The Kookaburras have suffered a shock 1-0 loss to World No.11 Spain in their second pool game at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Stifling Spanish defence, combined with a lethal counter-attack early in the match ensured Australia would go home empty-handed and needing big results in their upcoming games to get back on track.
From the get-go it was clear that Spain were adopting a defensive approach and easily contained the Kookaburras’ attack.
Australia, perhaps a little too confident, quickly found themselves behind after a blistering counter-attack. Spanish midfielder David Allegre’s scuffed shot fortuitously finding Alex Casayas’ stick and past Andrew Charter to send shockwaves through the Australian camp.
Fans expecting to see Australia hit back immediately were left disappointed as Spain continued to mark tightly and run furiously at the Kookaburras’ defence after turnovers.
Australia’s Simon Orchard successfully challenged a call to give his side their first penalty corner, but a mistake resulted in another Spanish breakaway, only some clever defending from Mark Knowles saving face for Australia.
The second quarter continued in much the same vain as Spain stepped up their defensive pressure. Their tight marking and excellent scrambling in the goalmouth really put the Kookaburras off, and they began to lose control of the match’s tempo, very unusual for this Australian side.
Jamie Dwyer was kept unusually quiet and the Aussies headed into the second half knowing they needed to get a move on if they were going to get anything from this encounter.
The game opened up in the third term as Australia ramped up their efforts in attack and Spain began to tire. Indeed, the Kookaburras began to create some real chances but similar to their opening game against New Zealand, were unable to get that final shot away.
Spanish goalkeeper Francisco Cortes was only called into action on a handful of occasions and on each was well supported by his defenders.
Frustration would be the theme of the last quarter as Spain channelled their football side, going down at the slightest of touches.
Pushing and shoving became commonplace as both sides lost players to green cards, Spain going down to nine men at one stage. Undeterred, the Spanish ramped up their defensive strangulation as Australia were unable to find that elusive goal, at times throwing ambitious balls forward to no avail.
What now?
Coach Graham Reid will be frustrated with his side’s lack of composure under pressure and his message of K.I.S.S. at three-quarter time wasn’t taken on board.
Fortunately for Australia four teams from each pool will qualify for the quarter-finals and so the Kookaburras needn’t be too concerned about this display. Indeed, it could very well be the loss Australia needs to get its campaign rolling.
Up next
Australia next faces Belgium on Wednesday @ 9:30 AM (AEST). The world No. 6 Belgians are a tricky opposition and have had some cracking encounters with the Kookaburras in recent years, including a dramatic last minute win for Australia in the World League Final last year.
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