Netherlands in the semis, England beat Germany in women's hockey WC

Madrid, Oct 3 (UNI) Hat-tricks by Sylvia Karres and Kim Lammers helped formidable Netherlands maintain their clean slate in the tournament as they trounced China 6-1 in a Pool 'A' match and booked a semi-final berth in the Women's Hockey World Cup here today.

After today's win, their fourth in the competition, the six-time champions topped the pool with 12 points and play their last match against Germany tomorrow.

Karres scored in the 16th, 34th and 42nd minutes while Lammers slammed two goals in the 47th minute and the third in the 66th minutes. Ma Yi Bo scored the lone goal for China in the 58th minute.

In another crucial match in the same pool, Helen Richardson's penalty stroke conversion in the second half shattered German hopes as England scripted an upset win over two-time champions by a solitary goal.

Richardson converted the stroke in the 38th minute after a shot by Lucilla Wright hit a German defender on the goaline.

Despite a late surge by the Germans, England maintained their narrow lead to set up an interesting winner take-all game against Spain tomorrow.

The win brightened England's chances to make it to the semi-finals as they are now in second place with seven points, one point ahead of Germany and Spain, and one match left to play.

The second loss for Germany, who had a slight edge over their rivals in a match which lacked excitement and finesse, would prove costly as they play their last match tomorrow against the Dutch.

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