Hockeyroos' reign ends
2004-08-22 21:11
Athens - Australia's bid for a third consecutive Olympic women's field hockey gold medal ended on Sunday when they failed to make the semi-finals after a 1-0 defeat by the Netherlands.
The Hockeyroos, who needed a win to qualify, paid for missed opportunities as Dutch captain Mijntje Donners scored the decisive goal from a penalty corner in the 47th minute.
The Dutch topped group B and were joined in the semi-finals by Germany, who finished two points ahead of Australia after a 3-2 victory over South Korea earlier on Sunday.
China, meanwhile, emerged group A leaders with a stunning 3-2 win over world champions Argentina.
The Chinese take on Germany and Argentina clash with the Netherlands in Tuesday's semi-finals.
The Hockeyroos won three of the last four Olympic titles, including two in succession at Atlanta and Sydney, under legendary coach Ric Charlesworth, who made way for David Bell after the 2000 event.
Captain Katrina Powell was inconsolable after missing four scoring chances in her 250th international match.
"It's the end of a dream," said Powell, who was part of the winning side at both Atlanta and Sydney.
"I am not used to missing out on an Olympic semi-final. It will take time to sink in."
The Dutch, bronze medallists at Sydney, and the fast-improving Chinese were the only teams in the 10-nation event to win all their preliminary matches. - Sapa-AFP
- SAPA