The fans were treated to a glut of goals on the opening day of the women’s continental championships in Asia and Argentina, as the tournament favourites asserted their authority in both competitions.
Korea, China, India and Japan were all victorious on Day 1 of the 8th Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur, with the four highest ranked teams producing dominant displays at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.
In Pool A, China powered to a 3-0 win against host nation Malaysia while the Indian Eves smashed an incredible 13 goals past Hong Kong to top the Pool overnight. Rani Rampal was the star of the show, bagging seven goals in a thoroughly one-sided contest.
The Pool B matches were also uneven affairs. Da Rae Kim bagged a four goal haul as Korea cruised to a 12-1 win against Kazakhstan, while Japan also went into double figures with a thumping 13-0 success over Chinese Taipei.
Day 1 of the Pan American Cup in Mendoza, Argentina also saw an impressive haul of goals, with 26 strikes coming in the opening four matches. Host nation and hot favourites Argentina produced the stand-out performance of the day, hammering Pool A opponents Trinidad & Tobago 12-0. Ace forward Carla Rebecchi netted four times in the contest, with Martina Cavallero and Leonas’ talisman Luciana Aymar both scoring hat-tricks. Canada were also big winners in Pool A, comfortably defeating Guyana 8-0.
USA have marked themselves as early front runners in Pool B thanks both to a 6-0 victory over Mexico and the 0-0 draw that was played out between Chile and Uruguay.
You can find out how to keep fully up to speed on all the action from these events by using our helpful links at the bottom of this page.
The winners of the Asia and Pan American Cup competitions will seal direct qualification to the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands. A number of the teams involved have already secured a spot at next year’s showpiece thanks to strong showings at the Hockey World League Semi Finals. If an already qualified nation becomes continental champion at either event, this will open the door to the nations who finished outside the top three at the Hockey World League Semi Finals. To see who has qualified so far and exactly how they got there, you can see our simple guide by clicking the links below.
World Cup Qualification explained - Men
World Cup Qualification explained - Women
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8th Women’s Asia Cup – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
21-27 September 2013
Official website: www.8thwomensasiacup.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/8thwomensasiacup
Twitter: www.twitter.com/womensasiacup13
2013 Pan American Cup (Women) – Mendoza, Argentina
21-28 September 2013
Official website: click here.
Facebook: click here.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PanAmHockey
