Chris Ciriello sent a low drag flick into the right corner of the goal in the dying seconds for World champion Australia to defeat host Belgium 1-0 in the title encounters of the World League Semifinals at the KHC Dragons Stadium here today.
The title encounter seemed headed for the penalty shootout after Australia's two successive penalty corners in the last 25 seconds. Ciriello finally found the target by placing the shot wide of the Belgian goalkeeper's reach.
It was a heart-breaking moment for the partisan crowd and Belgian goalkeeper Jeremy Gucassoff, who played a gallant game today to thwart repeated raids by the Australian strikers.
World No 1 Australia laid siege on the Belgian citadel in the second half, forcing numerous penalty corners, but the goal eluded them as Belgium defended stoutly.
Goalkeeper Gucassoff frequently dived to the sides and leapt in the air to block goal-bound shots. During this period, Belgium banked on a few breakaway counters that posed some danger at the other end of the pitch.
Australia managed to put the ball into the goal three minutes from the hooter and the umpire blew for goal, but it was reversed as the ball had hit to foot of striker Blake Govers inside the scoring circle.
For a while in the first half, Belgium had an advantage as Australian player Tristan White was shown the yellow card and was off the turf for an extended period.
It became a nine men versus 10 contest when a player of either side were suspended for two minutes owing to a midfield clash, while White was still off the field. But Australia's strong defence did not allow Belgium to gain any benefit.
Belgium's best chance came early in the second half when their ace striker Tom Boon flicked just wide from close range.
