China break Hockeyroos hearts in quarter-final upset

The Hockeyroos have been bounced out of the quarter-finals for the sixth-straight Olympics, this time at the hands of rising China 3-2.

Australia scored first but held the lead for just one minute in Paris on Monday morning, China seizing control in a boilover reminiscent of the Hockeyroos’ shock loss to India at the same stage in Tokyo three years ago.

Tatum Stewart scored late in the third quarter when his slap hit bobbled through four Chinese defenders and Australia had five final-quarter penalty corners as they pushed to equalize.

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.

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.

A third came in controversial fashion, Zhong Jiaqi roofing his backstick and a review unable to find a potential Chinese foot in the build up.

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.