Netherlands and South Korea in final

Netherlands defeated South Korea 2-0 in the semi-final pool at the women's Champions Trophy field hockey here on Saturday, denying Argentina, world champions and defending titleholders, a place in Sunday's final.

Argentina finished the semi-final pool level on four points with South Korea but miss out as the Koreans scored more goals and had a better goal difference.

Kim Lammers scored in the first seconds of play, taking a long pass from the backfield and carrying possession unchallenged into the circle to shoot past Korean goalkeeper Moon Young-hui.

South Korea defeated both penalty corners from the Netherlands by running down the powerful flick of Maartje Paumen.

Lidewij Welten scored Holland's second field goal late in the first half, making the rebound off Moon's pads from Marilyn Agliotti's hard work to carry possession out of the backfield and shoot from the right.

Korea earned three penalty corners for one clean shot on goal, saved by Joyce Sombroek, Netherlands goalkeeper. Max Caldas, Netherlands coach, was delighted with his team's quick start.

"We had a great flying start with a goal in the first seconds and I am happy with the good win," Caldas said. "Korea got the upper hand late in the first half and we lost a lot of one-one-one duels," Caldas said.

"Tomorrow's game against Korea will be different because we are playing the first prize so it will be a different style of game," Caldas added.