Britain Defeats New Zealand In Olympic Women's Field Hockey Semifinals
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) -- Alex Danson scored two goals as Britain defeated New Zealand 3-0 in the women's field hockey semifinals.
Wednesday's win means Britain will advance to the final for the first time.
Britain, which placed third in 1992 and 2012, will play the Netherlands for the gold on Friday. The Dutch defeated Germany in a shootout earlier in the day after a 1-1 draw in regulation. The Netherlands seeks a record third consecutive gold medal.
Britain had plenty of scoring opportunities early and finally cashed in when Danson scored on a penalty corner with 8:48 remaining in the second period. New Zealand possessed the ball more in the second quarter but couldn't break through, and Britain maintained its 1-0 lead at the break.
In the fourth period, New Zealand's Kayla Whitelock was issued a yellow card after contact inside the circle, and Britain was awarded a penalty stroke. Helen Richardson-Walsh converted to make the score 2-0. Danson scored on a penalty stroke four minutes later.
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