BEIJING, Aug 12: Anke Kuehn’s last-gasp goal helped reigning champions Germany gain full points as the top contenders struggled in the Olympic women’s field hockey on Tuesday.

The Germans were given a fright by spirited New Zealand, who led through a Krystal Forgesson goal till the last 11 minutes before the champions bounced back by striking twice.

Katharina Scholz drew level in the 59th minute and Kuehn slammed in a penalty corner two minutes before the final whistle to give Germany their second successive win in Pool ‘B’.

South Korea equalised twice against the Netherlands before the world champions squeezed out a 3-2 win in pool A through Maartje Paumen’s second penalty corner goal in the 55th minute.

Australia fought back to whip Spain 6-1 and world number two Argentina and Japan were held to embarrassing draws as the race for the semi-finals hotted up.

The Hockeyroos, who on Sunday came from 1-4 down to stun the Korean girls 5-4, regrouped once again after being a goal down in the sixth minute to win the Pool ‘A’ match.

Argentina, fresh from their Champions Trophy win ahead of the Games, suffered a second setback in three days when Britain overcame a 0-2 deficit to force a 2-2 draw in Pool ‘B’.

Argentina, who were held 2-2 by the United States on Sunday, must now win their three remaining games to stay in the hunt for the semi-finals.

The 11th-ranked US team continued to surprise themselves and their opponents by drawing 1-1 with world No 5 Japan in Pool ‘B’, captain Kate Barber equalising Kaori Chiba’s early goal.

Hosts China followed their 3-0 win over Spain with an identical win over South Africa, but must still beat pool favourites Australia and the Netherlands for a place in the semi-finals.

Australia, stunned by a sixth minute goal from Spain’s Silvia Munoz, drew level before half-time through Angela Lambert, sparking a breathtaking display by her team in the second session.

Veteran Nicole Hudson and Casey Eastham made it 3-1 before the Hockeyroos smashed three goals in the last 10 minutes through Lambert, Emily Halliday and Megan Rivers.

Agustina Garcia and Alejandra Gulla put Argentina ahead with two penalty corner conversions in the first half, before the British girls struck back.

Britain, who lost 5-1 to Germany on Sunday, drew level with two penalty corners of their own in the second session through Sarah Thomas and Mel Clewlow.—AFP