With five wins and just two goals conceded in their opener against South Africa, Argentina secured a semifinal against the second-placed team in Pool A, almost certainly Germany or Australia. Noel Barrionuevo (13th) and Daniela Sruoga (67th) netted the goals for Argentina. England, second in their pool, are set to face favourites Netherlands in the other semifinal.
Although Germany and Australia, both on nine points, could still mathematically overhaul the Dutch, they are more likely to be vying for second place in the group. Germany have a superior goal difference of one.
In high scoring games involving Pool B teams with no chance of a place in the semifinals, Olympic silver medallists China crushed Spain 6-0 and South Korea overcame South Africa 5-3.
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