C pool (Great Britain finished third) which now means a semi final game against Columbia tomorrow morning. Australia played Columbia in an exhibition game before the world championships commenced and were victorious on that occasion. However, all in the Australian camp know that this means nothing and Australia will not be under estimating their opposition.

Live streaming of Australia's game against Columbia can be viewed on www.beroun2010.com

Argentina were on a high after beating the Great Britain team earlier in the day but they could not match the skill displayed by the Australian team. The Australians from the open face off reigned on the floor. They converted their first opportunity when Chris Brophy found open space in the Argentinean defense and he scored the leading goal. Argentina could not get into the game for long time and they allowed a second goal to Australia scored by Anthony Collins.

Play continued with Australia controlling the game in all facets. The continued pressure by the Australian team saw a third goal scored, this time by Dean Dunstan.

However, just before half time the Australian defence lapsed and Argentina pounced scoring a goal that was certainly against the run of play.

Score at half time was Australia 3 - Argentina 1

Australia's fourth goal was scored in the second half by Stephen Belic. It was deflected to the net by one of the Argentina players and was pounced on by Belic.

Australia's defense was the critical element that helped achieve its victory tonight. Argentina had opportunities but it was Australia's defense in their zone coupled with the dogged goalkeeping by Michael Smart that helped Australia win this crucial game.

Australia must now win its final pool game against Venezuela and hope that a couple of other results go their way in order to see if they progress to the quarter finals of the world championships or whether they have an easier semi final within the World Cup division.

Early this morning Australia played Great Britain in their second game of this years world championships and were narrowly defeated 1 to 2 by the Brits.

Australia started extremely slow within the first minute of play Great Britain caught the Australian defense asleep and slipped a player in behind and scored. A smart move which seemed to wake Australia up and within the next few minutes Australia had equalised with a goal to Dean Dunstan.

What followed was a game of puck control by the Brits with possession and movement. Their strategy was to lure Australia's forecheckers in low and then create the odd man rush. However, Australia was vigilant and persisted in their floating box formation. However, when Australia did gain possession they rushed each opportunity rather than settling the play and constructing opportunities.

At half time the score was 1-1. Australia had plenty of opportunities with power plays but was not able to convert. A frustration part of the game from the Australian perspective and clearly an area which will need to change if Australia has aspirations of improving its world ranking.

At the resumption of play the Brits continued with their controlled play and smooth puck management. Australia again had opportunities with power plays but were not able to convert. The Brits scored their second goal but could have scored many more had it not been for the post and the dogged resistance by the Australian GK Michael Smart.

Ithin the last minute of play Australia pulled their GK and were able to secure a face off in the Brits end. They won the face off and had three opportunities in thelast 20 seconds of the game. One hit the upright, the other was wayward and the last rolled along the crease but did not cross the line.

In a game that could set the tone of these Championships for Australia in terms of potential world rankings, Australia did not get off to a good start. Within the first two minutes of the game, Australia was penalised with what was clearly a dubious penalty awarded to Germany. From the power play Germany scored. A minute later, a further dubious penalty was made on Australia and from the ensuring power play Germany was again successful.

These early goals seemed to rattle Australia and despite receiving a ower play opportunity at the ninth minute, Australia was scored on by Germany with a clinical short handed goal.. Australia called a time out in order to re-group but further penalities in the first half saw Germanyextend their lead to four through power plays.

Half time Germany 4 Australia 0.

Australia statrted the second half with two quick goals  (Stepehen Belic and Dean Dunstan)which rocked the German team.. However, further panalties cost Australia with Germany converting power play opportunities at the 29th and 38 th minute. Despite Australia being able to score another goal (Anthony Collins) to take the score to 6 to 3, Germany clearly controlled the puck and play far better than Australia.

Australia plays its fourth prelimnary game this evening against Argentina who are turning out to be the giant killers of the tournament thus far with an upset win over the Great Britain. This is a must win game for Australia to keep their slender hopes alive to progress to the top pool for the quarter finals in the World Championship.

With an impressive start, Australia scored in the first 9 seconds of the game. From the face off Dean Dunstan pushed the puck forward and was able to gain control and fire off the first slapshot of the game to score. {Australia 1 -Mexico  0}

Three minutes later, Australia was on a penalty kill. Steve Belic capitalised on a wayward pass by the Mexican players to score a short-handed goal. (Australia 2 Mexico 0)

Over the next ten minutes Australia dominated the play with crisp passing and good puck control. That pressure told on the Mexican team wih a penalty. Australia was able to convert that pressure with a power play goal scored by Dean Dunstan, his second of the game.(Australia 3 Mexico 0).

The score stayed the same as the buzzer went for half time.

The second half saw a revitalised Mexican outfit who pressured the Australian Team. The tactic worked and Australia started to get far too many penalties. In quick succession the Mexican had scored two quick goals on power plays and after only 8 minutes into the second half, the score was Australia 3 Mexico 2.

Australia called a time out. This seemed to do the trick and within the next minute Michael Haynes picked up a loose puck mid rink and was able to beat the goalie on a one on 0.

(Australia 4 Mexico 2)

A few minutes later, a questionable call but nonetheless the Mexican team again capitalised on the power play (Australia 4 Mexico 3)

Again this seemed to wake the Australian players up and Dean Dunstan again scored a goal with the assist from Gavin best. This was Dean Dunstan's third goal of the game and Gavin Bets third assist of the game.

Apart from their opposition, the European heat will be an added element that all players will need to contend with. With temperatures above 30 degrees each day, proper recovery session and re-hydration will be some of the main  areas team trainer/medic Denise McFarlane will be focussing on for the team during the course of the tournament.

As part of the warm-up for this event,  Australia had an exhibition game yesterday against  8^th ranked Columbia.  Australia was impressive with their puck control and movement with the final score 5 - 1. With goals scored by Chris Brophy (2) and one each to Stephen Belic, Michael Haynes & Steven Adams, the result was a good indication as to where the team is at in readiness for this event. 

The team consists of;

Todd Maclou GK
Michael Smart GK
Steven Adams
Stephen Belic
Enrico Bergamin
Gavin Best
Chris Brophy
Anthony Collins
Dean Dunstan
Jason Haynes
Michael Haynes
Kyle Smith

www.worldinlinehockey.org

Bulletin No 2 expected to be issued in January 2010

Junior Men From June 27th through July 2nd

Senior Women From July 2nd through July 8th

Česká asociace inline hokeje

Senior Men From July 11th through July 17th

Česká asociace inline hokeje

Upcoming opportunities for ILHA players include a trip to New Plymouth, NZ to compete for Australia at the Oceania Games. We will be sending all agroup up to Vets once again. The Oceania Games are in April 2010.

We will be announcing our World Teams for 2010 as well. This year our teams will travel to the following locations:

2010 Junior Women World Cup - California, USA - late June 2010

2010 FIRS Junior Men's World Championship - Germany - late June 2010 

2010 FIRS Senior Women's World Championship - Czech Republic - July 2020

2010 FIRS Senior Men's Championship - Czech Republic - July 2010

2010 FIRS Vets World Cup - Great Britain - late May 2010

2010 will b e a very busy year for ILHA so let's get busy!

 Keep up to date by clicking http://ilha.hockeysyte.com/ for all the scores, stats and news from the Nationals.

This year we have teamed up with a program that will allow us to bring the scores and statistics to you in real time. Click this link to access the site http://ilha.hockeysyte.com/

You can navigate to the site by going online and clicking the word "results" in the 2009 Nationals tab on the navigation bar.

INLINE HOCKEY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS