First few minutes were very interesting. Matija Milicic sent Croatia in front with a big part of Jacmenjak on that one, but Australia answered immediately. 14 seconds was enough for Christopher Brophy to equalize as he sent the puck into the net between Tomljenovic’s pads.

Croatia scored once more. This time Igor Jacemjak decided to shoot by himself and beat James on his glove side. The Australians answered again and tied the game just after intermission. It was Christopher Brophy again, who beat Tomljenovic.

However, the Croatians got ahead again. Jan Novotny’s blast ended in the net. The Australians could equalize quickly, but they didn’t take their chances and Croatia stroke again. Marko Tadic scored just seconds after Gavin’s penalty ran out and put his team two goals far. Igor Jacemjak then increased the lead inside first minute of second half and the game was slowly slipping towards the European side.

Steve Best refreshed hopes of his team with 11 minutes left on the clock and still need of two goals. Australia turned up the heat and Jones hit the post. It looked like Tomljenovic’s goal was cursed for the Australians, but Antony Collins eventually scored the fourth one with three minutes to go.

Australia took a time out and played it brilliantly. Steve Best got alone in front of Tomljenovic and scored 25 seconds after Collins‘ goal to equalize. Even though Croatia had a three-goal lead, it went to overtime in the end.

The Australians were pumped up by their goal spree in the end and grabbed it before shoot-outs. Luke Fritchley was at the right spot in the right moment and slapped it home for his side to complete a miraculous turnover.