Dutch move into semis at women’s World Cup

ROSARIO, ARGENTINA: The Netherlands qualified for the semi-finals from Pool A at the women’s field hockey World Cup with a close 2-1 win over Germany. India also had a successful run as they defeated Japan 2-0, and Australia beat New Zealand 4-1.

Germany started the first half with a goal by Maike Stoeckel inside the left post. Maartje Paumen failed to convert two penalty corner chances for Netherlands in the first half but opened the second half with an interchange with Minke Smeets to flick in off Germany goal-keeper Kristina Reynolds.

Netherlands made the winning goal two minutes from time as Naomi van As set up Kim Lammers to make an easy push into goal.

India win

India’s new golden girl, 16-year-old Rani Rampal helped them upset Japan 2-0 as she scored India’s first goal, a deft push from near the top of the circle inside the right post. Jaseet Handa converted India’s second penalty corner into goal in the second half.

Kiwis limp out

New Zealand were on the scoreboard early in the first half as passes from Stacey Carr to Charlotte Harrison set up Krystal Forgesson to slot in from close range. Kobie McGurk converted Australia’s first penalty corner to equalise.

Australia put the game out of New Zealand’s reach late in the second half with three similar goals, scoring rebounds off New Zealand goal-keeper Beth Jurgeleit’s pads. Ashleigh Nelson scored twice and Shelly Liddelow once for the final score of 4-1.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2010.