The final of the women’s Olympic hockey tournament was played out in Beijing this evening between China and the world number one ranked side, the Netherlands. The Dutch applied early pressure to their hosts and won their first penalty corner in the first three minutes. Yimeng Zhang pulled off two great saves and on the second corner pushed the ball wide. Zhang was called into action again after continuing assaults on the Chinese goal and the match went into the break at nil all. Both sides had early scoring chances in the second half but it was not until the 16th minute that Naomi van As (pictured) was able to score from a Dutch penalty corner that had gone awry. Eleven minutes later the diminutive Maatje Gooderie scored from open play and the Dutch were able to hang on to their 2-0 lead to win the match and take the gold medals.Argentina, who seemed to be slow picking up their form in this tournament, were at last able to show their true colours with a 3-1 win over Germany to take the bronze. The Argentine goals were by Rosario Luchetti, Carla Rebecchi and Noel Barrionuevo. The German goal was off the stick of Anke Kueuhn.
Despite Kate Walsh’s assurances that Great Britain would win their fifth place match, they went down to goals from Australia’s Madonna Blythe and Hope Monroe, to lose 2-0. They finish in sixth place.
Great Britain men play in the 5th/6th place match in Beijing tomorrow.
Full results, tables, and final placings, can be found on our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.
