Interview

22-04 Hockeyroos as only team in Chile

Interview Date : 2010-04-22

Interview By: The age

Description :

The Hockeyroos' hopes of reaching the women's World Cup are clearer after the sport's governing body ruled a qualifying tournament will go ahead despite the European air traffic crisis.

The Australian and Chilean teams are in Santiago waiting for Ireland, Scotland and Malaysia to arrive so they can play a five-nation tournament where the winner will secure a berth at the World Cup, to be held in Argentina later this year.

The format of the tournament was thrown into doubt because the volcanic eruption in Iceland sent a massive cloud of dust across Europe, which prevented Ireland, Scotland and Malaysia from getting to Santiago.

But the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has ruled the tournament will go ahead, starting with Monday's (AEST) game between Australia and Chile.

The final is set down for May 2, however the schedule for all the other pool games is yet to be confirmed.

Malaysia have re-arranged their travel plans to avoid going through Europe and are scheduled to arrive in Chile on Saturday, while Ireland and Scotland are hoping to leave home shortly, as airports across Britain have re-opened.

Hockey Australia chief executive Mark Anderson said the FIH's confirmation the tournament would go ahead was "very good news".

But he said the uncertainty over the schedule meant the Hockeyroos' preparation for games remained unclear.

"It does have an impact on their preparation and there are still elements of unknowns in terms of fixturing, which does make preparation difficult," he said.

"But they're also aware these are a unique set of circumstances and they are flexible so long as they have the adequate rest periods between matches, which is part of the FIH's policy."

Australia beat Chile 4-0 in a warm-up game on Tuesday (AEST) and are likely to play another scratch match before the tournament starts.

The Hockeyroos were forced to qualify through this tournament because they lost to New Zealand in Oceania qualifying last year, but are warm favourites to win in Santiago.