August 19, 2008	Tuesday	Sha’aban 16, 1429

BEIJING, Aug 18: Hosts China entered the Olympic women’s field hockey semi-finals after holding former champions Australia to a tense 2-2 draw in a crucial league match here on Monday.

The Chinese, who needed a draw to qualify, defended stoutly to overcome a spirited Hockeyroos fightback and finish second in Pool ‘A’ behind the Netherlands.

Both China and Australia ended with 10 points each, but the home side went through on a superior goal difference of plus-two to ensure a top four finish for the second successive Olympics.

In Wednesday’s semi-finals, China take on defending champions and Pool ‘B’ winners Germany, while the Netherlands clash with Argentina.

China appeared secure when Li Hongxia scored once in each half to make it 2-0 before the Hockeyroos, the Atlanta and Sydney gold medallists who finished fifth at Athens, launched a breathtaking comeback.

Casey Eastham reduced the margin in the 51st and Sarah Young drew level in the 62nd, but time ran out on the Australians who needed a win to make the semi-finals.

The Dutch, meanwhile, ended the league as the only team with five straight wins after beating Spain 2-0 through goals by Maartje Paumen and Ellen Hoog.

Germany, who defeated the Netherlands in the Athens Games final, topped the other pool with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Japan, their fourth success in five matches.

Argentina overcame a gutsy New Zealand 3-2 in their last match to finish second in Pool ‘B’ behind the Germans.

The South Americans, who needed only a draw to advance to the last four, went into the lead in the 15th minute with Carla Rebecchi’s opener, before Niniwa Roberts drew level for the Kiwis two minutes before the break.

Argentina scored twice in a four-minute burst in the second half through Agustina Garcia and Maria Hernandez, but New Zealand were not ready to give up.

Skipper Elizabeth Igasen narrowed the margin nine minutes before the final whistle, but Argentina hung on for the rest of the game to seal a semi-final spot.

Britain, who were just a point behind Argentina going into their final match, blew their semi-final hopes after being held to a goalless draw by the ever-improving United States.

The US girls finished with one win, three draws and a solitary loss to Germany.

South Korea ended a disappointing campaign with a 5-2 win over South Africa, their lone success in the league. The African side lost all five matches.—AFP