We got back from todays game a while ago. Game two of the series against the number four team in the world. Australia being ranked number one of course.
As some may know my other half plays hockey and I don't consider it much of a sport spectator wise. I watch occasionally but only to support her and her runs down the wing only to cross it and a teamate not get a stick on the pass.
WOW! Mens hockey at top level is like a different sport. I likened it to the WNBL to the mens NBL. :wink:
These guys have unbelievable skills as well as power :shock:
The game was a bit static to start with but that seemed to be because the skill of both teams seemed to neutralise each other a bit. The Aussies looked real bulked up compared to the Spaniards too.
The touch and stick skills are beyond anything I've ever seen. That and they hit target after target with passes and trap the ball with ease. What I thought were trick shots seemed the norm. Backhand shots, flicking it over players and fakes/borks.
Although Australia seemed in control and the Spanish had costly turnovers Australia was lucky the scoreline wasn't more - with some saves Ricky Ponting would have seen sail past. The goalie has lightning reflexes :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:
Brooks was great too. Really physical. I love a bit of biff :box:
And Craig VICTORY! What a great name for a sportsperson!
In the end that was the difference with Australia winning 3-0. :easy:
I must say I'm looking forward more to the mens hockey at the Commonwealth games we have tickets for.
Lastly these guys don't stop running and the play rarely stops. The transfer of the ball from one end to another is pretty amazing. The Spanish had the edge in the speed though.
Here's some pics from the day that I'd thought I'd share. I'm more a fan after today. My first taste of top level action in the flesh.
As some may know my other half plays hockey and I don't consider it much of a sport spectator wise. I watch occasionally but only to support her and her runs down the wing only to cross it and a teamate not get a stick on the pass.
WOW! Mens hockey at top level is like a different sport. I likened it to the WNBL to the mens NBL. :wink:
These guys have unbelievable skills as well as power :shock:
The game was a bit static to start with but that seemed to be because the skill of both teams seemed to neutralise each other a bit. The Aussies looked real bulked up compared to the Spaniards too.
The touch and stick skills are beyond anything I've ever seen. That and they hit target after target with passes and trap the ball with ease. What I thought were trick shots seemed the norm. Backhand shots, flicking it over players and fakes/borks.
Although Australia seemed in control and the Spanish had costly turnovers Australia was lucky the scoreline wasn't more - with some saves Ricky Ponting would have seen sail past. The goalie has lightning reflexes :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:
Brooks was great too. Really physical. I love a bit of biff :box:
And Craig VICTORY! What a great name for a sportsperson!
In the end that was the difference with Australia winning 3-0. :easy:
I must say I'm looking forward more to the mens hockey at the Commonwealth games we have tickets for.
Lastly these guys don't stop running and the play rarely stops. The transfer of the ball from one end to another is pretty amazing. The Spanish had the edge in the speed though.
Here's some pics from the day that I'd thought I'd share. I'm more a fan after today. My first taste of top level action in the flesh.