The Australian Kookaburras men’s hockey team has qualified for the semifinal of the 2010 Hero Honda FIH World Cup at the top of the B pool. They will play the Netherlands on 11 March in New Delhi.

Australia lost their first World Cup match 3–2 against arch rival England on 28 February but made a huge comeback two days later, beating India 5–2. Liam de Young scored Australia’s first goal in the 2nd minute, followed by Glenn Turner in the 10th, Des Abbott in the 26th, Luke Doerner in the 42nd and Turner again in the 43rd minute.

The Kookaburras’ success reached a new level on 4 March with a huge 12–0 victory over South Africa — the biggest win in the history of the men’s hockey World Cup. Striker Doerner was named man of the match with five goals (in the 16th, 34th, 49th, 66th and 68th minute). Jamie Dwyer scored twice (52nd and 54th) as did Turner (20th and 62nd). Australia’s other three goals were scored by Abbott (26th), Fergus Kavanagh (35th) and Matthew Butturini (44th).

Doerner and Turner continued their great form on 6 March, each scoring a goal to beat Spain 2–0 (20th and 60th minute, respectively). Pakistan scored one goal in the Kookaburras’ next game on 8 March (28th minute), but Abbott hit back strongly in the second half, winning the match with two goals (38th and 68th minute).

Australia will take on the Netherlands on 11 March in the World Cup semifinal in New Delhi. The final takes place on 13 March.