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| Maike Stockel (R) of Germany is blocked by Mai
Shaoyan (L) and Zhou Wanfeng of China during their women's field
hockey Champions Trophy match in the Argentine city of Rosario,
November 9, 2004. [Reuters] |
Women's field hockey Olympic champions Germany saw off a spirited China
side beating them 2-1 in the Champions Trophy.
A double from Nadine Ernsting-Krienke in the first-half was enough and
despite China striking early in the second period through Gao Lihua the
Germans held on.
Victory maintained Germany's 100 percent record
with three wins from three matches though the Netherlands can join them on
nine points later on Tuesday when they take
on
New Zealand, who like China have just one point.
Ernsting-Krienke struck early for the Germans hitting home in the
fourth minute from a free strike and made it 2-0 seconds from the
half-time whistle on a rapid counter-attack which caught the Chinese
defence napping.
 However the Chinese refused to fold and Gao deservedly reduced
the deficit in the 48th minute as she fired home after the initial shot
from a free corner rebounded off German keeper Yvonne Frank.
The Chinese sought desperately for an equalizer but the extra physical
edge to the Germans game saw their hopes dashed.
China will hope they can record their first win of the tournament on
Thursday when they play the once mighty Australia, who have no points from
their first two matches and who take on hosts Argentina later on Tuesday.
Germany next play New Zealand on Thursday.
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2004-11-10 09:06