Australia and China will fight it out for second position in pool A, while Germany, Argentina, Great Britain and the United States all stand a chance to progress to the semifinals of the Women's Hockey competition from pool B at the Olympic Hockey Green Stadium on Monday.
The first match of pool A will kick off between the Republic of Korea and South Africa. The two teams are both without a point in the competition and both teams will go all out to win this game to avoid finishing at the bottom of pool A.
The Republic of Korea has the worst defensive record in the competition, conceding 16 goals in four matches, but they will be relying on their forward line to win this match. They have never lost to South Africa and will be determined to keep this record intact.
The Netherlands will compete with Spain in pool A. The Netherlands will not take this match too lightly as they try to maintain the momentum going into the semifinals. Coach Marc Lammers will have the option to give the less experienced players more game time in this match.
Spain recorded back-to-back wins against the Republic of Korea and South Africa and will try to cause an upset in this match.
China will meet Australia to conclude the matches of the day. This match will promise to produce an exciting contest as both teams go all out for a win.
A draw will see China through to the semifinals on goal difference and will be banking on the home crowd's support.
Australia have won nine out of the 14 times they've played China, and the last time the teams played each other in the 2008 Champions Trophy, it ended in a 3-3 draw.
The first match will be held between Germany and Japan in pool B. A win will put Germany in pole position of the pool, but a draw will be enough to see them through to the semifinals, if Great Britain fails to win their match against the United States.
Japan was unlucky to lose its last game against Great Britain in the final seconds and will try to salvage some pride by producing a good result in this match.
Great Britain will play the United States in pool B. Great Britain, with seven points, will qualify for the semifinals if they win this match, provided that either Germany or Argentina fail to win their respective matches. The US team will qualify for the semifinals if they win this match, provided that Argentina loses to New Zealand. The US team will also need to have a better goal difference than Argentina.
This match promises to be a very physical encounter, as this will be the most important match for both teams in the competition.
Argentina will face New Zealand. Argentina proved that they have recovered from their slow start in the competition with a 4-0 win against Germany in their last game. Argentina should have no problems getting a win in this game to ensure their qualification to the semifinals.
New Zealand is rooted at the bottom of pool B and will hope to finish the game with a respectable scoreline.
(Beijing 2008.cn August 18, 2008 )