Hockey: Australia eye Cup hat-trick
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Your support makes all the difference.Australia, the Sydney Olympic Champions, will start strong favourites to win their third successive world title when the Meadow Lea World Cup opens here this morning, after a smooth build-up.
Argentina, the silver medallists in Sydney two years ago, are again likely to post the biggest threat to the hosts. Two months ago, the team were by no means certain to compete, because of the economic situation in Argentina. Their coach, Sergio Vigil, said that the players had made huge sacrifices to try to add to the country's three silver medals and a bronze in previous World Cups, which take place every four years.
For England, whose last two World Cup placings were ninth in Utrecht in 1998 and 10th in Dublin in 1994, finishing in the top six is the target. England's realistic Australian coach, Tricia Heberle,fears that her team may fall short of the medal places, but there is no doubt the squad is the best prepared to have travelled abroad. Little has been left to chance, with players enduring several sessions in the acclimatisation chamber at the University of Hertfordshire to prepare for the high temperatures expected here.
Since taking over the England job at the beginning of last year, Heberle has called on 33 different players in 47 internationals, developing a sound defence around the veteran Mandy Nicholson, Mel Clewlow and Kate Walsh in front of two world-class goalkeepers, Hilary Rose and Carolyn Reid, along with a midfield that provides plenty of opportunities. But goals too often remain elusive.
England play Ireland today and South Africa tomorrow, with Holland and Australia to follow after a rest day, then Japan, the United States and Spain. If England finish in the top four in their pool games, they are likely to play off for fifth or sixth place.
Scotland, whose highest finish was eighth in 1983 in Kuala Lumpur, are in the second pool.
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