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. "I am glad I did it because we certainly did not want to settle for a draw," said Kuehn. "There are a lot of hard matches ahead."
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.
Resurgent 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 number five 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.
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