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#1. Australia
Current holders and 3-time champions Australia remain the team to beat in this World Cup too. They have been the most consistent team in world hockey in the past decade or so and are the favourites to win the title.
They have scored a flurry of goals in the group stage and managed to score 11 against China. They also thrashed England 3-0 and beat Ireland 2-1 to top the group easily. They would also be fresh for the quarter-finals after a few days’ rest and should at least make the final of the tournament. They have also stretched their winning run to 16 consecutive matches in World Cups.
Australian forward Blake Govers has been the top-scores of the tournament so far with 5 goals including a hattrick against China. Australia’s penalty corner conversion rate has also been reasonably good as they converted 3 of them against China.
Australia typically builds attacks quickly with brisk passes and increase numbers in the opposition half with rapid strides from players. They also use the lack of the offside rule to good effect.
They have scored through some one-two exchanges too and midfielder Tom Craig has been one of the players of the tournament so far. The Australian supporters would definitely be hoping for yet another World Cup triumph this year.
