Maartje Goderie’s 11^th minute strike saw the Netherlands maintain their perfect start to the campaign, running up a solid if unspectacular victory over China. Her excellent run and low shot capped a fine start to the game but, thereafter, a stalemate occurred as China remained compact in defence and the Dutch were unable to find a way through.

Nine corners also went unconverted as Ren Ye ran down the barrel and Zhang Yimeng was a brick wall in the pads. But they created little on the counter-attack to threaten a shock result. Early on, Netherlands threatened to run riot. Kelly Jonker’s sweep went inches wide a mere 30 seconds into the game while Zhang Yimeng did well to deny Kitty van Male. But China could do nothing to prevent Maartje Goderie from racing down the left baseline before cutting back and smashing home in the 11^th minute.

The tie quietened down moving into the second quarter as China gained a foothold of sorts, stemming the flow of chances. And Zhao Yudiao had their best opening, getting two bites at a bouncing ball, Joyce Sombroek denying both efforts. It was as good as it got for the Asian side as they endured 17 minutes worth of second half suspensions with Xu Xiaoxu getting ten minutes while Gao Lihua and Song Qingling also took enforced rests.

It opened space for the Dutch to win six second half corners but Ye Ren kept getting in the way, taking a number of balls to the body, while switch moves did not produce the desired effect. From play, Kim Lammers’ near post deflection was the pick of the chances but she was unable to add to her tournament tally of four goals.

It moves the Dutch to the edge of semi-final qualification while China will require favours elsewhere if they are to progress. 

(Stephen Findlater)

Maartje GODERIE (NED), on scoring the only goal of the match: "I got the ball from the left defender - it was the perfect ball. I picked it up and lost her, and I just hit."

On why Netherlands didn't score more goals: "We had a lot of opportunities and penalty corners but they did a great job defending. Nine points, three games - it's a good feeling."

ZHANG Yimeng (CHN), on their match performance: "Netherlands are the best team in the world. I got all the penalty corners stopped so I think I'm doing OK. We didn't get a lot of chances to attack, but the defence played very well."

On relaxing after the matches and watching other sports at the Olympic Games:
"We have not watched games at any other arena. We watch TV, mainly table tennis and gymnastics in which China are very good."

Ellen HOOG (NED), on the team's performance in the match: "We had a lot of chances in the match but we weren't alert enough in the circle. The team played well but individuals took too long with the ball. We needed to find feet in the circle and get more penalty corners. China is very strong in the circle. They had a lot of defenders in there."