Retiring Hockeyroos captain Jane Claxton has unloaded after two "strange and worrying" decisions in a shock 3-2 loss to China that bounced them out at the quarter-final stage of a sixth-straight Olympics.
Australia scored first but held the lead for just one minute in Paris on Monday morning, China seizing control in a boilover reminiscent of the Hockeyroos' shock loss to India at the same stage in Tokyo three years ago.
China's third goal, a brilliant Zhong Jiaqi tomahawk in the aftermath of a penalty corner, was awarded despite replays suggesting the ball had hit a Chinese body in the build-up.
Then with 90 seconds to go, and Australia pressing for an equaliser, they had a penalty corner overturned.
Officials deemed a Hockeyroos overhead into the circle was too close to a Chinese defender, despite her not appearing to be contesting possession.
Australia still had five penalty corners in the final quarter, including four in a row, as well as another golden chance brilliantly denied by goalkeeper Ye Jiao.
China had dominated the latter stages of the first half, pressuring Australia into repeated errors as they attempted to transition into attack.
Asked about the pair of costly calls Claxton, who shared captaincy duties with Kaitlin Nobbs in Paris, didn't miss as she confirmed her retirement.
"Those types of small things start to add up, make a big difference," she said.
"It's interesting what you see on the big screen compared to what you seen on a computer screen.
"That's so controllable ... images on a screen you can slow down and see on any angle ... it's strange, completely strange but it's the nature of the beast.
"It's in the rule books, pretty black and white ... it's worrying."
She tipped her cap to China though, who skipped clear and hung on to create history under former Hockeyroos player Alyson Annan and her assistant Ric Charlesworth, both two-time Olympic champions as player and coach respectively with Australia.
Alice Arnott continued her fine tournament with a goal after 10 minutes but China replied a minute later, Ma Ning's brilliant flick catching the side netting.
A sloppy moment in the second quarter cost Australia, Dan Wen muscling in China's second and they led 3-1 until the final moments of the third quarter when Tatum Stewart's slap hit touched four Chinese players and bobbled over the line.
The defeat was a second shattering blow for Australian hockey hopes in as many days after the Kookaburras' loss to Netherlands at the same stage on Sunday.
"They bought in, delivered and we were good today but China were better," coach Katrina Powell said.
"We expected the quality, the trickery, the physicality ... they're prepared to do whatever and we have our way of doing things.
"They're a strong, physical, aggressive team and we want to play a nice brand of hockey.
"But if you want to play a nice brand you've got to bring the strength."
Annan has taken the side from No.14 to No.8 in the world in 18 months and they will now play Belgium or Spain on Wednesday for a place in the gold medal game.
"It's mixed feelings," Annan said.
"Of course I wouldn't want this to be a quarter-final and one of us go home.
"It shouldn't be ... I'd prefer this to be the final.
"We're as physical as every other team. Eighteen months ago our players stepped out of contests, saying 'take the ball'."
