- Hockeyroos eliminated in quarter-finals
- Entered the match as strong favourites
The Australian Hockeyroos’ Olympic journey has ended following a surprising loss to China in the quarter-finals.
The Australian women entered the must-win match as strong favourites, boasting an undefeated record, but fell to an eighth-ranked China in a 3-2 upset.
Despite having secured three gold medals in the past, the Hockeyroos have not reached the podium since their last gold in Sydney 24 years ago.
They finished fifth in 2004, 2008, and 2012, and sixth in Rio 2016 and Tokyo three years ago.
This disappointment follows closely after the Australian men’s team also exited in their quarter-final match against the Netherlands.
The Hockeyroos were visibly devastated on the field post-match, as they missed the chance to advance to the final four for the sixth straight Olympics.
Australia took the lead 10 minutes into the game, but China equalized just a minute later.
China then took control, echoing the Hockeyroos’ shocking loss to India at the same stage in Tokyo three years ago.
The Hockeyroos were inconsolable after crashing out of the Olympics in the quarter finals
The Hockeyroos have failed to progress to the semi-finals for a sixth straight Olympics
A critical error in the second quarter allowed China to score their second goal, as Dan Wen outmuscled the Aussie defense.
The third goal for China was a controversial one, with Zhong Jiaqi scoring after a review found no foul in the build-up.
Australia began to create more chances, but a diving save by Ye Jiao denied Clair Colwill late in the third quarter. A penalty corner opportunity fell apart, and Grace Stewart missed a great chance.
Despite that, they earned another corner, which eventually resulted in a goal when a shot from Tatum’s Stewart deflected off four Chinese players and trickled in.
China came from 1-0 down to cause a 3-2 upset against the Hockeyroos
However, in the fourth quarter, Australia’s fortunes changed, with multiple opportunities falling short.
Chinese goalkeeper Ye Jiao made fantastic saves that dashed Australia’s hopes after a strong, unbeaten pool stage.
China will advance to face Belgium or Spain on Wednesday for a spot in the gold medal match.
