By Anand Philar
New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) India has lost out on a semi-final berth in the women's hockey competition of the Commonwealth Games. But the medal rounds Monday could yet dish out fascinating fare, with arch rivals Australia facing England and favourites New Zealand taking on South Africa.
Of the four, the Kiwis have been the most impressive winning all the four pool B league matches. They look all but invincible.
Although the Kiwis finished only seventh at the 2010 World Cup in Argentina, they have shown a marked improvement -- as could be gauged by their unbeaten run so far.
Under the circumstances, New Zealand should get past South Africa, who just about made it to the semis as the second placed team from the other pool.
The Proteas, despite the presence of Pietie Coetzee, who came out of retirement after five years, were lucky to make the medal rounds by nosing out India on goal-difference.
The South Africans were well and truly beaten by India in their concluding league fixture and they will be up against a far better organized side like New Zealand.
Coetzee, looking ahead to the semi-final, said the obvious: "New Zealand have been playing well and we expect a tough match."
In the other semi-final, Australia, if only for their reputation, are expected to get past old enemies England, but they need to be playing much better than they had in the league.
There have been periods when the Aussies looked vulnerable like they did against South Africa in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw.
Australia are no more the force they were back in the late 1990s when they dominated the scene like no team before or since.
"We have brought a young team here. For the youngsters, it is a huge experience to be playing in such an environment. They will go home an improved lot," said Aussie coach Frank Murray, due to retire at the end of these Games.
"We would like to win the gold for our coach and that would be a nice send off for him," said skipper Madonna Blyth.
While Australia finished fifth at the last World Cup, England did much better in picking up the bronze medal to underline their improvement in the recent times.
Often referred to as "Bronze Goddesses" in view of their inability to take the big step to the top of the podium, England might feel they have a good chance this time around to straighten the record.
"We came here to win a medal and gold would be great," said England coach Danny Kerry, who is hoping that his team will finally turn the corner and win a major international tournament.