Beijing, Aug. 16: Former champions Australia were set for a tough Chinese challenge after world number one the Netherlands cruised into the semifinals of the Olympic Games field hockey on Saturday. The Dutch girls became the first team to advance to the last four when they beat the Hockeyroos 2-1 for their fourth successive win in pool A.

Penalty corner specialist Maartje Paumen struck once in each half to seal the Dutch victory after Sarah Young had given Australia the lead in the 17th minute. The defeat left Australia tied in second place with hosts China, their rivals in Monday’s crucial last league match which will lift the winner into the semi-finals. Australia’s Young said the reverse against the Dutch hurt, but was confident the side would regroup in time for the China clash.

“The loss is not a huge setback but we do have our heads down,” she said. “China have the home crowd to back them and they have practiced a lot more on this turf than anyone else. I think we need at least a draw against them and we will be ready.” China drew level with Australia on nine points with a stunning 6-1 demolition of Asian rivals South Korea in which Tang Chunling and Fu Baorong both slammed hat-tricks. Meanwhile, world number two Argentina roared back into form with a 4-0 win over defending champions Germany that threw open the semifinal race in pool B.