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Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014: England Women lose to South Africa

England women's hockey
Image: England's players trudge off after defeat by South Africa

England Women slumped to a third successive defeat in the Hockey World Cup, their 4-1 loss to South Africa ending any hopes of making the semi-finals in Holland.

England went into the tournament ranked as the world's third-best side but have now lost to China (seventh), surprise package United States (10th) and South Africa (11th).

England are point-less at the bottom of Group B with title-holders Argentina and European champions Germany still to play.

The University of Birmingham's Lily Owsley hit the post in only the third minute but individual mistakes led to South Africa's two first-half goals with Zoe Shipperley and goalkeeper Maddie Hinch getting in a tangle to present Kathleen Taylor with a straightforward chance for the opener.

Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh then lost the ball on halfway and although Hollie Webb regained possession just outside her own circle she was robbed by Sulette Damons as she tried to dribble out and the South African smashed home reverse stick.

Discipline

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A loss of discipline cost England after the break as separate sin-binnings for Richardson-Walsh and Sam Quek were punished by Shelley Russell and Dirkie Chamberlain.

Reading's Alex Danson had a reverse-stick shot deflected wide before Nicola White smashed home only England's second goal of the tournament to put the semi-finals, barring a freakish run of results for their opponents, beyond them as a second successive match ended with the players in tears.

"We are very angry and disappointed," Richardson-Walsh said in her post-match interview.

"We don't make the sacrifice we do and train as hard as we do for performances like that and the last few days. I am devastated.

"We are just not clicking. The pressure began to build (in the game) and it cracked our morale."

The expected confirmation that England could not mathematically reach the semi-finals came in the very next match of the tournament when Argentina beat Germany 3-0 to reach seven points, putting the top two places in the group out of reach for Jason Lee's side.

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