(Photo: Teammates go to the aid of Sophie Polkamp as umpire Eskina summons help from the bench).After yesterday's historic win against Argentina, England were brought back to earth with a bump when they lost to the World and Olympic champions, The Netherlands by 3-0.
In the first half a mistake by Crista Cullen let in Ellen Hoog to score with a reverse stick shot past the star of yesterday, goalkeeper Beth Storry.
Four minutes from the end of the first half England earned their first penalty corner. Controversially their switch was ruled obstruction by the Argentine umpire and the Netherlands broke away fast to leave Storry with no chance against Kelly Jonker who made it 2-0 to the Netherlands.
England started the second half well when they were awarded their second corner after just three minutes. The Dutch kept out Cullen's shot and then the rebound was followed up by Chloe Rogers. Unfortunately Sophie Polkamp came in from the wrong side and caught the swing straight in her face, returning to the pitch later sporting a cut over her left eye.
England kept out three penalty corners from the Dutch, but couldn't keep out a final goal from Eva de Goede five minutes from time to make it 3-0. Despite a penalty corner in the last minute, England failed to make a dent in the Dutch defence.
After losing to England yesterday, reigning champions Argentina came from behind to earn a point against Germany and were unlucky not to win.
A first half goal by German veteran Natascha Keller was cancelled out in the second half with strikes from Argentina's Mariana Rossi and Noel Barrionuevo. A penalty corner goal by Tina Bachmann gave Germany a share of the honours. Despite intense pressure from Argentina including five consecutive corners the German defence held out.
Today's Results:
Germany 2 Argentina 2
Netherlands 3 England 0
New Zealand 1 China 3
Table after two matches: 1. Netherlands 6pts, 2. Germany 4 pts, 3. China 3 pts (+1), 4. England 3 pts (-2), 5. Argentina 1pt, New Zealand 0 pts.
Tomorrow (Monday) is a rest day, but the first of the men's Four Nation Matches involving Great Britain will be played in the evening.
