Australia (5) v (6) Poland

By George Thomson

AUSTRALIA'S hopes of a late consolation win in Section 2 were ended as Poland squeezed them out 6-5 at Fed Square.

With a large and extremely vocal Polish support making its presence felt, Australia's home advantage was largely negated.

Not that players like Coen Slaughter and Stephen Maloney need any encouragement to put in spirited displays. It was Maloney whose shot ricocheted back into play and onto the Polish goalkeeper Druzbicki, who watched helplessly as the ball rolled gently into his net.

Poland was further undone by the indiscipline of Jurek, who was shown a blue card after a string of over-enthusiastic fouls.

Australia capitalised, the impressive Slaughter doubling their lead after some fancy footwork.

Restored to their full contingent, Poland came back into the game, netting after some patient approach play. 'The Wall' in the Australian goal was forced to make some excellent saves to maintain his teams' lead before Slaughter added another at the other end. Australia led 3-1 at the break.

Chastened by their poor first half, Poland came roaring out of the blocks in the second period, scoring within seconds. Dariusz Lewandowski became a key man, his skill of releasing powerful toe-pokes with little back lift catching the Australian defence off guard.

With Poland fighting their way back into the game, Australia continued to push, Coen Slaughter's fine display leading the way.

It was his mazy run on the wing that allowed Maloney to tap in and make it five apiece with a minute left.

Unfortunately for the Aussies, it was the Poles who finished the game the better, a long period of pressure telling as they grabbed the winner.

Photos: Photoworx