不可思议的澳大利亚人 - 99世界十大体育新闻之六

　　99年对澳大利亚来说真是个丰收年，在板球、橄榄球世界杯和戴维斯杯网球赛等一系列比赛中，尽管过程十分艰苦，但澳大利亚队最终都取得了胜利。

Amazing Aussies

It was an unprecedented year of success for Australia -- as the men and women from Down Under[2] overcame obstacles to win the World Cup's in Cricket[3], Rugby, Netball[4] and the Davis Cup. Australia entered the Cricket World Cup a firm favorite. The Baggy Green Caps[5] got off to a sluggish start losing to New Zealand and Pakistan in the first round of the competition. With a spot of luck and heady play[6], Australia advanced to the finals on a technicality[7], where it overwhelmed Pakistan to win by eight wickets[8]. Going into the Rugby World Cup, Australia was again a top contender. The Wallabies[9] survived a tough match against the Springboks[10] before demolishing France 35-12 in the final. Mark Philippoussis led Australia to Davis Cup glory when he overpowered French No. 1 Cedric Pioline 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 to give his country an unassailable 3-1 lead in the centenary final. Australian women didn't let the side down when in a hard fought final match in Christchurch, New Zealand they won the Netball World Cup crown beating New Zealand 42-41.

注释：

[1]Aussie：澳洲人，澳大利亚

[2]Down Under：口语中指澳大利亚或新西兰，也许是因为它们在南半球的缘故吧？

[3]Cricket：板球。在英联邦国家中十分流行的一种运动。

[4]Netball：不会是网球吧？当然不是。这是一种类似篮球的运动。

[5]The Baggy Green Caps：这里指澳大利亚队

[6]heady play：顽强、猛烈的作风

[7]advanced to the finals on a technicality：凭借着理论上的一点可能性进入了决赛

[8]wicket：小门，这里是板球比赛中的计分方法。

[9]Wallabies：[复]澳洲土人，这里是对澳大利亚队的一种戏谑的说法。

[10]Springboks：产于非洲南部的跳羚，这里是对南非队的一种戏谑的说法。