England, Argentina into semi-finals

England and Argentina confirmed their spots in the semi-finals of the Women's Hockey World Cup in Rosario on Saturday.

England held off a late charge by South Africa to win 2-1.

Helen Richardson continued her impressive tournament when she scored the game's first goal after eight minutes.

Richardson's solo run through the defence was breathtaking before an equally good finish saw her collect her second goal in as many days after grabbing England's equaliser against South Korea on Friday.

Richardson doubled her tally when she scored from a penalty corner five minutes later but South Africa would not lie down.

Pietie Coetzee struck back with a goal before a nervous finale where Beth Storry's heroics in goal won England the match.

Tournament hosts Argentina defeated China 2-0 after a strong second half to top the Pool B standings.

Argentine Noel Barrionuevo opened the scoring after 51 minutes, the goal delighting the parochial home crowd before captain Luciana Aymar added to the scoreline when she scored nine minutes later.

Argentina are two points ahead of England and will play each other on Monday.

In the day's other match, Spain came from a goal down against South Korea to ruin the Asian side's chances of making the finals in an exciting 2-2 draw.

Kim Bo-Mi opened the scoring with a long solo run before smashing her shot high into the net as South Korea dominated the majority of the first half.

Spain snuck an equaliser through Gloria Comerma but South Korea restored the lead as Cheon Seul-Ki hit a superb penalty corner.

Both sides searched for late goals but it was Spain who levelled proceedings when Silvia Munoz's reverse stick deflection found the back of the net.