Hockeyroos fall short to world number one Netherlands in gutsy performance

The Hockeyroos have fallen to world number one the Netherlands in their second match of the FIH Hockey World Cup, going down 4-2 despite an outstanding performance against the reigning world champions.

Australia took the game to the Dutch from the opening whistle, producing a dominant first quarter and putting the Netherlands under sustained pressure.

The Hockeyroos earned an incredible eight penalty corners in the opening term, including seven in succession, but were unable to find the breakthrough as the Dutch defence held firm.

Despite Australia controlling much of the opening quarter, it was the Netherlands who struck first, converting their first penalty corner of the match in the 13th minute to take a 1-0 advantage.

The Hockeyroos continued to match the world number ones across the field, but the Netherlands doubled their advantage in contentious circumstances.

Australia referred the goal for a potential back stick in the build-up, with replays showing the ball had made contact with the back of a Dutch stick. However, because the incident occurred outside the attacking 23-metre area, it was deemed non-referrable and the goal stood.

Refusing to let the setback halt their momentum, the Hockeyroos continued to attack and were eventually rewarded through Steph Kershaw, who found the back of the net in the 23rd minute to reduce the deficit.

Kershaw was involved again as Australia drew level at 2-2, getting the faintest of touches on an Abi Williams flick to give the Hockeyroos a deserved equaliser and set up a thrilling finish against the tournament favourites.

With the match in the balance heading into the final quarter, the Netherlands showed why they are the world's top-ranked side.

The Dutch piled pressure on the Australian defence, earning five penalty corners in the final term and scoring twice in the space of four minutes to wrestle back control of the contest.

Australia's defence was forced to withstand a relentless finish from the Netherlands, who eventually closed out a 4-2 victory.

While the result didn't fall their way, the Hockeyroos produced an impressive performance against the world's number one side.

Final score: Australia 2 – Netherlands 4

The Hockeyroos now turn their attention to Chile on Wednesday at 5:30pm AEST. Catch it live and free on 7plus.

Australia Goals:

Steph Kershaw (23rd Minute FG and 49th minute PC)

Netherlands Goals:

Yibbi Jansen (13th Minute PC)

Joosje Burg (22nd Minute FG and 52nd Minute PC)

Marjin Veen (56th minute FG)