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The Australian Hockeyroos have gone down to the United States of America by one goal in a disappointing performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, leaving them plastered to the bottom of Group B.
The Hockeyroos were in what was close to a must-win situation if they hoped to avoid pressure in their last three matches, but will now have to win at least two of their remaining matches just to qualify, and even then face the Netherlands in a tough match.
The USA were far from dominant throughout the match, but they found a way to get the job done nonetheless, finding a way to make full use of their opportunities, something Australia just didn’t do.
Despite some good play through the mid-field for the Australians, they just didn’t finish in the circle blowing a number of penalty corner opportunities, which rings an all too familiar story for those who saw the match against Great Britain.
From an American point of view, Julia and Katie Reinprecht were absolutely fantastic running the game from the mid-field, while Kathleen Sharkey was even better at the front looking dangerous everytime she was near the action.
The Australians also struggled with a number of yellow cards, at one point being reduced to nine players with both Maddona Blyth and Mariah Wilson being forced to sit down. It didn’t help their cause, although they did score their only goal with nine on the pitch.
America’s goal came wth the first half winding down to Michelle Vittese off a penalty corner, but like Australia they have wasted some opportunities. It was completely against the run of play, which also brings back memories of how Britain opened the scoring on the first day of the Games.
The USA would then go up 2-0 with another goal from a penalty corner. Vittese missed the shot, before it went out to the left post for Caitlin Van Sinckle to find the back of the net.
The Australians would then put in their only goal through Kathryn Slattery on a fast break after a poorly taken USA penalty corner. Slattery set up the shot with it being blocked, but a nice set up from Williams saw Slattery finish it off into an open goal.
With no goals and plenty of defence played in the final quarter, Australia are now under all sorts of pressure while the USA continue their good form sitting on two wins from two games.
Score
Australia 1
United States of America 2
The Australian Hockeyroos enter what is almost a must-win match at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games when they take on the United States of America in their second pool match. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 11pm (AEST).
Both teams were involved in low-scoring first up matches on the opening day of competition as Australia took on Great Britain, and the United States took on Argentina, with both ending 2-1.
The difference, though, was that America managed to cause a massive upset victory over what is an incredibly strong and world no. 2 ranked Argentina team, while Australia lost to the British team who are ranked seventh and really, in their first match as a complete squad, shouldn’t have challenged them.
The most frustrating thing for Australia in that first match though wasn’t just losing – but the manner in which they did so.
For the most part, they dominated but just couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities. They ended up with four penalty corners throughout the match, and they couldn’t hit one of them while Britain ran away with Australia a player down after Edwina Bone received two yellow cards.
Australia’s midfield, particularly the experience of Madonna Blythe must stand up if they are to go with the extremely talented US side, and pounce on a majority of their chances.
The USA on the other hand were playing Argentina, and they would take a huge victory, really coming from nowehere. They have been the biggest movers on the world rankings table this year, and it showed in the match against Argentina.
They were controlled, composed and all of their players seemed to be playing in tandem and sync.
This match will almost undoubtedly be decided by just how the Australian’s defend. If they get it right, as they did for most of the Britain match then it will be low scoring, otherwise things could get ugly.
Rachael Dawson will have a major role to play once again for the States after scoring against Argentina, but they will be playing without pressure having recorded an unexpected win – still every game counts to avoid the best teams from the other pools in the quarter-finals.
Prediction
The USA have been in great form leading into Rio, and proved that by recording the unexpected win over Argentina – the Australians couldn’t execute their opportunities, and while it won’t be a blowout, it will be comfortable.
USA 3 – Australia 1
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the Hockeyroos second pool match at Rio from 11pm (AEST) and don’t forget to get involved in the conversation below.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde