Defending champions Australia contended themselves with bronze medal at the 14th Hockey Men’s World Cup, pulverizing England 8-1 in the third-place match here at Kalinga Stadium Hockey Complex today. This was the fifth bronze and 10th overall World Cup medal for Kookaburras, who had secured their previous four bronze in 1978, 1982, 1990 and 1994.
Besides the five bronze, Australia had won three gold (1986, 2010, 2014) and two silver (2002, 2006) in the biggest event of the sport. On the other hand, England finished fourth for the third time in a row. Tom Craig starred in Australia’s win over England today, scoring three goals and registering the third hat-trick of the tournament.