HOCKEY: The Australian women’s hockey team have officially booked their place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by winning bronze at the Hockey World League in Antwerp.
Like the Australian men their place at the Olympics is secured 13 months ahead of the Opening Ceremony.
Emily Smith’s 50th international goal and a devastating opening quarter set the Hockeyroos on course to a 4-2 victory over New Zealand, who beat the Australians earlier in the tournament.
The result also officially confirmed the Australian women’s qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Smith’s goal in the third minute and Jane Claxton’s volley just 60 seconds later set the tone for the victory, with Mariah Williams’ goal at the end of the first quarter earning the Hockeyroos a three goal lead at the first break.
New Zealander Stacey Michelsen pulled one back shortly after half time as the Black Sticks fought for a foothold in the contest but when Georgia Nanscawen made it 4-1 in the dying seconds of the third period it seemed the eventual outcome was assured.
It might have been more but Kathryn Slattery could only watch as her effort was desperately cleared from the goal line after a chip over the goalkeeper. The West Australian was also unfortunate to see a shot rebound off the post.
Anita Punt pulled one back for the Black Sticks with a pin-point penalty corner ten minutes from time but it was Kiwi goalkeeper Sally Rutherford who was the busier in the latter stages, denying Jodie Kenny and Ashleigh Nelson.
WATCH: Match Highlights Video on YouTube
Coach Adam Commens got the response he wanted following Thursday night’s defeat to the Netherlands but cautioned that the result doesn’t eradicate the memories of their two defeats at the tournament.
He said, “We’ve been threatening to do that for a while against the New Zealand team. They’re a really high class side and I thought today we executed our game plan well and were able to finish in the attacking circle. It’s probably the first time we’ve done it in this tournament so really pleasing.
“We can’t forget what happened in the semi-final and indeed the round game against New Zealand. We need to be better than we’ve been at this tournament. We’ll be really fired up and working hard over the next 12 months to ensure that we are.”
Of his side’s lightning quick start, Commens said, “That set the platform and then New Zealand are chasing.
“I thought they did a pretty good job at getting back into the game and creating opportunities to score more than their two goals but at the other end we created more than enough to go five or six.
“That part of our game certainly needs to improve and it’s something that we’ll be sitting together as a group – not only the coaches but also the players – to work out how we go about improving that area of our game.”
With Olympic qualification assured more than a year out from the Games, Commens believes the next 12 months will determine who stands on top of the medal podium in Brazil.
“I’ve always said that I think that the medals are won in an Olympic Games in the 12 months before, so in 2015 you really set yourself a good platform and then you just want to do those fine details in the last three to four months leading into the Olympic Games.
“Now teams have qualified it’s the team that takes the biggest step over this next 12 months and if we can take the biggest step we can close the gap between us and the Dutch and put a gap on some of our opponents.”
Despite not scoring against New Zealand, Queensland defender Jodie Kenny topped the goal scoring charts for the Tournament. Kenny's record of 10 goals was one better than Dutch captain Maartje Paumen.
Anna Flanagan made her 150th appearance for the Hockeyroos in the match with the team donning black armbands to honour the memory of Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh.
The Netherlands won the gold medal by defeating Korea 2-1 in the closing stages. Both teams will be who Australia will be inspired for as all Teams turn their attention to Rio 2016.
The Kookaburras will play hosts Belgium for the gold medal on Sunday evening.
Hockey Australia release (modified)
