With the aim to win third consecutive World Cup Hockey title, Australia registered 14th consecutive win in World Cup with the biggest win of this World Cup. The last match of group was between England and Ireland but China had stakes too. Their prayers were answered as England defeated 10th seed Ireland to eliminate them and 17th seed debutant China finished third to enter crossover.
Australia is one win away from equalling World record.
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19 Record undefeated run by a team. Germany from 2002 to 2010 Final. They drew four and won 15 before losing 2010 final.
15 Most consecutive win by a team in World Cup. Pakistan during their twin title in 1978 and 1982 World Cup.
Summary: Pool A
Men’s Hockey World Cup: 5 Winners, 7 Runners up, 12 Semifinalists from 5 Continents in 13 Editions
World Cup Hockey: Winners and Semifinalists of Past
History of Hockey World Cup
2018 Hockey World Cup Points Table
Pool B Statistics
Matches: 6
Results: 4
Draw: 2
Goals Scored: 25
Debutant China create upset as 10th seed Ireland was eliminated.
One hattrick from the group.
Key Highlights of Day
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1. 16 goals in the day.
2. Hattrick by Blake Govers.
3. 17th seed China enters crossover.
4. 10th seed Ireland is eliminated.
5. Australia conceded just one goal and scored 16 goals.
6. With negative goal difference of -1 and -11 England and China, respectively enter crossover.
Summary of Match 1: Aus def China 11-0
China failed to be France. They could have been safe to reach crossover even with a loss by less than 4 goals. But, they had no answer to the World No. 1, Australia who registered a huge win of 11-0. For first 10 minutes, China fought hard. A goal from Player of the match Blake Govers opened the flood gates. Blake registered a hattrick, second of Hockey World Cup after the first one being scored by Hertzberger of Netherlands (vs Malaysia). With this win, winners of last two Men’s Hockey World Cup, Australia registered 14th consecutive win and are just one short of Pakistan’s World record 15 consecutive wins in Hockey World Cup. Blake also became the highest goal scorer of tournament with 5 goals. Check match summary and overall statistics of Pool B.
Summary of Match 2: Eng def Ire 4-2
Australia did a favour by releasing pressure of Ireland and England as both needed just a draw to eliminate China and reach Crossover together. England didn’t look too pleased sitting at the bottom of group though and started with a goal in the first quarter. Ireland failed to equalize in second quarter and after half period a flurry of goals from both sides saw England leading 3-2. In the dying seconds of fourth quarter, England converted a penalty corner to win 4-2 to eliminate Ireland.
Second placed England will play New Zealand and third placed China will play France in crossover on Dec 10. The winner of first crossover will play Argentina in quarterfinals while winner of second crossover will play Australia in quarterfinal.
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