Aug. 18: Hosts China entered the Olympic women’s field hockey semifinals after holding former champions Australia to a 2-2 draw in a crucial league match here on Monday.

The Chinese, who needed a draw to qualify, overcame a spirited Hockeyroos fightback to finish second in pool A behind the Netherlands.

Both China and Australia finished level on 10 points each, but the home side went through on a superior goal difference of plus-two to qualify for their second successive Olympic semifinal.

In Wednesday’s semi-finals, China take on defending champions and pool B winners Germany, while world number one the Netherlands clash with number two Argentina.

China appeared secure when Li Hongxia scored once in each half to make it 2-0 before the Hockeyroos, the Atlanta and Sydney gold medallists, launched a breathtaking comeback.

The Dutch, meanwhile, ended the league as the only team with five straight wins after beating Spain 2-0 through goals by Maartje Paumen and Ellen Hoog. — AFP