The Kookaburras have flirted with calamity in their Tokyo Olympics opener, recording a 5-3 win over Japan that belied the tag of gold-medal favourites.
World No. 1 Australia's match against the hosts, ranked 15th in the world, was widely expected to be a lopsided affair.
It looked like that would transpire after housemates Tim Brand and Tom Craig found the back of the net in the first quarter, opening up a 2-0 lead for the Kookaburras.
Tim Brand #29 of Team Australia celebrates with teammates after scoring against Japan.
Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
But Japan, having triumphed in one of 26 previous contests against Australia, seized control with three goals in the space of just six minutes during the second term.