Women's Hockey World Cup: Dutch reach semi-finals

Kim Lammers scored a dramatic winning goal two minutes from time as Netherlands beat Germany 2-1 in Pool A to reach the semi-finals of the women's hockey World Cup Sunday.

The Dutch, who have reached the last four in 11 of 12 World Cups, are on course for a possible final against hosts Argentina, the only other team on maximum points.

Argentina, whose captain Luciana Aymar scored what exultant local media described as a Diego Maradona type goal after a mazy run in Saturday's win against China, lead pool B by two points from England, who have also qualified for the semi-finals.

Germany will play Australia for the other semi-final berth from Pool A after the Hockeyroos joined them on nine points from four matches with a 4-1 win over New Zealand.

The Germans took the lead against the Dutch after only three minutes with a field goal by Maike Stoeckel and led 1-0 at halftime.

Penalty corner specialist Maartje Paumen equalised for the Dutch two minutes into the second half, taking her tournament tally to eight, before the last-gasp effort from Lammers.

Australia went down early to New Zealand when Krystal Forgesson grabbed her fifth goal of the tournament.

Kobie McGurk equalised with a penalty corner goal after 12 minutes and Australia settled the match with three field goals in the final 13 minutes, two of them from Ashleigh Nelson.

India won their first points in four matches when they beat Japan 2-0. Their opening goal was scored by 15-year-old Rani Rampal, who took her tournament tally to five.