LONDON, Oct. 19, Reuter: Australia won the hockey World Cup for the first time today when they survived a period of intense second half pressure to beat hosts England 21 in an exciting incident laden final.

The Australians, who crushed the Soviet Union 50 in yesterday’s semifinals to underline their reputation as the most dangerous attackers in the tournament, scored both their goals today in the first half to give them 31 in seven matches,

But they were rarely able to give full rein to their powerful forward play as England, for whom goalkeeper Ian Taylor again performed heroics, rallied after trailing 20 at the interval to force an exciting climax.

Australia went in front after only five minutes when Terry Walsh capitalized on indecision and poor marking in the England defence and banged in a knee high ball from close range.

England spiritedly took the game to their opponents, but Australia’s willingness to draw every man back behind the ball ensured chances were few and far been for the home team,

It became increasingly clear that Australia was the more resourceful and dangerous outfit and it was little surprise when they increased their advantage in the 27th minute,

A clearance by Taylor later selected as the outstanding goalkeeper in the tournament was adjudged to be dangerous, and from the short comer taken by Warren Birmingham, center half John Best all cracked a fierce drive into the net, England reshuffled their team at half time, Kulbir Bhaura replacing Richard Leman, and in the second period it was ‘Australia who had to withstand most of the pressure.

Paul Barber, the hero of England’s 32 extra time semifinal win over West Germany yesterday, had a penalty corner cleared off the line and both Imran Sherwani and the tightly marked Sean Kerly went close.

The pressure finally told. After: ‘Australian right back and Captain David Bell was shown the yellow card and sent off for five minutes  Jon Potter scored.

The goal followed a free hit by Paul Barber and was his third of the tournament, but arrived only five minutes from time. In spite of England’s frantic efforts to score again, the Australian defence held out and sealed their first World Cup win after finishing as bronze medalists in the last two tournaments.

Article extracted from this publication >> October 24, 1986