Aussies, Kiwis fight for Olympic spot

BUDERIM (Australia): Australia and New Zealand's men's hockey teams will fight it out for Oceania's only Beijing Olympics berth at a qualifying tournament here.

Minnows Papua New Guinea, who have no world ranking, will also play but are not expected to challenge defending Olympic champions Australia (ranked second in the world) or the tough New Zealand team (ninth).

New Zealand coach Shane McLeod was confident his team could match Australia but said it would be tough.

“It's going to be the greatest test they have faced since I have been working with the team in the last year,” McLeod said after his team's final training session.

“I'm very happy with our defensive structure but they are yet to be tested by a team like Australia that can rip teams to bits.”

The winners of the Sept 11-16 Oceania Cup earn a place at Beijing while the runners-up will have to come through one of three qualifiers early next year.

In the women's qualifying tournament also being held here, New Zealand (ranked ninth in the world) and Australia (ranked third) are expected to take the two places available for teams from Oceania.

Papua New Guinea (63rd) and Fiji (67th) are not expected to challenge, with Australia demolishing Fiji 14-0 in their opening match yesterday.

The tournament concludes on Sunday with the men's and women's finals both expected to be between Australia and New Zealand. – AFP