SA women fall to Germany

London - South Africa put up a brave fight but went down 2-0 against Germany in their third match of the women's hockey tournament at the Olympic Games on Thursday.

The South Africans did well to hold off their German counterparts, who are ranked third in the world, in the first half, but they were unable to shut them out.

Natascha Keller created a break in the 25th minute, and her long-range shot deflected off the stick of Marie Mavers to put Germany ahead.

The SA women came out firing in the second period, converting some of the pressure, with Sulette Damons and Pietie Coetzee creating chances within seven minutes of the break.

Germany, however, got another breakthrough in the 44th minute when Fanny Rinne scored their second goal from a penalty corner, with SA goalkeeper Mariette Rix falling narrowly short in an attempt to keep the ball out with her outstretched leg.

The South Africans were relentless on attack throughout their second period, with world record goalscorer Coetzee particularly menacing, but the German defence and keeper Yvonne Frank did well to keep them out.

The result left the SA women lying bottom of Group B - the only team without a point - with two games left to play.

South Africa face Australia in their next match on Saturday.

Olympic Games field hockey results on Thursday:

Women

Group A

South Korea 1 Japan 0
China 0 Netherlands 1

Group B

Australia 1 United States 0
South Africa 0 Germany 2