Japan beat US 1-0 to finish fifth in World Cup

MADRID, Oct 7 (Reuters) Japan claimed a best ever fifth-place finish in the women's hockey World Cup when they beat the United States 1-0 in a playoff match in Madrid today.

Japan forward Kaori Chiba scored the winner five minutes into the second half to earn the Asian side a place at the elite six-team Champions Trophy in Argentina in January.

The team's previous best World Cup finish was sixth in the 1978 edition which was also held in Madrid.

Japan made the playoff thanks to a 2-0 victory over England on Friday, while the United States, who finish sixth overall, defeated Olympic champions Germany 1-0.

The final takes place tomorrow with five-times winners Netherlands taking on Australia, while hosts Spain meet 2002 champions Argentina in the match to decide the bronze medal.

Reuters PDS GC2231