The Hockeyroos’ World Cup campaign goes on after Australia fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against China in a tense second-stage encounter.
A penalty stroke equaliser from Abi Wilson 12 minutes from time in Amstelveen, near Amsterdam, kept the Aussies in the competition with the semi-finals still within reach.
The men also drew, 1-1 with Belgium, and are also well placed to qualify.
With joint-hosts the Netherlands beating India 2-0 later on Friday, the Hockeyroos are third in Pool E, on goals scored, above India.
Netherlands top the group with two wins and are already qualified for the last four with China second, on two points.
Should Australia beat India in their final stage-two game on Sunday (Monday 0300 AEST), and China fail to beat the Netherlands, world No.1 and defending champions Australia will go through.
Alternatively a draw, and a three-goal loss for China, will also send Australia through, on goal difference.
To Australia's benefit the Netherlands-China match, a repeat of the Paris 2024 Olympic final, will be played first. They will know then what they require against India.
China beat Australia 3-2 in the quarter-finals in Paris on their way to silver, so the Hockeyroos knew they faced a close match.
In a tightly contested opening quarter, China applied plenty of pressure but neither side was able to create a clear-cut opportunity in front of goal as the scores remained locked at 0-0.
The second quarter was also goalless and although Australia opened the third quarter on the front foot, it was China who struck first.
A penalty corner in the 39th minute provided the breakthrough, with Ying Zhang converting.
The Hockeyroos pushed hard for a leveller and four consecutive penalty corners resulted in a 48th-minute penalty stroke tucked away by Wilson.
That set up a frantic finish but the Hockeyroos were unable to capitalise on a last-minute penalty corner.
The men's game was just as dramatic. The Kookaburras took the lead in the 24th minute when Tom Craig found the back of the net from open play.
Belgium responded with a sustained period of pressure forcing 14 penalty corners with Australia failing to get one, but dogged defence and excellent goalkeeping by Ash Thomas meant they only scored once, in the 38th minute, with Tom Boon firing home a drag flick.
Despite all the pressure Australia nearly won the match with seconds remaining. Lachlan Sharp looked to have scored but the ball caught the foot of Craig on its way through and the goal was disallowed.
With Spain defeating Germany 2-1, Australia lead Pool F and a draw with Germany on Sunday (0130 Monday AEST) will send them into the last four.
