Richardson double puts England on verge of Semi Finals
England – bronze medal winners at the recent Champions Trophy in Nottingham – took a giant leap towards claiming a place in the Semi Finals by securing their third win of the tournament, defeating South Africa 2-1. Helen RICHARDSON netted twice to give her side the win, but a strong South Africa surge in the second half saw Pietee COETZEE claim her third goal of the tournament. Despite a brilliant effort from South Africa, England held on to claim all three points in front of a big crowd here in Rosario.
England were certainly the better team in the first half, attacking at will and pinning the South Africa team deep in their own territory for long periods. A number of chances were missed before RICHARDSON’s low, powerful shot from the right of the circle hit the bottom left corner of Mariette RIX’s goal in the 9th minute. Crista CULLEN had a a couple of penalty corner chances to extend England’s advantage, but her low flicks were off target.
South Africa’s Star forward Pietee COETZEE had been kept out of the game for great lengths of the first half, but her influence began to grow during the second period as her team-mates began to find her with their passes. However, RICHARDSON – a player who was in stunning form throughout the match – grabbed England’s second with a perfectly aimed penalty corner deflection from Crista CULLEN’s low flick (48mins). South Africa pulled a goal back when the dangerous COETZEE launched a penalty corner flick inside Beth STORRY’s right post (58mins). The crowd sensed that South Africa could perform a rescue act and began to support their every touch of the ball. However, the England defence held strong to claim all three points and move a step nearer to reaching the last four.
The win moved England to the top of the table ahead of the two remaining Pool B matches that take place later today.
Match 19 – England v South Africa 2-1
> England are still unbeaten after four matches at Rosario 2010 (3 wins – 1 draw).
> If Korea fail to beat Spain later today, England progress to the semi-finals.
> Helen Richardson (ENG) has now scored in back-to-back games, she also scored in the match against Korea.
> This is the first time Richardson scored twice in World Cup match in three World Cup participations.
> Pietie Coetzee (RSA) scored her third PC goal this tournament. At the 2002 World Cup she also netted against England.
> Lisa-Marie Deetlefs (RSA) is the first to collect 2 yellow cards this tournament.
> England converted 1 of 6 penalty corners today.
> South Africa scored 1 of 3 penalty corners in today’s match.
Source: www.worldhockey.org
