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Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Cullen Strikes Sinks China


Crista Cullen continued her free-scoring form as Great Britain beat Olympic silver medallists China to progress second through the group stages at the women's hockey Champions Trophy in Rosario.


Cullen took her tournament tally to five goals in three games with a penalty corner double while Ashleigh Ball also scored in the 3-1 victory.


Danny Kerry's side - who beat Japan and drew with world number one side Holland in their other matches - will now face the third place team from Pool B on Thursday.

“It was a very, very tough game," said Kerry.

"We covered a lot of distance out there. I know we can play better but it’s a good result against the Olympic silver medallists.

“I think we have been consistent over the first three matches, especially in hot conditions. This was better and we could attack more and overall I’m reasonably happy with the three matches.

“We should have scored more and equally China could scored more. It was close. Where we came in the group was always up to us and not reliant on anyone else.”

Great Britain - who play as England in non-Olympic years - have never won hockey's third most prestigious tournament, with a third place in Nottingham two years ago their best previous performance.

However, recent matches - including a friendly win over world champions Argentina - mean they are looking ahead with confidence.

“We know we can play better and hopefully we can show this as the tournament progresses," added captain Kate Walsh.

Cullen netted from her first penalty corner after just five minutes, threading the ball through Chinese goalkeeper Zhang Liu's legs.

She waited until after the break to add a deflected second before Fu Baorong reduced the deficit.

But just as China looked to have found a way back into contention, a moment of excellence from Chloe Rogers set up Ball for the decisive strike.

Carrying the ball in along the right baseline, midfielder Rogers drew the goalkeeper before confidently flicking it over her. As it came down, the audacious chip looked to be heading over the line until the intervention of Yibo Ma. 

However, Ma’s clearance was momentary as Ball followed up to strike an upright reverse stick shot home.