Hockeyroos Downed by New Zealand 1-0
The Hockeyroos were gallant in defeat going down to New Zealand 1-0 in their Olympic opener in London tonight.
Representing the Australian women’s team in the match against New Zealand were AIS-WAIS scholarship holders; Fiona Boyce, Kobie McGurk, Jayde Taylor, Ashleigh Nelson and Hope Munro.
Australia was on the back foot from the outset when the Blacksticks converted their first penalty corner through Cathryn Finlayson, who sent home a rebound just two minutes in.
Right from the get-go former Australian Kookaburra and Blacksticks coach Mark Hager’s influence was evident with the Kiwis executing a very attacking style of play.
New Zealand had a far higher work rate in the first half and pressured Australia all over the park, causing basic errors.
The Blacksticks dominated the opening half and aside from Victorian Georgia Nanscawen who looked the only danger in attack, Australia seemed flat.
Megan Rivers had some strong forward forays through midfield and when her shot on goal hit the post, it seemed nothing was going the Australians way.
When AIS-WAIS athlete Ashleigh Nelson eventually forced Australia’s first penalty corner, drag flick specialist Jodie Schulz was off the ground and Anna Flanagan’s shot was saved by the New Zealand keeper.
The Blacksticks press continued to deny Australia any space to work the ball out of defence or transfer and as a result they went to the break 1-0 up.
In the second, Australia did lift the tempo but New Zealand again had plenty of chances, with Australian keeper Toni Cronk having a blinder, saving at least three certain goals.
Australia was unlucky when a video referral was rejected, denying the Hockeyroos a much needed opportunity to give Schulz a crack at the goal.
The Australian crowd roared when the replay clearly showed NSW striker Emily Smith was tripped while taking a shot on goal.
Then to add insult to injury, the New Zealand goal keeper knocked smith to the ground and it was the youngster who was sent off for decent.
On the counter attack New Zealand would have scored again if there had not been some brilliant tackles by Schulz and Teneal Attard.
Overall Australia was dispossessed to often in midfield and too many turnovers allowed New Zealand to beat the Hockeyroos for the first time ever at the Olympic Games.
Australian Head Coach Adam Commens removed his goalie with two minutes to go, to add an 11th field player to the mix, which almost paid off when a shot from Casey Eastham was almost deflected in.
It wasn’t to be however and the Hockeyroos now have a difficult path to make the finals, having to take on Germany, ranked three in the world on Tuesday.