HYO Sik You pulled an Australia on Australia yesterday, scoring in the final minute as Korea salavaged a 2-2 draw in the third and final Test at Cairns Hockey Centre.

While the match was a dead-rubber after the Kookaburras’ earlier wins in the opening two games, the Korean’s 69th-minute equaliser boosted spirits after his side’s heartbreaking 4-3 defeat on Monday.

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Kookaburras defender Matthew Wells said it was reward for Korea’s desperation late in the game.

"It wasn’t a great way (for us) to finish off," he said.

"We were probably a bit disappointing in the end.

"They put us under a lot of pressure and probably deserved the goal they got."

Korea had the best of the early chances and only some last-ditch defending and the reflexes of Kookaburras goalkeeper Stephen Lambert kept the score 0-0.

But spurred on by their megaphone-wielding, drum-banging supporters, Korea grabbed the lead in the 18th minute when Jong Hyun Jang lasered a penalty corner into the top left corner of the goal.

Falling behind seemed to trigger the Kookaburras into action with captain Bevan George scrambling home his side’s reply from a penalty corner 10 minutes later.

While the Kookaburras’ opener was a bit scratchy, their second goal, courtesy of midfielder Fergus
Kavanagh, was all class.

Receiving a bullet-like pass from the backline, Kavanagh showed the steady hands of a surgeon to control the ball before casually lobbing
Korean keeper Dong Sik Ko in the 31st minute.

The Kookaburras did not have many scoring chances in the second half but looked destined to hold their 2-1 lead and claim a series whitewash until You’s late heroics.

With their Olympic preparations in Australia complete, the Kookaburras fly to Beijing to defend their Athens gold medal on July 31.

Kookaburras coach Barry Dancer said he was happy with what his side achieved in Cairns.

"The win (yesterday) would have capped off the series for us but I'm not disappointed we didn’t win," he said. "I think the group is in a good position. We’ve had a good preparation the last four or five months especially.

"I think the guys have got some excitement now.

"Beijing is right in front of them."

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