Torrential rain in Rosario disrupted proceedings for a second time yesterday (Friday) as the 5th to 10th place positions were decided in the Women's World Cup.
India improved two places on their 2006 result in a close match against South Africa, with Rani Rampal again the star for India. The match went into half time at 2-2, thanks to goals from Rampal and goals for South Africa by Lesle-Ann George and Vida Ryan. The second half was only two minutes old when Saba Anjum found the net from a penalty corner and India increased their lead when Jasseet Kaur Handa scored their fourth. South Africa had an opportunity to get back into contention but their goal was disallowed after a video appeal when it was seen that the ball had been played high above the shoulder. But South Africa's corner striker, Pietie Coetzee, managed to pull one back for South Africa, and the game ended on 4-3 to India. India finish the tournament in 9th place.
It had started raining during the India v South Africa match, but the heavens opened shortly afterwards causing a two hour delay as the pitch flooded.
China, ranked third in the world, finish in a disappointing 8th place after being beaten 3-0 by New Zealand. New Zealand, whose scorers were Krystal Forgeson, Charlotte Harrison and Clarissa Eshuis, should be reasonably satisfied with a 7th place finish.
The once great Australians were rocked when Korea took a 22nd minute lead against them for the 5th place. But a penalty corner goal late in each half, the first from Casey Eastham and the second from Nicole Arrold, gave them a 2-1 win. Australia was the losing finalists in 2006.
The big match for English fans today will be the game between England and Germany for the bronze medals. England's performances against Germany in the Champions Trophy in Nottingham will give England hope that a win is there for the asking. The 3rd/4th place match will be followed by the final, Argentina v The Netherlands.
