Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Beijing Olympic Hockey: Dutch threat for Aussies in Olympic tournament

Defending champions Australia were pitted against world number three Holland at the draw for the men's Olympic hockey tournament, but they avoided top-ranked Germany.

The Australians, the world number two, will also play Britain, South Africa, Pakistan and Canada in a round robin format with the top two teams progressing to the semi-finals.

In Pool A, Germany take on world number four Spain, South Korea, New Zealand, Belgium and host China – the lowest ranked of all the teams at 17.

Australia's men finally exorcised their Olympic demons by winning the title that had long eluded them by beating Holland 2-1 in the Athens final four years ago.

Germany took the bronze, defeating Spain 4-3.

The pools for the women's tournament will be released after the last round of qualifying in Victoria, Canada, from this Saturday.

Men’s draw

Pool A: Germany, Spain, South Korea, New Zealand, Belgium, China.

Pool B: Australia, Holland, Pakistan, Britain, South Africa, Canada.

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