Of all the emotions the Hockeyroos experienced during Sunday's clash with Spain, the largest on show was relief.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After months of turmoil, finally this team had the opportunity to make a statement on the pitch.
That they did, toppling Spain 3-1 in a hard-fought affair.
The Australians are not getting ahead of themselves, Spain are ranked below them in the world rankings and it's only the first match of a two-week tournament.
But the early signs are promising.
Katrina Powell has had just four months with the side after she took over a squad in crisis in late March.
Allegations of bullying and abuse had been directed at the team's officials, with coach Paul Gaudion standing down after a comprehensive review of the program.
Among the features of the investigation was the treatment of experienced goalkeeper Rachael Lynch, the 35-year-old initially left out of the national squad.
An appeal saw her added to the program in April and there she was in Tokyo playing a starring role to limit Spain to just one goal with a number of superb saves.
From the moment Powell took charge, the Hockeyroos presented a united front.
The turmoil of past years was in the rear-view mirror, now was the time to focus on their ultimate goal, Olympic gold.
The chance to achieve that goal has arrived and Sunday marked a promising first step.
From here, the Hockeyroos must turn their focus to another winnable game, the team playing China on Monday.
Sunday's clash was the definition of a game of two halves, the first a tight scoreless affair before the match opened up immediately after the break.
Three goals were scored in the space of three minutes, Australia holding a 2-1 lead before Gerringong's Grace Stewart made it 3-1 with a brilliant diving effort.
The fourth quarter was another tight period, Spain pushing the narrow the gap while the Hockeyroos fought to maintain their advantage.
The Europeans had a number of chances, however Australia were resolute in defence throughout the final 15 minutes to hold firm and secure a 3-1 victory.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.