Late drama as resilient Kookaburras share points with Belgium

The Kookaburras have walked away with a point after a tense 1-1 draw with Belgium, with a potential match-winner ruled out in the dying seconds.

It was an arm wrestle from the opening whistle, with neither side able to take control in a relatively uneventful first quarter.

Australia had an opportunity to break the deadlock from a penalty corner late in the term, but Belgian goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch produced a strong stick save low to his right to keep the scores level at 0-0 at quarter time.

The Kookaburras began to build momentum in the second term and were rewarded in the 24th minute when Tom Craig found the back of the net from open play to give Australia a 1-0 advantage.

Belgium responded with a sustained period of pressure late in the half, earning their first penalty corners of the match before winning three in quick succession in the closing stages.

Australia's penalty corner defence stood tall, with Hayden Beltz producing an important run-down before Ky Willott denied another Belgian attempt on the post. The play initially resulted in a penalty stroke being awarded to Belgium, but the decision was overturned on review.

Ash Thomas then produced another crucial save to ensure the Kookaburras headed into the main break with their 1-0 lead intact.

Belgium eventually found a way through Australia's defence in the 38th minute, with Tom Boon firing home a drag flick from a penalty corner to level the contest at 1-1.

The remainder of the third quarter became an end-to-end battle, with both sides creating opportunities but unable to find the breakthrough as the scores remained locked at three-quarter time.

Australia suffered a setback early in the final term when Nathan Ephraums was forced from the pitch after being struck in the head by a Belgian stick.

The Kookaburras then found themselves pinned inside their defensive half for much of the final quarter as Belgium ramped up the pressure.

Despite the barrage, Australia's penalty corner defence continued to hold firm, conceding just once from 14 Belgian penalty corners across the match.

Then came the late drama.

With only seconds remaining, Lachlan Sharp fired a shot towards goal that beat Vanasch and looked to have delivered Australia a dramatic victory. However, the ball caught the foot of Craig on its way through and the goal was disallowed, leaving the Kookaburras to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Australia walk away with one point from the contest, with their defensive resilience against Belgium's penalty corner threat a major positive.

FINAL SCORE
Australia 1 – 1 Belgium

Australia Goals:
Tom Craig – 24' (FG)

Belgium Goals:
Tom Boon – 38' (PC)