Daniel Carson's image from Rosario shows Kerry Williams in action in their match against South Africa yesterday.A goal by Spain's Silvia Munoz just after half time in their match against Korea helped England secure a place in the semi finals of the women's world cup in Rosario yesterday. A win by Korea would have prejudiced England's chances of finishing in the top two, and things did not look good as Korea twice took the lead. But the goal by Munoz meant that the game ended 2-2 and Korea had lost their chance of finishing in the top two in Pool B. The earlier Spanish goal was scored by Gloria Comerma, whilst the Korean goals were scored by No Mi Kim and Suel Ki Cheon.
In the remaining Pool B match, Argentina left it until late in the second half before asserting themselves against China. The first goal, from a penalty corner, inevitably came from Noel Barrionuevo, and the second came off the stick of skipper Luciana Aymar. Final score 2-0.
England may have a better idea of who their semi final opponents are likely to be by the end of today's play, when the penultimate matches in Pool A are played. Germany and The Netherlands, both of whom are on maximum points, play each other this afternoon. Assuming there is a loser from this match, it could let in third placed Australia provided the Hockeyroos can record some high scoring wins to improve their goal difference. They are playing New Zealand this afternoon (Sunday), and are no doubt looking for revenge after New Zealand took the automatic qualification place for this tournament and forced Australia to qualify by the long route. The remainder of Pool A are too far adrift to qualify for the semi finals. Australia and Germany meet in the last of the Pool A matches on Tuesday.
England play their remaining Pool B match against Argentina on Monday. Given the choice, England would probably prefer to meet Germany in the semi-finals – a side against which they have some decent form of late. To do this they would almost certainly have to win against Argentina and hope that Germany can hold on to their second place in Pool A.
England's results and full pool tables can be found on our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.
