[img_assist|nid=5303|title=Corner goal|desc=Crista Cullen gave GB the lead against the Netherlands but the Dutch fought back to win 2-1 – hockeyimages.co.uk|link=node|align=left|width=220|height=146]LONDON, August 6 – Great Britain crashed to their second straight defeat of the 2012 Olympic Games women’s hockey tournament but have secured a semi-final place as other results in the pool fell their way.
The home side went into their clash with world number one ranked side the Netherlands knowing a semi-final spot was secured. The 2-1 loss however sets up a potentially more difficult semi-final match with world champions Argentina.
Great Britain took the lead with their only corner of the first half, duly despatched by Crista Cullen in the 29th minute.
The Dutch almost scored from the restart, and from the ensuing penalty corner, Beth Storry made an excellent save, again low and stick side, from Maartje Paumen. Paumen’s goal drought at the London 2012 games continues. The top-scorer in Beijing (11 goals) is yet to score here in London.
The second half belonged to the Dutch with first a back-to-injector corner goal (43 mins) then a Kitty va Male nudge in at the far post (52).
GB coach Danny Kerry was not impressed. “We were very passive in the second half, passive and edgy. If we are passive in the semi-final it is not going to be good.
“At the moment I am just very disapponted with the level of performance today. We are better than that,” Kerry said.
China, who beat Great Britain 2-1 in their previous pool game, lost 1-0 to Japan, opening the semi-final door for the hosts.
