THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) The Netherlands women secured a semifinals berth at the field hockey World Cup when they held off a strong challenge from Australia and won 2-0 on late goals from Kim Lammers and Naomi van As on Saturday.
Australia looked the better side in the first half, but failed to crack Dutch goalkeeper Joyce Sombroek. In the second, the Dutch were dangerous but too until the 57th to break the deadlock, when Lammers connected with a sharp cross from Kelly Jonker.
Moments later, Van As collected the ball in the circle with her back to the goal, spun free, and ran around several defenders before slapping the ball between the legs of Australia `keeper Ashlee Wells.
Australia, second in the group, faces New Zealand for a place in the semis on Monday.
In the men's tournament, defending champion Australia dispatched England 5-0 - with goals from five different players - including a flashy shot moments before halftime. Mark Knowles lifted the ball into the air from midfield and an unmarked Kieran Govers met it at the circle line and shunted the ball, still airborne, into the goal.
Australia was assured of a semifinals spot.
Belgium beat Spain 5-2, and India beat Malaysia 3-2. Belgium and England meet on Monday for the second semis spot.
In other women's matches, Park Mihyun and Cheon Eunbi scored twice each as South Korea came from behind to beat Belgium 4-2, and New Zealand beat Japan 4-1, with two goals from Anita Punt.
