Australia

Australia has earned its first win at the Champion Trophy women's hockey tournament in Argentina by edging China 1-0.

In the earlier match, Olympic champion Germany rallied twice from a goal down to draw with a spirited New Zealand 2-2 and remain unbeaten.

Netherlands and Argentina meet in a late match.

Hope Brown put Australia on the scoreboard in the third minute when Suzie Faulkner capitalised on a defensive stumble by the Chinese to flick Brown a centering pass which she shot over goalkeeper Zhang Yimeng.

Australia goalkeeper Cindy Morgan handled China's attack, which took time to stir, and Australia missed one good chance to seal the result in the 60th when Peta Gallagher rattled an attempt harmlessly off the Chinese goalpost.

After three defeats for the new Australia squad, coach David Bell could finally smile.

"We're happy with this outcome. We didn't play anything differently from our three earlier matches but this time we won and now we gain three points and a chance at third place," Bell said.

Australia will face trans-Tasman rival New Zealand on Saturday to determine which team plays for bronze. China is last in the six-team tournament with one point.

New Zealand, after striker Tina Schutze scored in the 50th minute to make the score 2-2, had one last penalty corner four minutes from time, but German goalkeeper Karin Black saved a shot by Lizzie Igasan.

"My players were tired today and weren't very inspired," said Germany coach Markus Weise.

Winless New Zealand deservedly led 1-0 at halftime after Meredith Orr's reverse shot beat Blank during a tieup in front of goal.

Germany's Natasha Keller equalised two minutes after the break with a spectacular shot into the top right corner, but Igasan restored New Zealand's lead in the 42nd.

The Kiwis have drawn two matches and lost two others, falling out of the gold-medal hunt.

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