Kelsey Smith added another penalty corner goal before halftime, putting New Zealand at a comfortable 2-0 lead.
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Recapping every matchup of the women’s field hockey quarterfinal round in Rio. It came the day after the top-ranked Kookaburras were humiliated 4-0 by the Netherlands at the same stage of the event.
Australia’s loss is New Zealand’s delight, especially after so much heartache at these Games.
The women’s team were able to bring some joy to the New Zealand hockey camp after the men lost in heart-breaking style last night.
To knock out the world No 3 ranked women’s hockey team is coup for the Black Sticks.
Australia struck back through Kathryn Slattery, but goals to Charlotte Harrison and Gemma Flynn made it 4-1.
A dejected Hockeyroos captain Madonna Blyth admitted the New Zealanders were too clinical for the Australians.
It was a heartbreaking ending for the Black Sticks who had displayed stoic defence to thwart the world No.3 until Furste finally found a way through with less than five minutes left after they had replaced their goalkeeper with an outfield player in a bid to find a way back into the match.
Despite a late score from Australia eliciting memories of Germany’s fightback last night, the women’s team were able to defend their lead as the clock ticked down to book their second straight Olympic semifinals appearance.
After a slow start to the competition, Australia finished third in Pool B to progress to the sudden death rounds, while New Zealand finished second in Pool A.
“The result also means Australia will head to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics having not won a Games medal since their gold at Sydney in 2000”.
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Hugo Inglis had opened the scoring for New Zealand before Shea McAleese had doubled the lead from a penalty corner.
