The Netherlands women have continued their winning form with a 2-1 win over China at the Samsung FIH Champions Trophy, which is taking place in Nottingham, England. Earlier in the day, England boosted their chances of a home triumph with a 2-1 triumph over Germany, while Argentina found form to crush New Zealand 4-0. Reports of each match can be found below.
New Zealand defeated by improving Argentina
Argentina showed greatly improved form with a crushing 4-0 win over the youthful New Zealand Black Sticks in the first match of Day 3 here in Nottingham. Before today's match, Las Leonas had only claimed one point from their opening two matches of the tournament, putting their dream of winning a third consecutive Champions Trophy tournament in serious jeopardy. However, Argentina showed great form in the second half to score four unanswered goals to re-ignite their hopes of success here in Nottingham.
The first half was evenly contested, although Argentina certainly had the better of the chances in the circle. New Zealand goalkeeper Bianca RUSSELL was in top form for her team, making a number of outstanding saves to ensure that the scores remained level at half time.
Argentina stepped up their game considerably in the second half, and deservedly took the lead in the 42nd minute when Delfina MERINO scored from close range following a superb pass from Carla REBECCHI. Argentina went in search of further goals, and netted a second when Noel BARRIONUEVO scored from a penalty corner in the 54th minute before brilliant open play strikes from Luciana AYMAR (FG 65m) and Daniela SRUOGA (FG 68m) sealed the win.
Richardson double lifts England
Midfielder Helen RICHARDSON was the star of the show as England claimed a 2-1 victory over Germany. RICHARDSON scored two virtually identical penalty corner deflections to give her side a 2-1 victory which moves England up to second in the Samsung FIH Champions Trophy league table.
Germany had a first half penalty corner goal from Tina BACHMANN ruled out by the video umpire before RICHARDSON delighted the home crowd with a diving finish in the 24th minute. Germany grabbed an equaliser in the 61st minute when Natascha KELLER fired home a penalty corner re-bound, which stood despite another video umpire referral from England. However, England's victory was assured when RICHARDSON scored her second of the game in the 64th minute to give her side a memorable triumph.
Paumen shines as Netherlands beat China
Penalty corner star Maartje PAUMEN scored twice to help The Netherlands fight back from a goal down to defeat China 2-1. The win ensures that The Netherlands remain the only team in the tournament with a 100 % win record, with three victories from their three matches.
China took an early lead in the match through star striker FU Baorong who created space for herself in the circle before finding the bottom left corner of the Netherlands goal with a well placed push past goalkeeper Joyce SOEMBROEK (FG 5m). China frustrated the World Number 1 team with some outstanding defensive play, with goalkeeper ZHANG Yimeng impressing with a number of top class saves. The Olympic champions found an equaliser in the 43rd minute thanks to a typically powerful Maartje PAUMEN penalty corner to tie the scores at 1-1. PAUMEN struck again eleven minutes from time with another blistering penalty corner to win the match, making it a happy day for Wieke DIJKSTRA (100 caps), Janneke SCHOPMAN (200 caps) and Minke SMEETS-SMABERS (300 Caps) who all reached international appearance milestones today.
For more information about the tournament, please visit http://www.samsungchampionstrophy2010.sportcentric.com/
