Hockey: Russians shock Australia

RUSSIA, thanks to a brilliant defensive performance, caused a major upset when they beat the favourites, Australia, 2-1, in the opening match of the Waterford Crystal Women's World Cup in Dublin yesterday, writes Bill Colwill.

Australia started aggressively, with Jackie Pereira going close in the first minute with an attack at speed, but it was the Russians who opened the scoring in the ninth minute from a penalty corner, Ludmila Shutova eventually getting the goal as the Australians failed to clear their lines.

Within five minutes Australia had equalised through Michelle Andrews at a penalty corner and it was only a series of outstanding saves from their goalkeeper, Alexandra Setvkhova, which kept the Russians level.

Russia's winning goal came from their captain, Natalia Dobrokhotova, with just seven minutes remaining.

Ireland defended with great courage against a lively Argentinian side before conceding a penalty corner goal after 24 minutes to Maria Castelli. Three minutes later Vanina Oneto scored the first of two goals to set up a 3-0 victory.

Korea, 3-1 down to Spain, the Olympic champions, scored two late goals to earn a draw.