Kookaburras Learn World Cup Draw

The Kookaburras will come up against the likes of European heavyweights England and Belgium at the World Cup after the pools for the tournament were revealed by the FIH.

Following the conclusion of the inaugural edition of the men’s Hockey World League competition in New Delhi, India, the FIH has revealed reveal the pools for this year’s Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands.

Alongside the Kookaburras, who will be defending their 2010 World Cup crown in The Hague, Pool A will consist of England (world ranking 4), Belgium (5), India (8), Spain (10) and Malaysia (13). Olympic champions Germany (2) will face hosts, the Netherlands (3), New Zealand (6), Korea (7), Argentina (11) and South Africa (12) in Pool B.

The pools for the Rabobank Hockey World Cup are based on the current FIH World Rankings, which have been updated to include the ranking points earned by the teams that competed in this month’s Hero Hockey World League Final. The results have triggered some changes to the rankings, with Australia regaining the number 1 ranking spot from Germany who had been top of the table since their gold medal performance at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

This year’s Rabobank Hockey World Cup promises epic clashes bringing together twelve of the world’s greatest teams and players for the toughest, most skilful and entertaining international hockey imaginable. Serving as the climax of the world hockey calendar, the Hockey World Cup provides a unique chance to achieve sporting immortality in The Hague.

The announcement of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup match schedule will be made next Friday (31st January 2014) in The Hague.

Men’s Pools – Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014

Where: Kyocera Stadium, The Hague (NED)

When: 31 May – 15 June 2014

Pool A (World Ranking)

Australia (1)

England (4)

Belgium (5)

India (8)

Spain (10)

Malaysia (13)

Pool B (World Ranking)

Germany (2)

Netherlands (3)

New Zealand (6)

Korea (7)

Argentina (11)

South Africa (12)

– HockeyAustralia