(Updates with later matches)
By Annika Breidthardt
LONDON Aug 6 (Reuters) – Argentina are two matches away
from fulfilling their skipper’s dream of Olympic gold and from
holding all three major international hockey titles, after
fighting their way to the top of their group with a goalless
draw against Australia.
In their semifinal on Wednesday, Argentina will meet
Britain, who qualified despite losing 2-1 to the Netherlands,
thanks to a 1-0 Japanese victory over China.
Titleholders the Netherlands, who finished top of their
group without dropping a point, will play against New Zealand, a
side in their first Olympic semifinal.
“Losing to the United States (earlier this week) made us
stronger,” said Argentine skipper Luciana Aymar, a record
seven-time world player of the year who has won every major
title but Olympic gold.
Aymar, whose team are world champions and champions trophy
titleholders, plans to retire after London.
“Now it’s step by step, I’m only thinking of the semifinal.”
Australia was dominant in the first 15 minutes but for all
their possession they found no way to break through Argentina’s
defence or force serious chances on goal.
Continued…
