With Argentina’s win over China in the bronze medal match of Invest World League Semi Final in London, the Black Sticks Women’s team became 7th team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands.
New Zealand had finished at fourth place in the Rabobank World League Semi Final in Rotterdam last weekend and Netherlands, who finished 2nd place at Rotterdam, are automatically qualified for the World Cup 2014 as hosts leaving one spot empty after completion of World League Round 3. So, next countries in line for World Cup 2014 qualification were 4th placed teams at Rotterdam and London World League tournament. Since the Kiwis are at number 3 FIH World Ranking and China are at #7, so the Black Sticks are now qualified. If Argentina had have lost, then the Kiwis would have needed to beat Australia at the Oceania Cup in Taranaki in October. Now China need to win Asia Cup to qualify for the World Cup. Continue reading →