KUALA LUMPUR, 11 January 2004 — Australia were held to a 1-1 draw by South Korea in a game which failed to ignite the crowd at field hockey’s Azlan Shah Cup at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Neither side showed the form that has made them both world hockey powers as play for most of the game was confined to the center of the pitch.
“Both teams lost their opening matches so the cautious approach was understandable,” said Australian assistant coach Colin Bell.
“Considering that both teams didn’t look sharp I feel that the draw was a fair result as it would have been gross injustice if either side had won.”
Korea, who lost 4-2 to Pakistan in their opening game Thursday lacked their usual speed and aggression, while Australia, who also lost their first match 3-1 to Spain, were guilty of losing possession time and again.
With both teams concentrating on defense rather than attack, the match only came to alive in the final 10 minutes when Australia’s Troy Elder sent a low drag flick into the corner in the 61st minute which give Korean keeper Ko Dong-sik no chance of a save.
But rather than go in for the kill, Australia were content to hold their lead, giving Korea the initiative to attack. Lee Jung-seon needed no second invitation and hammered home the equalizer from a penalty corner three minutes later. Moments later Korea’s Seo Jong-ho, facing an open goal, sent his push wide. “We were unlucky, especially in the closing stages of the match, but at the same time are grateful for the one point,” said Korean manager Jeon Jae-hong.
