A lacklustre start for the team saw Australia take over 5 minutes to make their first goal, while Brazil took the opportunity to capitalise on the many dropped passes. Any mistake by Australia seemed to be converted to a goal by Brazil and then Sonja Miskovic made three brilliant saves in a row that seemed to get the Australian girls fired up. Vanja Smiljanic did a great spin to score followed closely by a fast break steal and a penatly shot. Claire Dennerley worked on the wing while Melissa Mellor did some great work in the middle and scored a great goal. Victoria Brunsberg made two goals while Nina Markovic made her first World Championship goal 24 minutes into the first half.  The Brazilians then intercepted yet another pass, but Brianna Keyes’ determined pursuit upset the shot at goal, which was magnificently saved by Taylee Lewis. Taylee managed to make many more memorable saves throughout the game!

As the team came out for the second half the shots at goal were numerous with Vanja Smiljanic picking up a great rebound to score again. Lauren Keith played tough defence in the second half for which she got two minutes suspension a couple of times, but managed to score two goals for the team.  Rachel Lodewijks mixed things up and was given a two minute suspension as well. Victoria Brunsberg scored another two goals and Vanja Smiljanic finished the half with five more goals for Austalia which earned her the team’s MVP (most valuable player) award for the game.

Coach Janne Lilleeng was pleased that the team achieved their goal for the match - to improve the final score to 16 goals.  She commented that they struggled in the first half, but came back in the second. It was a tiring game for the ten young women, but even though they started flat they were smiling at the end!

- Kerrie Keyes
AHF South Korean Correspondent