A 43rd minute penalty corner goal by Germany's Mandy Haase dashed Australia's chances of overtaking their opponents and grabbing the last remaining semi-final slot in Pool A in the Women's World Cup in Rosario yesterday. The result means that Germany will now play Argentina in Thursday's semi final.
The Netherlands enjoyed a bit of a goalfest against Japan although two goals from Kaori Chiba showed that Japan still had some fight in them. The Dutch scorers were Naomi Van As, Maartje Paumen (2), Lidewij Welton and Kim Lammers. It will come as no surprise to followers of Dutch hockey to hear that Paumen leads the scorers' table with 10 goals (nine from corners), five goals ahead of a block of players on five goals each. Final score in that match, 5-2 to The Netherlands.
New Zealand recorded their first victory of the tournament by beating India 3-0, with goals from Kayla Sharland (2) and Katie Glynn. The game was slightly marred by four yellow cards, two for each side, the highest number in a single match so far in the tournament.
The Dutch victory confirms that they will be playing for a place in the final. The remaining matches are scheduled as follows:
Wednesday 8/9/10 – Rest Day
Thursday 9/9/10:
11th/12th place, Japan v Spain
Semi Final 1, Netherlands v England
Semi Final 2, Argentina v Germany
Friday 10/9/10:
9th/10th place, India v South Africa
7th/8th place, New Zealand v China
5th/6th place, Australia v Korea
Saturday 11/9/10:
Bronze Medal match
Final
