The last match in group B was played between European powerhouse Denmark and Australia, who returned to the World Championship stage after a six-year break. Underdogs Australia fought hard in Kumamoto Prefectural Gymnasium but in the end, Denmark celebrated a commanding 25-goal victory. 

GROUP B
Denmark vs Australia 37:12 (17:4)

It was in the second minute that Madeleine McAfee scored the first goal in the match – and it was only one of two times that Australia were in the lead, the second time being in the fifth minute when Sally Potocki, Asian Championship top scorer, scored the 2:1. Afterwards, Denmark easily pulled away, claiming a five-goal lead in minute 20, a 10-goal lead in minute 27 and by the time the half-time buzzer sounded, the scoreboard showed a 13-goal lead (17:4) as Denmark had restricted Australia to four goals only in the first 30 minutes. 

The second half was similar to the first: with Denmark’s goalkeepers in top shape – Sandra Toft saving at 50% and Althea Reinhardt at 38% overall – and an overall shooting efficiency of 80%, the European team seemed to be unstoppable. 

Nevertheless, Australia fought back and were able to double the amount of goals scored in the second half, leading to a final result of 37:12. 

Top scorer and hummel Player of the Match was Denmark’s right wing Trine Østergaard Jensen, with six goals out of eight attempts (75%). 

hummel Player of the Match: Trine Østergaard Jensen (DEN)

 

Photo: Japan 2019