Hockeyroos Take Fifth Place
The Hockeyroos have finished 5th at their third consecutive Olympic Games, defeating China 2-0 in today’s 5th/6th place playoff.
The score line did not reflect Australia’s dominance in the match, controlling all areas of the game and having far more shots on goal and circle penetrations.
Despite being 0-0 at half time the Hockeyroos could have considered themselves unlucky not to be in front after Anna Flanagan converted a penalty corner, however the video referral denied the goal.
The Hockeyroos continued to generate shots on goal, with Ashleigh Nelson and Jade Close looking dangerous.
They received another chance to score in the final 30 seconds of the half from a penalty corner, however the shot by Jodie Schulz was saved.
The Aussies continued their good form in the second half, generating another penalty corner when Casey Eastham put the ball on the foot of a defender in the circle.
The corner was scored by Flanagan however again the video referral disallowed the goal.
There was no mistake made minutes later when they were awarded a penalty stroke, converted by Jodie Schulz to give them the lead they deserved.
They continued to be relentless and generate shots on goals, however didn’t add to their tally until a brilliant piece of play between Jade Close and Hope Munro, which resulted in Close making it 2-0.
The game was made interesting when China scored with one minute to go, but the goal was disallowed, enabling the Hockeyroos to run out convincing 2-0 winners.
“I thought we played well,” said coach Adam Commens.
“China were good in the first ten minute and put pressure on our defence. We remained controlled and showed composure and we dominated large periods of the game but they defended well and we had much difficulty scoring and they are dangerous on the counter attack. Im pleased for our girls.”