Australian eves clinch Hockey World League Round 3 crown

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 30: Emily Smith of Australia celebrates scoring the teams third goal during the Investec Hockey World League – Final match between England and Australia at The University of Westminster Sports Ground

The Australian women’s hockey team dashed the aspirations of home side England as they scripted a comprehensive 3-0 victory to clinch the second women’s FIH Hockey World League Round 3 crown in London.

The 5^th ranked Hockeyroos wrested the early initiative, pinning the 4^th ranked England eves in their own half, and they were soon rewarded when Ashleigh Nelson made the most of a pass from Georgie Parker.

Kellie White extended the lead in the 25^th minute as Australia led 2-0 at half-time.

Australia focused more on tightening up their defence in the second half, giving little leeway to England to mount a fightback.

Emily Smith put the match beyond England when she racked up their third goal as the Hockeyroos cornered glory.

Both teams had met earlier in the league phase and played out a 1-1 draw.

Earlier, Australia started their campaign on a rousing note drubbing Spain 5-0.

They had crushed Italy 4-0 before scraping past South Africa by a solitary goal.

The Hockeyroos decimated USA 4-1 in the quarterfinals before inflicting a defeat on China by an identical margin.

It may be mentioned here that both teams have already qualified for the 2014 World Cup as well as for the Hockey World League Round 4 to be held later this year.

Current world champions Argentina scored a last-minute goal to edge out 7^th ranked China 3-2.

Carla Rebecchi gave Argentina the early lead before China responded through Hongxia Li’s penalty corner goal.

Celebrated striker Luciana Aymar once again pulled Argentina ahead before Meiyu Liang evened things for China in the 65^th minute.

It was left to Carla Rebecchi to deliver a final minute goal to put China out of the qualifying reckoning from the London event.

China now hope to qualify for the 2014 World Cup through the Continental Championship in Asia.

The Las Leonas’ win means the 3^rd ranked and fourth-place finisher of the Rotterdam event, New Zealand, have booked their 2014 World Cup ticket.