Hockeyroos back in Medal hunt after upset win

The Hockeyroos have staged a remarkable turnaround in their Olympic campaign downing world number three Germany 3-1 at Riverbank Arena in London.

Australia started the match as underdogs after losing its first match against New Zealand 1-0 but the team came out firing.

Whatever Head Coach Adam Commens said to his charges worked and the Hockeyroos were on song from the first whistle.

The Australians had most of the possession early but it was Germany that converted first at the nine minute mark when Katharina Otte sent home a penalty corner variation.

To Australia’s credit however, it maintained its intensity and continued to pressure the Germans defensive unit.

In the opening half Megan Rivers, Casey Eastham and Hope Munro worked the ball around well, creating plenty of opportunities.

German keeper Yvonne Frank was on fire and kept all penalty corners out before a brilliant solo run from Emily Smith resulted in Hope Munro equalising at the 20 minute mark.

The teams went to the break locked at 1-all thanks again to a handful of fantastic saves from Australian keeper Toni Cronk, who is dominating at her third Olympics.

In the second, the Hockeyroos did not let up and all players contributed to a solid performance all over the park.

Captain Madonna Blyth and Teneal Attard controlled midfield and were able to set up play for the entire match.

Australia took the lead at the 46 minute mark when defender Anna Flanagan sent home a spectacular penalty corner drag-flick that launched into the top right hand corner.

Flanagan performed well all game at the back and was rewarded for all her hard work. She was well supported by defenders Jayde Taylor, Jodie Schulz and Kate Jenner.

Australia looked like a different team tonight pressing high, taking free hits quickly, transferring and throwing overheads at the right moments and capitalising on all their opportunities.

Australia’s win was the second upset of the day with the USA, ranked 10th downing world number two Argentina.

This leaves New Zealand the only team with two wins and six points and then four teams with one win, locked on three points; Australia, Germany, Argentina and USA. South Africa has no points.

The Hockeyroos next game is on August 4 at 5:20pm(AEST).

Australia - 3 (Hope Munro FG 20m, Anna Flanagan PC 46m, Fiona Boyce PC 53m)
Germany - 1 (Katharina Otte PC 9m)

Best Players - Australia: Toni Cronk(Goal Keeper), Anna Flanagan, Teneal Attard, Madonna Blyth. Germany: Yvonne Frank(Goal Keeper), Natascha Keller, Fanny Rinne.

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