Hockeyroos down Cherry Blossoms in clash of Continental Champions

Anna Flanagan took her tournament scoring haul to four goals in two matches as Australia claimed their second successive Pool A victory thanks to terrific but hard-earned 3-2 triumph over Japan. 

Flanagan's two penalty corners came either side of a wonderful diving effort from Emily Smith, and helped the Oceania Champions come from behind against the Continental Champions of Asia.  

The Hockeyroos - who were missing inspirational captain Madonna Blyth for the second successive match as she continues her recover from a calf strain - dominated the early exchanges but found themselves frustrated by tireless defensive work from their Japanese opponents. 

Despite this, it was the Cherry Blossoms who opened the scoring against the run of play when Yuri Nagai rattled home a rocket-shot from the right of the circle after a wonderful break forward from Akane Shibata in the 20th minute.  

Nagai's strike seemed to rock the Oceania Champions whilst also giving Japan added belief against their higher-ranked opponents, although Hockeyroos stars Kelly White and Jayde Taylor both went close before the equaliser arrived on the stroke of half time.  Anna Flanagan was the scorer, sending a low penalty corner drag-flick beyond the reach of Japan shot-stopper Yuka Yoshikawa to restore parity at the break. 

Australia started the second period firing on all cylinders, and moved ahead for the first time six minutes after the break. Jane Claxton was the architect, powering into the circle from the left before supplying the perfect pass to the diving Emily Smith who slammed the ball home from close range.

The Hockeyroos were at it again four minutes later, with Flanagan netting her second penalty corner of the game with an unstoppable drag-flick that hit the top left corner at break-neck speed. 

Japan coach Yoo Seung Jin said: "Australia is one of the strongest teams in the world. I am proud of my girls, they worked hard and I am satisfied with their performance."

Japan made things interesting in the 59th minute when Shiho Sakai made the score 3-2 with a penalty stroke, but it was not enough to deny the Australians a thoroughly-deserved second win of the tournament. 

"That was another hard slog, very similar to the situation we were in during our first game,” said Flanagan after the match. “We don't enjoy chasing the game and we need to make sure we start the game better. But we want to improve with every game and we believe we can beat any team at this tournament."