England and Korea will meet in the final of the KT Cup after the English defeated their hosts 2-1 in a dress rehearsal in Seongnam today.
Without the services of captain Kate Walsh, England’s confidence boosting win was achieved on the back of a pair of second half field goals from Charlotte Hartley and Nicky O’Donnell after Korea led at the break after Seon Ok Lee scored from an unstoppable drag flick in the 25th minute.
“I am very pleased with the application of the girls today in what was a very good tactical game,” England coach Danny Kerry said.
In the day’s other matches, Ireland had little trouble in a 4-0 win over Malaysia, with goals either side of half time opening a 3-0 margin after Catriona Carey gave her team the lead in the 14th minute.
The win ensures Ireland will play for third place against China tomorrow.
China defeated India 2-1 in their match, getting off to a great start when Ma Yibo converted a penalty stroke in the fourth minute before doubling their lead through Tang Chunling’s penalty corner midway through the first half.
India reduced the margin five minutes before full time but their attempted comeback was left too late as China confirmed third place and book a spot with Ireland tomorrow.
In the playoff for fifth position, India will play winless Malaysia.
Points Table
Korea 12pts
England 11pts
China 8pts
Ireland 7pts
India 4pts
Malaysia 0pts
Results
Thursday 9 June
India 7 defeated Malaysia 1
Korea 6 defeated Ireland 3
England 0 drew China 0
Friday 10 June
England 1 drew India 1
Korea 7 defeated Malaysia 0
China 0 drew Ireland 0
Sunday 12 June
England 3 defeated Ireland 0
Korea 3 defeated India 0
China 9 defeated Malaysia 1
Monday 13 June
Ireland 2 defeated India 1
Korea 3 defeated China 2
England 8 defeated Malaysia 0
Wednesday 15 June
Ireland 4 defeated Malaysia 0
England 2 defeated Korea 1
China 2 defeated India 1
Thursday’s Matches
5th Place Playoff: India v Malaysia, 9.30am
3rd Place Playoff: China v Ireland, 12pm
Final: Korea v England, 2.30pm
