ROSARIO (Argentina), Sept 10 Hosts Argentina and the Netherlands advanced to the women's field hockey World Cup final with narrow semi-final triumphs here on Thursday.

The Dutch defeated England 4-3 on penalty strokes after extra time failed to break a 1-1 deadlock while Argentina defeated Germany 2-1.

Germany lost key defender Julia Mueller to a hip injury the second minute of the match, allowing Argentina to take advantage of German defensive struggles.

Argentina ace Luciana Aymar punished a Germany defensive lapse at the top of the circle, created space for herself and drove inside the left post for Argentina's first goal in the opening half.

Soledad Garcia created Argentina's second goal late in the second half, skirting the left backline to shoot into the pads of Germany goalkeeper Kristina Reynolds and Rosario Luchetti batted in the rebound.

Argentina earned 5 penalty corners but converted none, although that did not worry Argentina coach Retegui.

In the earlier semi-final, Kim Lammers slotted the last stroke just inside the left post to put the Netherlands into the final.

Japan defeated Spain 2-1 to take the 11th place in the showpiece event.

Results

Semi-finals

Netherlands 1 England 1
(Netherlands win 4-3 on penalty strokes)
Argentina 2 Germany 1

11th-12th place match
Japan 2 Spain 1
—AFP