Olympics: World champs Argentina in shock hockey loss to USA

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Shannon Taylor's field goal paved the way for United States to complete a shock 1-0 victory over world champions Argentina in the Olympic women's hockey tournament on Tuesday.

This win saw the US repeat their Pan American Games final victory against world-ranked number two Argentina and stay in contention for a semi-final berth out of Pool B.

Lee Bodimeade, the US coach, said the victory in the Pan American Games gave his side "a lot of belief".

"The Pan American Games victory made us believe we can match the best team in the world and get positive results."

Argentina's captain, Luciana Aymar conceded this defeat was a big blow for her side.

"The US team plays a very physical game. It is a style we do not like," said Aymar, a multiple world player of the year winner.


Both Argentina and the USA now have three points from two matches.

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New Zealand lead the group with six points from two games after a 4-1 victory over South Africa, who have now conceded 11 goals.

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Defending champions the Netherlands and hosts Great Britain both staggered to victories over Asian opponents after conceding late goals in Pool A play.

The Dutch beat Japan 3-2 and Britain were 5-3 winners over South Korea for their second straight victories to lead the pool table with six points each.

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In another Pool A match, 2008 Olympic silver medallist China were held to a goalless draw by Belgium. China now have four points from two outings, while Belgium secured their first point in two games.