Hockeyroos Secure World Cup Qualification

The Hockeyroos have qualified for the 2018 World Cup and finished in fifth place at the World League Semi-Final after defeating Italy 3 – 1 in Belgium.

The Australians overcame a slow-start – falling a goal down on 11 minutes – to run over the top of the Italians and confirm their place at next year’s World Cup in England.

Kathryn Slattery continued her impressive goal-scoring form, levelling the match at one goal apiece before strikes to Georgie Morgan and Madi Ratcliffe clinched victory for the Australians.

Slattery was joined in action by fellow West Aussie talent Georgia Wilson – who completed her first tournament with the national team.

Hockeyroos head coach Paul Gaudoin said it was good to have secured qualification and credited the performance of the Italians – who made the Hockeyroos work hard for victory.

“It’s pleasing to have ensured qualification for the 2018 World Cup,” he said.

“We expected Italy to be tough and they were, whilst we didn’t play as well as we would have liked it was nice to grind out a win in a pretty tough environment. I think we’ll get some character building through that as well.”