Hockeyroos fight back to secure crucial point against China

The Hockeyroos’ World Cup campaign will go down to the wire after Australia fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against China in a tense Pool E encounter.

In a tightly contested opening quarter, China applied plenty of pressure but neither side was able to create a clear-cut opportunity in front of goal as the scores remained locked at 0-0.

Australia were dealt a concerning blow when Sarah Byrnes was struck in the head by the ball, forcing her from the field in the arms of the team’s medical staff.

The Hockeyroos began to create more opportunities in the second quarter, earning two penalty corners, but were unable to find a way through a disciplined Chinese defence.

With neither side able to break the deadlock, the teams headed into half-time locked at 0-0.

Australia opened the third quarter on the front foot and immediately earned another penalty corner, coming close to opening the scoring before China’s defence scrambled to deny the Hockeyroos.

Despite Australia controlling much of the possession, it was China who struck first.

A penalty corner in the 39th minute provided the breakthrough, with Ying Zhang converting to hand China a 1-0 advantage heading into the final quarter.

With their World Cup campaign hanging in the balance, the Hockeyroos pushed hard for an equaliser.

Three consecutive penalty corners from Claire Colwill piled the pressure on the Chinese defence before Australia’s fourth opportunity resulted in a penalty stroke.

Abi Wilson stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 48th minute, bringing the Hockeyroos level at 1-1 and setting up a frantic finish.

Australia continued to push for a winner and with just 40 seconds remaining, Courtney Schonell earned the Hockeyroos one final penalty corner.

However, the opportunity broke down and Australia were unable to find the decisive goal before the final whistle, with the points shared at 1-1.

The draw sees Australia walk away with one point from their Pool E clash, requiring a win against India and the Netherlands games to go their way for them to progress to the semi finals.

Final Score: Australia 1-1 China

Australia Goals:
Abi Wilson (48’ PS)

China Goals:
Ying Zhang (39’ PC)