The Hockeyroos have made a promising start to their 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup campaign, defeating Japan 2-0 in a hard-fought encounter in the Netherlands.
Hockeyroos co-captain Claire Colwill proved the difference, scoring twice from penalty corners to secure the three points for Australia and earn player of the match honours at Amstelveen on Saturday.
Australia started brightly but a disciplined Japanese defence stood firm.
The Hockeyroos continued to push for the breakthrough and earned the first penalty corner of the match with just 13 seconds remaining in the opening term, but were unable to convert.
The arm wrestle continued into the second quarter, with Japan making it difficult for Australia to find clear space inside the attacking circle.
But with three minutes remaining before half-time, the Hockeyroos finally found the breakthrough.
After earning another penalty corner, Colwill stepped up and delivered to hand Australia a 1-0 advantage heading into the main break.
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Neither team was able to add to the scoreboard during the third term.
With nine-and-a-half minutes remaining in the match, Colwill struck for her second goal, providing some breathing room heading into the closing stages.
The Hockeyroos next face World Cup co-hosts the Netherlands on Tuesday (0200AEST).
