Kookaburras in 17-year-first after thrilling Olympics showdown

The Kookaburras will face Belgium in the gold medal match in the men's hockey at the Tokyo Olympics, after a thrilling victory over Germany in the semi-final.

The Aussies carried a 2-1 lead into half-time and defended it well afterwards, hammering home a sealing goal with a minute and a half left as Germany moved their goalkeeper forward in a last ditch effort to score.

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Lachie Sharp had a memorable game, giving up the penalty corner that allowed Germany to score their opening goal.

He quickly redeemed himself, earning the Kookaburras a crucial penalty corner of their own that led to a goal from Blake Govers - handing Australia the lead.

After the Kookaburras played on the back foot for much of the second half, repelling a barrage of German advances, it was Sharp who dobbed in the sealing third goal.

Following the heartbreak of the Hockeyroos' premature exit in the quarter-finals earlier in the Games, they were on hand to watch the Kookaburras earn their way to their first gold medal match since Athens 2004.

Australian fans were thrilled to see the national team return to the apex of world hockey.

Belgium won through to the gold medal match with a 5-2 victory over India.

The two teams will square off for gold on Thursday.

Hockeyroos left shattered after brutal upset

The Hockeyroos have been knocked after suffering a surprising loss to India in the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Olympics.

Australia had enjoyed its best start ever to an Olympics campaign after winning all five group stage games and only conceding once.

The Hockeyroos went into the quarter-final as strong favourites to advance, but a determined India team proved too much in the knock-out stage.

Australia were unable to crack the Indian defence, a Gurjit Kaur drag flick that bobbled home on 22 minutes the difference in the India women's finest hockey moment.

Australia were unable to score from any of their nine penalty corners - they converted just two-of-25 across the tournament - while Rosie Malone hit the post after 90 seconds.

India, who only snuck into the final eight with wins over Ireland and South Africa, earned their win though, defending valiantly as Australia pressed in the final quarter.

India didn't win a game in Rio five years ago but will now play for a medal for the first time, while three-time Olympic champions Australia's wait for a first medal since their 2000 gold continues.

India were the fourth-placed team in Group A, while Australia toppled Group B.

However, India had too much in the do-or-die clash.

India's victory over the World No.2 set up a clash with Argentina in the semi-final clash.

with AAP

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