The Hockeyroos have qualified for the 2010 Hockey World Cup after defeating Ireland 4-1 today in the final match of the World Cup Qualifier tournament in Santiago, Chile.

Today’s 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 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 a 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 dominating as the match progressed.

A penalty stroke goal to Nicole Arrold at the 47 minute mark saw the Hockeyroo regain their two goal lead.

Striker 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.

Hockey Australia