Author of five Australian hockey books, Mark Tronson suggests that the other teams in those respective Pool rounds would be a little traumatised realising that in their respective pool, one of the semi-final sports has already be seized (by Australia) leaving only one position available.
Men's Tournament
Pool 1
Australia
Great Britain
Spain
Pakistan
Argentina
South Africa
Pool 2
Germany
Netherlands
Korea
New Zealand
India
Belgium
Women's Tournament
Pool 1
Netherlands
Great Britain
China
Korea
Japan
Belgium
Pool 2
Argentina
Germany
New Zealand
Australia
USA
South Africa
Observations
The Kookaburra's toughest opponents (regardless of the drama associated with the early 8.30am starts of three Australian matches) will be Great Britain and Spain as these two squads have been troublemakers for the men in many a past major international event (World Cups, Champion Trophies and Olympics). Pakistan can never be underestimated but their past performances are generally governed by political rest at home.
Pool 2 in the men's competition both both New Zealand and Belgium in the mix. The Black Sticks gave the Kookaburra's a taste of their prowess earlier in the year with a rare but solid victory. Who can forget their 1-0 Montreal Gold medal victory over Australia in 1976. Belgium have qualified in both the men's and women's Olympic competitions' has the hockey world buzzing as these are very good squads.
The women's competition in Pool 2 see the Hockeyroos pitted again the never-say-die Kiwis and hard-to-beats Argentina, Germany and the fancied USA where women's hockey is fast becoming a very significant sport.
Pool 1 for the women is by far the more difficult competition with all six nations very close in performances. Again, Belgium might be the outside surprise.
The London Olympics women's competition starts on 29 July, the men the next day, 30th. The women's final is 10 August and the men's 11 August.