Rio Olympics: Kookaburras suffer second successive upset in 1-0 loss to Belgium

AUSTRALIA’S Kookaburras continued their losing streak with a 0-1 loss to the Belgium men’s side at the Rio Olympics this morning.

The loss follows a 0-1 loss against Spain and a 2-1 win over New Zealand.

In the first quarter, lots of midfield play kept the game scoreless, with an impressive stop by Australia’s goalkeeper outside of the goal circle.

A penalty corner at the siren was overturned after Australia appealed, but just one minute into the second quarter, Belgium attacker Tanguy Cosyns tapped in the game’s only goal after a neat bit of play from the European side.

Hale Hockey Club’s Fergus Kavanagh impressed throughout, linking well with Simon Orchard in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Blake Govers was just shy of scoring from a penalty corner and Jake Whetton, who has played for Victoria Park Panthers, also had an effort cleared by the Belgium goalie.

Another chance saw Dwyer slide into the goal area, but he was thwarted by Belgium’s goalie who also slid into the contest.

Kookaburra Glenn Turner received a green card.

Ultimately, Australia looked outnumbered in both the goal circle and midfield.

Belgium men’s hockey has seen a resurgence after being absent from the Olympics from 1976 and 2008.

Next up, the Kookaburras take on Great Britain tomorrow morning Australian time.