Thu, Jun 30, 2011 page20

• Koreans and Kiwis into Champions Trophy last four

  • AFP, AMSTERDAM
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  South Korea and New Zealand did enough on Tuesday to qualify for the women’s Champions Trophy semi-finals, joining Argentina and the Netherlands.

  South Korea ground out a 1-1 draw with top-ranked Argentina, who have won the last three editions, while New Zealand held the Netherlands to a scoreless draw.

  South Korea controlled the tempo of their game throughout, Park Mi-hyun breaking through to score with a drive past experienced Argentina goalkeeper Marian Succi toward the end of the first half.

  

  Netherlands’ Eva de Goede, left, challenges New Zealand goalkeeper Bianca Russell during their match at the Champions Trophy field hockey tournament in Amsterdam on Tuesday.

  Photo: Reuters

  South Korea then shut up shop knowing that a draw would be good enough to see them into the final four.

  They held on almost up to the final whistle when Daniela Sruoga equalized for Las Leonas, scrambling in a rebound off the pads of South Korea goalkeeper Moon Young-hui.

  “The players did what I asked of them which was to get into the semi-final pool and I am satisfied with a draw against the world champions,” South Korea coach Lim Heung-sin said.

  STONEWALLING

  Argentina coach Carlos Retegui, however, was less enthusiastic about the single-minded stonewalling tactics of the opposition.

  “By playing for a draw in the second half, Korea come into the semi-final pool. We played to put on a good show, but how could we when all Korea wanted to do was draw,” he said.

  New Zealand had the better of the first half against the -Netherlands, but the Black Sticks were unable to convert any of their six shots on goal.

  The Netherlands changed tactics in the second half, controlled the midfield and earned two penalty corners, but they were unable to break the deadlock against a Kiwi team that is steadily improving.

  “Everyone should be aware that New Zealand can play very well and are a threat,” Netherlands coach Max Caldas said.

  There was another goalless draw between England and China, who both missed out on a place in the semi-final pool.

  LONE VICTOR

  Australia were the only side to manage a victory, defeating Germany 1-0 through Jodie Schulz’s low-flick conversion of their sixth penalty corner late in the second half.

  Germany hit the post in the last 10 seconds, but veteran Natascha Keller could not reach the rebound.

  “We moved the ball quickly and the players used their speed to link on angles with one another, so I think today we took it to another level than previous games — we are building nicely,” Australia coach Adam Commens said.

  Yesterday was a rest day in the tournament, followed by the start of the second set of pools today.

  In the semi-final group, New Zealand meet South Korea and the Netherlands play Argentina. The top two sides in this pool will meet in the final.

  The bottom four teams will battle it out for fifth to eighth.
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