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Fortune favours Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Germany in Olympic qualifiers
Auckland, Mar 21: New Zealand and Japan cruising through Olympic hockey qualifying as Spain and Germany also win.
Auckland, Mar 21: New Zealand and Japan cruising through Olympic hockey qualifying as Spain and Germany also win.
New Zealand and Japan are top of their pools after the second day of Olympic hockey qualifying matches in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday (March 20). With the top two teams in each pool guaranteed a spot at Athens, both are now well in contention. The home team, the Black Sticks, produced the best display of the day, beating Ireland 5-1 to put them ahead of Great Britain in Pool A.
New Zealand were ranked third, but if they beat Ukraine next that will set them up for a showdown with Germany on Wednesday.
Japan made use of their penalty corner discipline to beat the USA 3-1, all from set pieces. The Japanese had not been highly fancied before the tournament, but Asia's fourth-ranked team now pose a threat to Spain and Korea for a place alongside nine other teams in Athens.
Spain stand alongside Japan at the top of Pool B after a bruising 3-0 win over Russia on Saturday. Their goalkeeper was both a villain and hero, twice bringing down Russian players, but saving both penalties. Japan and Spain meet on Tuesday night.
Germany began their campaign with victory over Ukraine 2-1. The Ukrainians scored first, but Germany then got two goals in a minute to save face -- and their place. The Germans meet Great Britain on Sunday.
Bureau Report
New Zealand and Japan are top of their pools after the second day of Olympic hockey qualifying matches in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday (March 20). With the top two teams in each pool guaranteed a spot at Athens, both are now well in contention. The home team, the Black Sticks, produced the best display of the day, beating Ireland 5-1 to put them ahead of Great Britain in Pool A.
New Zealand were ranked third, but if they beat Ukraine next that will set them up for a showdown with Germany on Wednesday.
Japan made use of their penalty corner discipline to beat the USA 3-1, all from set pieces. The Japanese had not been highly fancied before the tournament, but Asia's fourth-ranked team now pose a threat to Spain and Korea for a place alongside nine other teams in Athens.
Spain stand alongside Japan at the top of Pool B after a bruising 3-0 win over Russia on Saturday. Their goalkeeper was both a villain and hero, twice bringing down Russian players, but saving both penalties. Japan and Spain meet on Tuesday night.
Germany began their campaign with victory over Ukraine 2-1. The Ukrainians scored first, but Germany then got two goals in a minute to save face -- and their place. The Germans meet Great Britain on Sunday.
Bureau Report