3rd day of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup and its Australia v. Japan from Women's Pool A kicking off the day.

The first half started in the favour of Japan when they took the lead when Akane Shibata made a run to the D and her pass was met by Hazuki Nagal who slotted the ball in the net giving Japan the early lead. However a resilient Australia did not let Japan hold on to the lead and when Anna Flanagen was awarded a Penalty Corner, she made sure it count, with a low drag flick and before the break the Hockey-Roo's levelled the scores.

The 2nd half, and Australia started off brightly and this was shown when Jane Claxton made a run to the D and her pass was met but Emily Smith who slotted the ball in the net putting Australia 2-1. Japan managed to create some chances but when a Penalty Corner was awarded to Australia, Flanagan was on hand again to extend her nation's lead with a thunderbolt of a shot, 3-1 Australia. However Japan was given a life line when a Penalty Corner was deemed to have been blocked by the legs of Jodie Kenny, and after a video referral the referee deemed it a foul and Japan a Penalty Stroke. Taken by Shiho Sakal, she converted her chance, and it was 3-2 and game on. Australia looked likely to get the next goal and came close when they were awarded another Penalty Corner, but this time the dragflick came from Kenny, but her shot was superbly saved by Ryoko Ole, and this was last chance on the game, 3-2 on the d.