Netherlands 0 drew Germany 0

With four wins from as many matches and a high goal difference, the Netherlands were nearly assured of top spot in Pool A, but faced a German team eager to redeem themselves for a poor showing so far in the competition, explained in part by the injury to Nadine Ernsting-Krienke in their first game.

The Netherlands had the early domination and the first scoring opportunity, with Eefke Mulder batting a penalty corner rebound just wide, but the game settled in a balanced contest without much intensity.

The Dutch occupied the space around the pitch efficiently, cutting the German attacks and forcing frequent turnovers.

There were no real scoring chances at either end, until the last minute of the half when Minke Booij’s penalty corner shot nearly hit the target.

The second half resumed with a diving deflection from Sylvia Karres that rolled just wide of the left post.

Neither team could take control of the game and the crowd only had sporadic opportunities to cheer in cold and windy conditions

Germany increased their pressure in the last 10 minutes of the match and earned a series of penalty-corners but could not capitalise.

Despite two more penalty-corners after full-time, the game ended at 0-0.

Japan 3 defeated South Africa 0
Goals: JPN – Komori Tomori FG 3m PC 29m, Keiko Miura PC 9m

With Japan needing to win by two goals to reach the classification match for positions 5-8, they went on a first half scoring spree before coasting to a 3-0 win against South Africa.

The necessary margin of victory was taken care of in the opening 10 minutes as Japan punced on loose South Afrocan marking to open their winning lead.

Despite South Africa having an overwhelming dominance in possession and territory throughout the match, they were barely able to penetrate Japan’s defensive circle let alone produce any worthwhile scoring shots.

The match was decided by half time with Japan leading by their eventual winning margin of 3-0.

Two goals to Komori Tomori - a field goal and penalty corner - were split by Keiko Miura’s strike from the set piece as Japan made the most of their limited entries into the circle to punish their opponents for ineffective defence.

The second half was played almost exclusively in South Africa’s attacking zone but they were only able to create one half chance – a weak flick from an acute angle on the left – as Japan had little trouble setting a solid defensive wall around their circle.

South Africa now play China in the 9-12 crossover match, while Japan will meet either England or Spain in the playoffs for positions 5-8.

China 1 defeated India 0

Goals: CHN – Fu Bao Rong FG 25mn

There was no chance for either team to escape the bottom tear of pool B. They produced an uninspired performance with frequent giveaways and imprecise passes.

The Chinese goal came from Fu Bao Rong in the 25th minute when she received the ball unmarked in the circle and left no chance to the Indian keeper from close range. The Indian displayed more speed and creativity, but only managed to produce one dangerous scoring opportunity by Jasjeet Kaur Handa early in the second half. She ran through the Chinese defense and unleashed a powerful shot that had the Chinese keeper beaten but hit the outside of the post.

After a dull encounter, China earned their first points of the competition, but without redeeming themselves for their uncharacteristically poor start to the tournament.

USA 1 defeated Korea 0
Goals: Kate Barber PC 31m

USA will play off for the middle bracket of positions after a controlled 1-0 win over Korea on pitch two.

Entering the match, USA needed only a draw to advance ensure they finished, were the enterprising and physical than their opponents and opening the scoring four minute before half time when Kate Barber latched onto a loose ball in mid circle.

Korea’s counter attacking ability has given most  teams problems all tournament but USA was able to limit their effectiveness with USA’s hard work and quick play making sure that the match was a high-tempo affair.

Korea will now surprisingly contest the matches to decide the bottom four places after entering the tournament with many expecting them to challenge strongly for the semi finals.

However the improvement of teams like USA made their task extremely difficult and they paid for a lack of scoring options despite their dashing style of play.

Australia 3 defeated Argentina 0

Goals: AUS – Wendy Beattie FG 10mn, PC 28mn, Sarah Taylor PC 52mn

In a game that would establish the hierarchy at the top of pool B, Australia quickly took control of the proceedings after a spectacular shot from Wendy Beattie. With Argentina running after the score, the first half was an entertaining attacking affair with chances at both ends. Australia did the break in the 28th mn on a penalty corner when Wendy Beattie redirected into goal the initial shot of Angie Skirving.

This triggered a late flurry of Argentinean attacks, with Soledad Garcia displaying her exceptional skills on three occasions to mystify the Australian defense, but without managing to finally put the ball in the net.

Argentina started the second half on a high tempo to come back in the game. They obtained a series of penalty-corners but could not convert them. Australia calmly absorbed the pressure until Sarah Taylor scored another goal on a penalty corner, batting the ball high in the net after the first shot then the first attempt at the rebound were stopped by the Argentinean keeper.

With the game result somewhat beyond doubt, the intensity diminished but the game remained entertaining. Argentina kept pushing but failed to score a consolation goal, leaving the score at 3-0 for Australia. With the win, Australia will meet Spain in the semi-final, while the other semi-final will be a remake of the 2002 World Cup Final between The Netherlands and Argentina.