IPOH: Defending champions Australia continued their impressive hockey display to outplay Canada 6-0 and register their second consecutive win in the 23rd edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
It was the second straight defeat for Canada, who were beaten 0-3 by South Korea on Friday. The Canadians have yet to score a goal in two matches.
The Australian players wore a black arm band out of respect for their captain Mark Knowles whose aunt died on Saturday.
World champions Australia, who trounced China 7-0 in their first match on Thursday, started off well by taking the lead in the 10th minute.
Glenn Simpson collected a pass from Russell Ford and slammed in the ball, which touched goalkeeper Antoni Kindler’s pads before hitting the net.
The Kookaburras, who are gunning for their eighth title, continued to pile on the pressure but had to wait until the 26th minute to increase their lead off a second penalty corner.
Jeremy Hayward’s high flick sailed past keeper Kindler and into the back of the net.
Nicholas Budgeon, who scored a hat-trick against China on Thursday, made it 3-0 in the 35th minute from the top D. It was his fourth goal in two matches.
After the breather, the Aussies added another three goals through Ford in the 46th minute and Jacob Whetton’s brace (53rd and 63rd).
Australian coach Ric Charlesworth was not smiling despite an impressive win.
“We missed a number of chances and should have won with a bigger margin.
“It was a tough match as the Canadians played with determination,” said Charlesworth, who was also unhappy that they play their next match against South Africa in less than 24 hours.
Canadian coach Anthony Farry admitted that the Australians were just too strong.
“We need to play against them more often,” said Farry, who is expecting another torrid time against hosts Malaysia on Monday.
“They are a fantastic team and we will face another tough match,” said Farry.
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