Hockey World Cup 2018, Australia vs France: 3 Standout Players from Quarterfinal 2

#1 Jeremy Hayward (Australia)

Jeremy Hayward's fourth-minute goal enabled Australia to take an early lead

Jeremy Hayward was a towering presence in the Australian back-line. Anticipating the French passes to perfection, he averted possible threats by cutting down promising angles. His calm head in the inner circle also helped the Kookaburras clear quite a few crash balls.

Hayward propelled Australia to an early lead by firing in a powerful drag-flick. He outsmarted Arthur Thieffry by hammering the ball low and to his weaker side. The fourth-minute goal allowed the Kookaburras to control the flow of the game from the opening quarter itself.

The 25-year old's defensive prowess was on display during the 23rd minute. Timothee Clement fed a through ball to Aristide Coisne who subsequently found a way past Australian goal-keeper Tyler Lovell. However, Hayward cleared the goal-bound shot inches off the line.

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