Champion Kookas struggle to fire

Belgium's Florent Van Aubel (left) and Dorian Thiery (right) block Australia's Timothy Deavin. Picture: AFP/Prakash SINGH Source: PRAKASH SINGH / AFP

THE Kookaburras let a big lead slip at the Champions Trophy on Sunday when Belgium salvaged a 4-4 draw with a controversial last-second goal in their pool match.

In the Indian city of Bhubaneswar, Australia's world champion men's hockey team looked set for a comfortable win after racing to a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Chris Ciriello, Eddie Ockenden and Jake Whetton in a five-minute second-quarter burst.

However, Belgium clawed their way back to trail 3-2 at half-time.

Australia's Chris Ciriello celebrates a goal against Belgium. Picture: AFP/ Prakash Singh Source: AFP

Australia's Eddie Ockenden (left) celebrates a goal against Belgium with Matt Gohdes. Picture: AFP / Prakash Singh Source: AFP

Flynn Ogilvie's first international goal restored the Kookaburras' two-goal advantage, which lasted just one minute before John-John Dohmen made it 4-3.

And then for the late drama.

In a physical affair in which the sin bin was well used for rough conduct, the Belgians were awarded a penalty corner — from a video referral — for shirt-holding in the circle with one second remaining on the clock.

Tom Boom capitalised to send the ball into the back of the goal for the equaliser.

Belgium's Thomas Briels falls as he attempts a shot against Australia. Picture: AFP/Dibyangshu Sarkar Source: AFP

The Kookaburras, who have won the last five Champions Trophy titles, are struggling to fire at the tournament as the world's No. 1-ranked team.

Rebuilding after the retirement of veterans Liam de Young and Rob Hammond earlier this year and missing the injured stars Jamie Dwyer and Mark Knowles, they lost their opening match on Saturday night to England 3-1.

Their final pool game is against Pakistan on Tuesday night before the quarter-finals start on Thursday.

England thrashed Pakistan 8-2 in the other Pool A match on Sunday.

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