101 sports updates: U.S. slams Germany to all but assure trip to field hockey World Cup semifinals

U.S. slams Germany to all but assure trip to field hockey World Cup semifinals

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The U.S. Women's National Field Hockey Team maintained its strong run at the field hockey World Cup, ousting Germany from the tournament with a 4-1 victory Sunday.

"Germany came out strong to start," U.S. head coach Craig Parnham said. "We got through difficult moments and battled hard to stay in the game. We were able to open up the match in the second half and are pleased with today's outcome."

Lancaster's Jill Witmer plays for the United States, which met sixth-ranked Germany in an afternoon game at Greenfields Stadium.

Kathleen Sharkey scored twice for the Americans, who lead Group B with 10 points and are all but certain of their first trip to the semifinals in 20 years.

Sharkey beat German goalie Kim Platten in the 33rd minute with a shot that bounced in off the right post. She then poached a pass from a German defender and struck in the 52nd minute. Between Sharkey's goals, Caroline Nichols and Katie Reinprecht scored.

"Our switch on attack in the second half really came from our willingness and desire to continue to go forward in this tournament," U.S. midfielder Katie O'Donnell said. "Sometimes physical switches need to be made but for us, today, this switch was mental and I'm really proud of us that we were able to rise to the occasion."

Germany's Kristina Hillmann had a goal in the 60th minute.

U.S. captain Lauren Crandall said the team is deeper since its 12th-place finish at the London Olympics. She said there is "fresh energy coming in" and "some younger girls coming up."

The USA will face South Africa on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. EST in its final match in pool play.

In other women's matches in Group B on Sunday, Argentina beat England 2-1 and China defeated South Africa 4-3.

In the men's competition, Andy Hayward had a hat trick for New Zealand, but Germany won 5-3 in Group B. The Netherlands, the Group B leader, routed South Africa 7-1 to take a semifinal spot. Argentina beat South Korea 5-0 and needs only one point from its final match against South Africa on Tuesday to advance.