Australia's women won their third successive match at the hockey World Cup in The Hague on Thursday with a 3-2 victory over Belgium.
Two goals from Jodie Kenny, including one from the penalty spot, and an Anna Flanagan penalty corner flick ensured the Hockeyroos took a maximum three points and maintained their perfect record at the tournament.
But it was far from easy for the Hockeyroos, who welcomed back captain Madonna Blyth from injury for her first game of the tournament.
Coach Adam Commens said he believed missed chances early in the game had contributed to a tight contest later on.
"We began the game very well. First 15, 20 minutes, we had a lot of opportunities and I think, in that moment, you need to take them and score two or three goals and the match is put to bed," Commens said.
"We were unable to do that, which is a little frustrating as a coach.
"After that, I thought Belgium played very well. It's a team that we knew is a little tricky.
"On the flipside, I thought our ball handling was as bad as I've seen it in a number of years and we weren't good in the second half. We will need to be much better than that against the Netherlands."
Australian skipper Blyth, who missed the opening two games with a calf injury, said it was good to be back playing.
"It's felt like a long time sitting on the bench watching but really happy to get out there today.
"It was a tough match and I feel like my leg's pulled up fine so [I'm] looking forward to having a bit more of an impact in the next games."
The Hockeyroos next play World Cup hosts and Olympic champions the Netherlands on Saturday night.
Share
