World Cup Beckons for Hockeyroos
The Hockeyroos have qualified for the 2010 Hockey World Cup after defeating Ireland 4-1 in the final match of the World Cup Qualifier tournament in Santiago, Chile.
The result sees the Hockeyroos finish the qualifying tournament undefeated on top of the points table with four straight victories, finishing one game ahead of second placed Scotland.
Their success at the World Cup Qualifier ensures Australia will have an opportunity to compete at the 2010 World Cup when the prestigious event is held in Rosario, Argentina from August 30 – September 12.
Despite entering the match knowing their qualification to the World Cup was already virtually secure, the Hockeyroos were determined to finish the tournament on a strong note and continue their recent momentum.
As they had done in previous matches at the tournament, the Hockeyroos applied tremendous pressure in the opening stages of the match, looking to gain the early advantage.
Their persistence paid off when midfielder Hope Munro (AIS-WAIS) converted Australia’s first penalty corner attempt at the eight minute mark.
With Australia controlling the majority of play, Munro proved her first penalty corner goal was no fluke, converting Australia’s second goal only minutes later to set up a comfortable lead half way through the first half.
Ireland, who were yet to record a win at the tournament, were determined to take it up to the Hockeyroos and brought themselves back into the game when they converted their first goal at the 19 minute mark via an Alexandra Speers penalty corner goal.
Ireland continued their share of the attacking throughout the first half, with their defensive efforts equally impressive, denying two more penalty corner attempts by Australia.
Despite Ireland’s impressive display in the first half, they weren’t able to reproduce the same effort after half time, with the Hockeyroos completely dominant as the match progressed.
A penalty stroke goal to Nicole Arrold at the 47 minute mark saw the Hockeyroos regain their two goal lead.
Striker and AIS-WAIS scholarship holder Shelly Liddelow put the match beyond doubt by scoring the Hockeyroos fourth goal at the 57 minute mark after receiving a precise pass into the circle by teammate Kate Hollywood.
With the game secured, the Hockeyroos maintained control of the ball in the dying minutes to finish off a good campaign in which they showed superiority throughout all their matches, earning their place at the 2010 World Cup later in the year.
Earlier:
The Hockeyroos all but secured their spot at the 2010 World Cup after holding off a fast finishing Scottish team to win 2-1 at the World Cup Qualifier event in Santiago, Chile.
Despite Australia holding a superior world ranking over Scotland (Australia 5 – Scotland 23), the match was played on fairly even terms – a far cry from the Hockeyroos two previous matches at the tournament where they defeated Chile 5-0 and Malaysia 9-0.
Australia were on the attack early and looked the stronger team in the opening stages of the match, however it wasn’t until the 19 minute mark until they earned their first penalty corner.
After their first attempt was saved they earned their second only a minute later, with Kate Hollywood looking for a deflection only the see the ball travel over the cross bar.
After putting the Scottish defence under extreme pressure eventually the Hockeyroos broke through, with reigning World Young Player of the Year Casey Eastham deflecting the ball past the goalkeeper to get the Hockeyroos on the scoreboard at the 24 minute mark.
Despite trailing on the scoreboard Scotland controlled the remainder of the half, generating two penalty corner attempts and putting the Hockeyroos defence and goalkeeper Rachael Lynch under some pressure.
However a goal against play one minute before half time to Captain Madonna Blyth gave the Hockeyroos a crucial break.
The game continued to be a well fought battle, with Scotland refusing to be intimidated by the Hockeyroos.
When midfielder Hope Munro (AIS-WAIS) was sent from the pitch with a green card Scotland saw it as an opportunity to strike, however key playmakers Teneal Attard and AIS-WAIS athlete Kobie McGurk showed great composure to counter all Scottish attacks.
Eventually Scotland’s persistence paid off, and when they scored with ten minutes remaining the match was far from over.
However good solid defence ensured the Hockeyroos did not give up their lead as they held on to the win.
The Hockeyroos now sit two games clear on the points table. They would need to loss their last match of the tournament against Ireland by a large margin and Scotland win their final two matches not to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
– Hockey Australia
