The Hockeyroos have crashed out of the Olympics after a shock 3-2 loss to China in the quarter-final stage.
It was the sixth-straight time the Hockeyroos have lost in the last eight, but this one came in controversial circumstances.
Australia scored first but held the lead for just one minute in Paris as China seized control in a boilover reminiscent of the Hockeyroos’ shock loss to India at the same stage in Tokyo three years ago.
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The Aussies, who entered the match as strong favourites, fell behind 3-1 after China’s third goal was given despite more than a hint of controversy.
Zhong Jiaqi’s brilliant tomahawk strike in the aftermath of a penalty corner was awarded despite replays suggesting the ball had hit a Chinese body in the build-up.
Then with 90 seconds to go, and Australia pressing for an equaliser, they had a penalty corner overturned.
Officials deemed a Hockeyroos overhead into the circle was too close to a Chinese defender, despite her not appearing to be contesting possession.
Asked about the pair of costly calls, Jane Claxton, who shared captaincy duties with Kaitlin Nobbs in Paris, didn’t miss as she confirmed her retirement.
“Those types of small things start to add up, make a big difference,” she said.
“It’s interesting what you see on the big screen compared to what you see on a computer screen.
“That’s so controllable … images on a screen you can slow down and see on any angle … it’s strange, completely strange but it’s the nature of the beast.
“It’s in the rule books, pretty black and white … it’s worrying.”
Former Hockeyroo Georgie Parker, who was commentating, vented her frustrations.
“Just finished calling the Hockeyroos and it seems I need to go read the rule book again because … well, wow,” she tweeted.
Tatum Stewart scored late in the third quarter when her slap hit bobbled through four Chinese defenders and Australia had five final-quarter penalty corners as they pushed to equalise.
But Chinese goalkeeper Ye Jiao made two terrific saves to end Australia’s Paris hopes — that had soared after an unbeaten, impressive pool stage — in devastating fashion.
The defeat was a second shattering blow for Australian hockey hopes in as many days after the Kookaburras’ loss to Netherlands at the same stage on Sunday.
All of Australia’s players were distraught on the pitch with the majority in tears.
Rubbing salt into the wounds was the presence of Australian hockey royalty on the China bench, coach Alyson Annan and assistant Ric Charlesworth boasting two Olympic titles each as former Australian players and coach respectively.
They have taken the side from No.14 to No.8 in the world and will now play Belgium or Spain on Wednesday for a place in the gold medal game.
Striker Alice Arnott continued her fine tournament, flicking a rebound from a penalty corner save into the net for the first goal after 10 minutes.
But China struck back immediately, a scrappy corner earned and Ma Ning’s brilliant flick caught the side netting.
A sloppy moment in the second quarter cost Australia, Dan Wen muscling in China’s second and when the controverisal third went through, there was a mountain to climb.
Australia began to penetrate the circle, Ye Jiao’s diving save denied Clair Colwill late in the third quarter while another penalty corner broke down and Grace Stewart missed a bouncing cross when the goal beckoned.
They won a corner from that chance though, and luck turned when Stewart’s slap hit took four touches on four Chinese players and somehow bobbled over the line.
That luck dried up in a fourth quarter riddled with chances but ending in tears.
– With AAP