Amstelveen: England created a history of sorts when it claimed the European hockey championship beating the Olympic and World Champion, Germany, 5-3 in the final on Sunday.
Earlier, the Netherlands, which lost to England in the semifinals, finished third after beating Spain 6-1. The four semifinalists have qualified for the next World Cup to be held in New Delhi next year.
Holland triumphs
In the women’s section, the Netherlands beat Germany 3-2 to win the title while England secured a bronze beating Spain 2-1. The four teams have made the grade for the World Cup at Rosario (Argentina) next year.
In the Oceania zone, Australia beat New Zealand 3-1 to ensure a place in the New Delhi men’s World Cup while the Kiwi women edged out Australia in a tie breaker (4-3) after 2-2 draw in the competition held at Invercargill (New Zealand).
With the conclusion of the two continental championships, the directly qualified teams have been identified and nine teams, including the host, have made the grade for the New Delhi World Cup. They are: Canada (America), Korea (Asia), South Africa (Africa), Australia (Oceania), England, Germany, Netherlands and Spain (Europe). India qualifies as the host.
The three winners of the three qualifying tournaments to be held at Lillee (France), Invercargill (New Zealand) and Quilmas (Argentina) will join the nine to make the final 12 for the World Cup.