United States devastate South Africa 3-1

The United States thrashed South Africa 3-1 in a Pool B match of the Women's Hockey World Cup on Monday.

With 24 minutes into play, the United States were already 2-0 up, scoring through Angie Loy and Carrie Lingo.

South Africa's captain Marsha Marescia pulled one back in the 44th minute from a corner penalty play, but April Fronzoni wrapped up the win for the Americans in the 52nd minute with a ferocious shot.

Jenny King, coach of South Africa, cut a disappointed figure after the game.

"I was devastated, no coach likes to lose, you know," she said.

"We looked to turn over quickly in the fist half, and we improved a lot in the second, but that was never good enough to get a draw, not to say a win. This is the worst one I have to cope with as a coach.

"I am very disappointed," she added.

The confidence of the United States soared after their first win so far in the tournament, and a semifinal slot are still within their radar, according to Lee Bodimeade, coach of the American outfit.

"I think we finished off the balls at hand a lot better," said Bodimeade.

"We had to get a win from this game to hopefully reach the final four, I think that helped us," he said.

In an earlier Pool B game, Australia were held to a scoreless draw by South Korea.

Source: Xinhua