For the second successive Olympic campaign, Australia have salvaged a consolatory bronze medal in the men’s hockey after beating Great Britain 3-1 in the play-off at the Riverbank Stadium overnight.
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.Shattered by their boilover 4-2 loss to Germany in the semi-final, Australia regrouped and, after some nervous moments, finished too strongly for the host nation.
Regarded as the best team in the world before the Olympics started, the Kookaburras have reached the semi-final 11 times since 1964, but the final only three times, and the pinnacle of the podium once.
They were banking on London gold medal, so Saturday’s win was bittersweet, but at least they will not return home empty-handed.
The two Ashes rivals fought out a thrilling 3-all draw in the group games and were equally closely matched in the battle for bronze.Scores were locked 1-all at half-time.
Australia drew first blood in the 18th minute when midfielder Simon Orchard blasted home a fierce strike for his second goal of the tournament.
But as has been the case too often in this campaign, the Kookaburras allowed their opponents to hit back.
Once again Australia were exposed by a penalty corner, which allowed Great Britain’s James Tindall to equalise in the 29th minute.
Fittingly it was Aussie skipper James Dwyer who broke the deadlock.
The little champion pounced in the 48th minute to score his 182nd international goal in 285 games, and his sixth in seven games in London.
Dwyer might not be returning with a gold medal, but he would no doubt be the first player picked if a World XI was chosen on deeds at these Games.
The 33-year-old then played creator, helping set up Kieran Govers for a goal that gave Australia a 3-1 lead.
This time the pre-tournament favourites showed no sign of faltering.
Germany defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in the gold medal match later this morning.
