Argentina win 7-1, set up final with Australia

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Sydney: Argentina stormed into the Olympic women's hockey gold medal game against Australia with a 7-1 thrashing of New Zealand on Wednesday. Inspired by four goals from 165 cm and 60-kg Vanina Oneto, the Argentines produced their best performance to date.

In what is likely to be her final international tournament, the 27-year-old forward turned on a classy display. The best of her goals came in the 40th minute, as she left three defenders in her wake and drove a superb reverse stick shot past the hapless Helen Clarke.

Argentina have progressed to the final from a seemingly impossible position after entering the ''super six'' medal pool round with no points.

''We were not prepared to give up. we believe in our strength and will always keep fighting,'' Argentine coach Sergio Vigil said.

''The girls are very emotional today because they know they already have a medal, but they will be fighting like lions in the final.''

As if to answer the challenge thrown down by Argentina, the Australians tuned up for the final by overwhelming China 5-1. Nikki Hudson's two goals made her the tournament's leading scorer with six, while Jenny Morris, Claire Mitchell-Taverner and Julie Towers also found the net.

The defending champions have now scored 10 goals in their last two matches and look to be right on track for their tilt at history.

Victory on Friday would make Australia the first team to win back-to-back golds since women's hockey was introduced to the Olympics in 1980.

In the classification match for seventh and eighth, star striker Natascha Keller found her best form to guide Germany to a 2-0 win over Britain.

In the play-off for ninth and 10th, Atlanta silver medallists South Korea saved some face with a 3-0 win over South Africa.



(c) Reuters Limited.