Australia
swamped trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand 5-1 to top Pool B and make it to the
quarterfinal round high on confidence in the FIH Women’s Hockey World League
final being played in San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina.
The win helped Hockeyroos nudge out hosts Argentina to second spot in Pool B on superior goal average. Georgie Parker drew first blood for the Australian eves, but the Black Sticks’ riposte was swift as Petrea Webster tapped home an Anita Punt penalty corner drag-flick.
Ashley Nelson doubled the lead for the Aussies in the 22nd minute as they led 2-1 at half-time.
The Oceania derby clash soon showed signs of evolving into a one-sided affair when Kellie White struck the Hockeyroos’ third goal in the 42nd minute.
Jodie Schultz soon added another with a short corner conversion while Kellie White added her second for the day as Australia wrapped up a highly convincing win.
Argentina got the better of China 3-1 in another Pool B tie. Wu Mengrong gave China an early lead but the Las Leonas riding on goals from Agustina Albertarrio, Rosario Luchetti and Delfina Merino eased to a facile win.
Olympic champions Netherlands pipped Korea 3-1 in a Pool A game. The Dutch were well served by a brace from Lidewij Welten and a penalty corner goal by Kitty van Male. Cheon Eun Bi netted the solace goal for Korea.
England rode on Alex Danson’s two goals and a solitary strike from Sophie Bray as they edged out Germany 3-1 in the other Pool A tie. Eileen Hoffmann earlier gave Germany the lead before they were at the receiving end of the English girls.
So the quarterfinal line-up has been drawn. England will face China in the quarterfinals, while Germany will meet Australia. Hosts Argentina take on Korea while the Netherlands will clash with New Zealand.
Picture Courtesy FIH
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