Hockeyroos with their last chance to make it into the 2012 Champions Trophy: Hockey News
Australia is now left with a last chance to play for the fifth-sixth position match at the 2011 Rabo Champions Women's Trophy, which is currently underway at Amsterdam in Netherlands, against England that will take place tomorrow, July 3.
This position-winning match is very crucial for the Hockeyroos in order to secure their next appearance in the Champions Trophy to take place in January 2012, in Argentina.
Next year’s Champions Trophy will be the last chance for the team to improve their world ranking before they feature in the 2012 London Olympic Games.
In last day’s Pool match, the Australian women were beaten down by England for the first time in the Champions Trophy history by 3-2.
According to the Hockeyroos coach, Adam Commens, both the sides did not put up their best at the pool match and commented, "Neither team wanted to show anything as we are playing again Sunday for fifth place. There is more work to be done to improve Australia's skills as we are a long way behind the way Argentina and Netherlands move the ball around in defence."
Overall the Hockeyroos displayed a weaker play at the Netherlands trophy with an unexpected loss to New Zealand by 3-2, 2-2 tie with China and a win over Germany by 1-0.
Most importantly, International Hockey Federation (FIH) holds the discretionary power to choose two unqualified teams for the next Champions Trophy. It means that if Australia loses in tomorrow’s match too, the team can hope to get picked up by the FIH board.
This is because the selection will be based on the world rankings as well as the financial benefit to the sport, which the Hockeyroos qualify with comfort.
The team has a past record of holding Champions Trophy title win for a total of six times and three times Olympic gold medal win.
The 2012 Champions trophy will be the last international appearance for the nations before they compete in the mega sports gala, 2012 London Olympics.
Therefore, both England and Australia will fight their way towards qualifying for the event for their 5th and 6th position play-off match, scheduled for tomorrow.
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