Britain tie with Netherlands, but miss two penalty strokes

ROSARIO — Britain drew 2-2 with Netherlands in group A of the Women's Champions Trophy, but they were outplayed in the first half and when the Dutch were 2-0 ahead at the break the match seemed to be resolved. But in a more even second half with Britain dominating in the last 20 minutes, they equalized and failed with two penalty strikes.

This leaves both teams as group leaders, with Britain leading on goals by one.

Naomi van As put the Dutch ahead after seven minutes, while their defence blocked attempts by the British to enter the circle. Britain gained their first penalty corner after 27 minutes which was foot-stopped, but Kate Walsh sent the penalty stroke wide. Immediately after the Britons had a few more chances, but Netherlands soon went back into attack and their leading scorer Kim Lammers made it 2-0.

The second half was more even and Britain managed the rhythm better in the intense heat,

specially nearer the end. Crista Cullen finally managed to break through the Dutch defence to make it 2-1 in 41 minutes and after 58 minutes she had a chance to equalize when awarded another penalty stoke, but Joyce Sombroek saved it. Cullen made partial amends two minutes later however when she equalized from a penalty corner. Three minutes later Britain, now constantly attacking, almost went ahead when a Dutch defender cleared a shot off the empty goal line.

The Dutch had six penalty corners (against five) during the game and goalkeeper Abi Walker made some very good saves which left Netherlands ' penalty corner scorer Maartje Paumen still without a penalty corner goal in this tournament. (In penalty corner goals she trailed leading Champions Trophy scorer Noel Barrionuevo of Argentina, who has 20, before last night's late game.)

After the game, British coach Danny Kerry said it was outrageous that two of the world's top teams

should have to play in almost 40ºC and it was wrong by the organizers to play their group in the worst heat every day, while Argentina's group always plays later in the evening and at least matches of the two groups should be mixed. (This reporter thoroughly agrees from the sporting point of view).

In the other group A match, China and Japan each dominated one half — Japan the first, but it was China who took the lead in 14 minutes through Yudiao Zhao after the Japanese complained it had been with a back stick, but the video umpire verdict went against them. Rita Komazawa equalized after penalty corner play in 25 minutes.

In the second half, China put more pressure, missed some chances and Jiaojiao De gained the deserved winner for the team's first points with 10 minutes to go.

After today's rest day, Netherlands play Japan and Great Britain face China to complete group A play, again at 12.30 and 3pm respectively.