The Hockeyroos have begun their World Cup campaign in the best possible way, defeating Japan 2-1 in their opening game in Argentina.
The Hockeyroos, with a number of players making their World Cup debut, struggled to settle early in the match.
But as the first half progressed the Hockeyroos continued to grow in confidence, taking their first penalty within the first ten minutes.
A shot by veteran Nicole Arrold was almost deflected in by 2009 Young World Player of the Year, Casey Eastham, but glanced inches wide of the post.
The Hockeyroos made amends during their next penalty corner only a few minutes later, with Kobie McGurk taking the hit and beating an outstretched keeper who could do nothing but watch the ball sail over her head and give Australia the lead.
Australia looked as though it had extended its lead with seven minutes remaining in the half when captain Madonna Blyth pounced on a loose ball in the circle and delivered a diving shot, only to travel just wide of the goal once again.
Japan made in roads early in the second half half, starting the better of the two teams, but Australia’s defence, marshaled by Arrold, Kobie McGurk and goalkeeper Rachael Lynch were able to withstand the pressure.
The game seemed over when Blyth scored Australia’s second goal with only 8 minutes remaining after beating the keeper one on one, but a goal to Japan less than a minute later brought it back to a one goal game.
Japan threw everything at the Aussies in the dying minutes but Australia managed to hang on and get an important first win, with coach Frank Murray praising his veterans.
"We started to get on top as the game went on. Some of the players who have had World Cup experience started to find their feet. We made three or four really good opportunities in the second half which we didnt convert, which was disappointing. We gave away a soft goal at the end but I'm quite happy for a first-up game," said Murray.
Captain Madonna Blyth said the team's ability to hang on under pressure towards the end of the game will give the team confidence throughout the remainder of the tournament.
"I think it gives us a bit of confidence that we can hang onto leads in pressure situations. We do have a few first timers here at the World Cup, there is only five of us who have played at the World Cup before so i think for them to experience that pressure in the first game can only build on our confidence," Blyth said.
The Hockeyoos will next play India on Thursday 2 September.