Rosario (Argentina): Australia defeated South Korea 2-1 on Friday (10th September) to claim fifth place in the Women's Hockey World Cup in Argentina. In other playoff games, New Zealand defeated China 3-0 for seventh place whilst India beat South Africa 4-3 to claim ninth.
India took on South Africa for the battle for ninth place in the Hockey World Cup. The Indians swept into a 2-1 lead thanks to two strikes from Rani Rampal - her sixth and seventh of a productive tournament - but Vida Ryan equalled the scores for the African side. Saba Anjum then restored India's lead with a strike from a penalty corner before Jaseet Handa showed skill in the D to fire in India's fourth. Pietie Coetzee scored a third for South Africa but it was too little too late as India held out for a 4-3 win and ninth place.
There was some consolation for South Africa - 10th place was its best finish since 1998 when they finished seventh.
New Zealand took on China for seventh spot. Krystal Forgesson opened the scoring for the Kiwi's after she showed power to lose a player on the edge of the D, before firing in a low shot.
New Zealand were dominant and there was little surprise when Charlotte Harrison dived full length to double the score. Clarissa Eshuis added a third as the game approached full time to wrap up a 3-0 win and seventh place - the 'Black Sticks' best finish in a World Cup or Olympics.
Australia took on South Korea for fifth place. The Koreans took the lead in sensational style. With a player closing her down there seemed little on for Kim Young-ran, but she flicked the ball over the approaching player's stick before shooting powerfully home.
Australia seemed shocked but 10 minutes later they were level when Casey Eastham showed tenacity at a penalty corner to score from close range.
And the turnaround was complete in the 68th minute when Nicole Arrold powered in from another penalty corner. It ended 2-1 to the Australians as they took fifth - a good end to what has been a disappointing tournament for the former champions. AP
