NZ women reach Olympic hockey semis

New Zealand reached the womens Olympic field hockey semifinals for the first time by knocking out Germany, and Britain advanced without hitting a ball when China lost to Japan on Monday.The surprising New Zealanders, who have come last three times in the Olympics, fought for a 0-0 draw, which ensured they finished in the top two of Pool B, leaving Argentina and Australia to fight for the last spot in the last match of the day.World champion Argentina could qualify with a win or draw over three-time Olympic champion Australia, which needed to win. Britain joined the defending champion Netherlands in the semis from Pool A, rendering their pool match late Monday to bragging rights only.China, the Beijing finalist, beat Britain on Saturday to revive its chances and needed another win over winless Japan. But Rika Komazawa was credited with the only goal in a goal-mouth scramble after a penalty corner in the 53rd minute.Germany, the 2004 champion, had to defeat New Zealand by three goals to have a chance of advancing, and had two goals disallowed on video review. Germany and coach Michael Behrmann were frustrated.Its hard to understand that we have eight cameras in HD and in the end there is no advice possible. For me, its unbelievable, Behrmann said.New Zealand had not so much as drawn with Germany in eight years, and only three weeks ago was hammered 5-1 in a friendly. But it has peaked at the right time.I was more anxious than the girls (before the Olympics), New Zealand coach Mark Hager said. But I was listening to a couple of them talking to other people and they were saying, Tell them to settle, were OK, we know where were at, well be right, well switch on when were ready. And true to their word they have.The Black Sticks started and finished better, while Germany dominated around halftime in a match in which the goalkeepers starred: Bianca Russell for New Zealand and Yvonne Frank for Germany. It didnt make for an eye-catching game but Hager didnt care.As I said to the girls, it doesnt matter how you win or draw or get to the semifinals if its ugly its still well and good, he said. Teams have played good hockey in the past and never made it. For this group, I think its fantastic.For Germany, who havent a major tournament medal since 2008, it was more bitter disappointment.We are our biggest opponents, maybe it is mental, said Julia Mueller, who was sin-binned. We have to grow up.Japan goalkeeper Sakiyo Asano was the biggest problem for China in a first half it dominated. But Japan ruled the second spell and the reward came after a third successive penalty corner, when the initial shot was blocked, Aki Mitsuhashis shot was saved, and the rebound rolling toward goal was deflected in for certain by Komazawa.Meanwhile, South Africa beat the United States by a stunning 7-0 for its first win, and consigned the Americans to the 11th-12th playoff.Nobody expected a thrashing. The Americans had won or lost their previous matches by one goal, and conceded only six altogether. South Africa had steadily improved from conceding an opening seven goals to Argentina to just one against Australia.The South Africans had to win by six to rise above the U.S., and led by that much by the 53rd. Tarryn Bright and Pietie Coetzee scored twice each as they earned a playoff for 9th-10th.