After seven days play still no team has qualified for Germany after New Zealand grabbed a late equalizer to deny Korea in Changzhou, eastern China.

Six teams are realistically fighting for four spots, with Belgium, England and Pakistan battling in Pool A, and France, Korea and New Zealand in Pool B.

Of those teams only two of the sides meet in Wednesday's matches, with Belgium and England deciding one spot with the opening match of day eight's play.

Korea was within two minutes of qualification, but Phillip Burrows found the back of the Korean goal, ensuring Korea won't be leaving anything on the pitch when they take on the hosts, China, in the final round match in the tournament.

Only New Zealand's fate doesn't solely lie in their own hands as they will be hoping either France, who play Japan, or Korea drop points.

At the other end of the scale Japan could still automatically qualify, but they would need a number of results to go their way.

Of the remaining five teams only China is secured a berth in the 9-12 playoffs, with Ireland, Egypt and Canada playing for their World Cup lives in Pool A action.

What ever the results come Wednesday, it is all set up for a very exciting days play.

(World Hockey April 19, 2006)