The Kookaburras overcame a slow start to convincingly defeat England 2-0 in the fifth-place play-off in Amsterdam. It represents the first time since the mid 1970s the team has not played in the semi-finals.

Later in the day in a spectacular and thrilling semi-final, Spain, the team that pipped the Kookas, defeated the Netherlands at home 4-3 to book a place with Germany (who defeated Argentina 2-1) in the final on Sunday.

The Kookaburras were sluggish early in a free-flowing man-to-man tussle all over the field. In the second quarter they were penetrating and scored just before half-time when Blake Govers converted their sixth penalty corner chance.

Lachie Sharp was excellent in the middle; however, it was not until the 48th minute that Kyle Willot pounced on a rebound to settle the result. Australia had 23 shots at goal, and the match was perhaps a metaphor for their tournament in that only two were successful.

When England pulled their goalkeeper with 5 minutes remaining, there was a flurry of chances created, but Ashleigh Thomas was unbeatable in goal, and Australia finished 5th.

It is a position that the Kookaburras would be disappointed in and one which should lead to some soul-searching. They were capable of better.