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Hosts England gave their fans to lot to rejoice about as they exhibited tremendous fighting spirit to stun world champions Argentina 4-2 in the semifinals of the FIH Investec Hockey World League Round 3 event to set up a final date with Australia.
On a sunny day, it was 4th ranked England who drew first blood when the Las Leonas leaked an own goal. The world number two side bounced back in the 26th minute through Carla Rebecci.
England regained the lead close to half-time when Nicola White rattled the Argentinean cage.
The home side maintained their tight grip on the contest with an early second half goal from Hannah Macleod.
Argentina hit back two minutes later through Martin Cavallero.
Susannah Townsend virtually put the issue beyond Argentina when she pumped home the fourth goal with twelve minutes remaining on the clock.
Argentina pressed hard to stay in the contest but England eves hung on for a nifty win.
England now take on Australia in Sunday’s final. The Hockeyroos thumped 7th ranked China 4-1.
It was China who seized the early initiative, riding on a L Hongxia goal but Australia restored parity through Ashleigh Nelson as both teams went into half-time with a 1-1 scoreline.
Claire Messent pulled Australia ahead in the 51st minute even as China came hard at them.
The Hockeyroos could take things easy when Georgie Parke sounded the board in the 58th minute.
Emily Hurtz hammered the final nail in the Chinese coffin to set up an intriguing summit clash with England.
Thus, both England and Australia have qualified for the 2014 World Cup by virtue of reaching the final. Argentina also made the cut as they are higher ranked than the fourth ranked loser – New Zealand – of the first semifinals held in Rotterdam.
The Rotterdam event saw Netherlands qualify as hosts along with Germany and Korea.
New Zealand still have a chance to qualify from the Oceania Cup to be held later this year.
