Hockeyroos and Penny Squibb prepare to face Spain in quarterfinals of FIH Women’s World Cup

A crucial goal by Tambellup’s Penny Squibb helped the Hockeyroos advance to the quarterfinals of the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup as Australia beat South Africa in their final pool match in Terrassa, Spain on Thursday.

Squibb scored an important opening goal, converting a penalty corner, as South Africa goalkeeper Phumelela Mbande was unable to keep the defender’s drag flick from finding the back of the net in the eighth minute.

However, South Africa levelled the scores shortly afterwards as Lilian du Plessis launched a fizzing drag flick past Australia’s goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram in the 13th minute.

Australia’s Rosie Malone squandered a chance to put the Hockeyroos ahead in the 23rd minute but emerged a minute later to score after a deflected Maddy Fitzpatrick drag flick fell to her stick and she fired her shot home.

South Africa pressed for an equaliser early in the third quarter as the Hockeyroos were under immense pressure, with South Africa captain Bernadette Coston narrowly missing an open-goal attempt.

But the defiant Hockeyroos showed steely defensive resolve, holding on to clinch a 2-1 win and three points to move on to the quarterfinals.

The result ensured the Hockeyroos finished on top of pool D and they are preparing for a quarterfinal showdown with Spain, who finished second in pool C.

Squibb also impressed in Australia’s second pool game against Belgium on Wednesday the day before, with the Hockeyroos emerging 2-0 winners thanks to goals by Greta Hayes and Rebecca Greiner.

Despite Belgium having more shots on goal, Squibb and defensive partner Karri Sommerville ensured the Hockeyroos’ defence held firm throughout the contest.

A brave Squibb stick on the goal line prevented Belgium from clawing a goal back from a penalty corner after half-time as Australia held their opposition scoreless.

The impressive Hockeyroos outfit went undefeated in their group matches, defeating Japan, Belgium and South Africa to finish on nine points.

Their quarterfinal fixture against Spain is set down for Thursday at 1am WA time.