Britain set up final against Argentina

Rosario, Argentina – Goals from Sarah Thomas and Ashleigh Bell in a 2-0 win over Germany put Great Britain into the final of the women's Champions Trophy here on Saturday.

In Sunday's showdown they will play hosts Argentina who squeezed through 2-0 on penalties after finishing level 2-2 in the other semi-final against the Netherlands.

Playing in a stifling heat, the British team dominated their German opponents and scored through Thomas after 12 minutes on their first penalty corner of the match.

As soon as the second half started, Bell doubled the lead as she deflected the ball into the goal on Britain's second penalty corner.

It is the first time that a British side has reached the final of the Champions Trophy and comes at a time of increased tensions between London and Buenos Aires over the Falkland Islands.

“In the first half we created many options and were able to score, that made the difference,” said British coach Danny Kerr.

“We knew that in the second half, they will attack and go for us, and we were ready for it. But we could stop them and control the match.

“I’m in this team since 2004 and I’m proud of these girls. We went through many good and bad things together.”

Argentina had Noel Barrionuevo to thank for keeping them alive against the Dutch as she scored to equalise at 2-2 with just 86 seconds left in regulation time.

The World Champions then stole through to the final on penalties 2-0 with conversions from Rocio Sanchez Moore and Luciana Aymar, knocking out the reigning Olympic and Champions Trophy champions in the process.

It is the sixth year in a row that Argentina have reached the final of the Champions Trophy.

“Both teams played very well. I think today’s match was won by the intelligence. Both teams had moments where they controlled the match,” Aymar said. – Sapa-AFP