Kiwi eves qualify for medal pool

The Kiwis ended the preliminary league with seven points from four matches. They had earlier defeated China, drew with Germany and lost to The Netherlands.

China have six points with a game in hand against South Africa. The Dutch and German girls are tied with four points and play each other in the last match on Friday.

Erdoitza Goikoetxea scored the match-winner for Spain with a penalty corner five minutes into the second session, giving them their first win in the tournament after two drawn games.

With five points in the bag, Spain need only a draw in their last match against Great Britain on Friday to advance to the medal pool round from Group A.

Argentina and defending champions Australia are already assured of the other two places in the next round from the Group.

The Argentine girls, returning to the Olympics after 12 years, finished their league engagements with six points. They had earlier beaten South Korea and Britain and forced a draw on Australia.

The two Groups send three teams each to the medal pool league, after which the top two will clash for the gold medal and the next two for the bronze.