Olympics-Hockey-Australia won the hosts in Japan’s exciting men’s opener

Author: Daniel Leussink

TOKYO (Reuters) – Australia past Japan hosted 5-3-3 in the exciting opening match of the Tokyo Men’s Men’s Hockey Tournament on Saturday, while India battled it down to beat New Zealand.

Australia’s “ Kookaburras ” missed 3-2 at halftime as he quickly scored three consecutive goals long before the break, but continued to fight to turn the tables in the final two quarters.

“Japan is a tough opponent. We wanted to get a result today,” said midfielder Daniel Beale, who scored the last goal.

“Luckily we got three points and we just want to build every game. This is definitely a good place to start with a win.”

The visitors kept the pressure on to tie the game when, after 34 minutes, Blake Govers broke through the center and found himself alone with the keeper. Aran Zalewski made a great block, though.

Beale took the aid of striker Tim Brand to remove the game.

Australian players took plenty of ice water and used fans and cold towels to cool the breaks, but Beale said they adapt to humid conditions.

“It’s hot, but we’re just going to deal with it and keep going,” he said.

“Fortunately, when we come from Australia, we’re used to the great heat, so I think everyone has to deal with it. The team that survives the best will go the furthest in this tournament.”

Japanese striker Kenta Tanaka said Australia has revealed weaknesses.

“We want to intervene and do our best next time,” he said, adding that Japan will once again rely on counterattacks next Sunday against Argentina.

In Pool A’s second match, India, which has won gold medals at eight Olympics, conceded early but quickly leveled him through a penalty shootout and cattle to win, with two goals for Harmanpreet Singh and one for Rupinder Pal Singh.

(Rapporteur: Daniel Leussink; Editor: Peter Rutherford)