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Hockey World Cup: More woe for England women after last-gasp defeat

England's Ashleigh Ball and Argentina's Florencia Habif battle for the ball
Image: England's Ashleigh Ball and Argentina's Florencia Habif battle for the ball

The misery continued for England's women in the hockey World Cup as they were beaten by Argentina in the last second of the match.

It means they've now lost all four pool games so far in the tournament in the Netherlands.

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England started well and took the lead after seven minutes as Alex Danson tucked home but went into the break at 1-1.

Argentina levelled through a minute of quality from livewire midfielder, Delfina Merino, whose first fierce shot was saved by Maddie Hinch, but the England 'keeper was unable to recover quickly enough to prevent Merino pouncing on the rebound for the equaliser.

The match had 50 seconds left when England conceded a penalty corner. Hinch saved the first strike, but the ball hit a foot and Argentina had a second bite of the cherry. This time Carla Rebecchi was on hand to guide the ball home and once again England were left rueing missed opportunities.

I just don't think luck is going our way. We played well for large parts of that game, but we just could't finish.
Sam Quek

Sam Quek summed up her team-mates' feelings, saying: "I just don't think luck is going our way. We played well for large parts of that game, but we just could't finish. It has been the same in every game. This has been a huge learning curve for us, but one that we will come back stronger from."

The USA top Pool B after a 4-1 win over Germany and they and Argentina are expected to progress to the semi-finals.

Mathematically, China could still qualify after they held off a comeback from South Africa to win 4-3 although their much inferior goal difference makes it unlikely.

Argentina men close in

In the men's competition, Argentina now just need a point from their final pool match to secure their semi-final place after they thrashed South Korea 5-0.

Elsewhere, Germany beat New Zealand 5-3 to move level with their opponents and that means both teams' qualification is now out of their hands.

Group B leaders The Netherlands thrashed South Africa 7-1 to take a semi-final spot.

Men's Group B: New Zealand 3 Germany 5, South Korea 0 Argentina 5, South Africa 1 Netherlands 7

Women's Group B: USA 4 Germany 1, England 1 Argentina 2, China 4 South Africa 3

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