Australian flag bearer Eddie Ockenden devastated after Kookaburras’ elimination from Olympics

Just when their path to gold was wide open, the Kookaburras’ Olympic men’s hockey season collapsed as they lost the quarter-finals 2-0 to the Netherlands.

Two goals in the second half were enough for the Dutch team on Sunday to take revenge for the loss to Australia in Tokyo three years ago.

The Kookaburras started out as attacking powerhouses and Pro League champions, among the contenders to end a 20-year drought and win a second Olympic title.

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But thanks to the Dutch’s merciless defense in the circle and little luck, they could barely fire a shot.

The loss came after reigning champions Belgium were surprised by number 8 Spain, who will now face the Netherlands for a place in the final.

India started the day of surprises with a penalty shootout defeat to Great Britain, with the score still 1-1 at the end of the match, despite playing most of the match with 10 men after being shown an early red card.