Australia 3, Pakistan 2
(1-1 half time: 2-2 full time: 2-2 half time golden goal).
Goals - Aus Ciriello 11m PC, Aus Turner 44m FG, Ciriello 83m PC, Pak Abbas 30m FG, Butt 62m FG
Australia is the 2011 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Champions after defeating Pakistan, 3-2. The game was tied (2-2) at full-time, meaning the match went into golden goal, sudden death. A frantic first half of golden goal produced a number of chances for the Kookaburras, but great defense by Pakistan kept them in the game. A golden goal by Christopher Ciriello in the 83rd minute gave the Kookaburras their first Azlan Shah Cup Championship since 2007.
The Kookaburras started off the match in great fashion, scoring through Christopher Ciriello in the 11th minute via a penalty corner. The first half was fast and furious, with both teams giving everything they had.
Pakistan were quick to reply with a 30th minute goal, through Abbas just before half time. Both teams had plenty of chances at goal, with the goalkeepers making some amazing saves to keep the scores level.
The Kookaburras started off the second half with a bang through Glenn Turner, who scored an amazing individual goal from long range in the 44th minute. The Kookaburras were trying desperatly to hold on late in the second half, but conceded a penalty corner in the 62nd minute. A resulting goal levelled the scores at the full time whistle.
Golden goal ensued, with the Kookaburras having three chances to end the game in the first half of sudden death. A late penalty corner to Pakistan had all the Kookaburras nervous, but a great save by goalkeeper George Bazely kept the Kookaburras hopes alive.
The second half of golden goal was all Pakistan's, with multiple early chances nearly sealing victory. A galant Kookaburra outfit fought on hard and earned themselves a penalty corner in the 83rd minute (2 minutes remaining till penaly shoot-out). The golden goal was scored by Christopher Ciriello, and gave the Kookaburras their first Azlan Shah Cup Final win since 2007.
Source: Hockey Australia Media Release
