Germany overcome Kiwi challenge

BEIJING (Reuters) - Reigning champions Germany displayed ruthless efficiency and China patches of classical Asian hockey to stay on course for semi-final slots in the women's Olympic competition on Tuesday from opposite pools.

Stunned by a late first half goal by New Zealand, Germany responded in their typical hard-nosed professional style, pounding relentlessly at the Kiwi defense with set play moves until the opposition broke down.

New Zealand, displaying admirable grit, took the heat up until the final minute when charged up Germany earned another penalty corner through Katharina Scholz. Anke Kuehn slotted home for the 2-1 victory.

"It was the result of our pressure. We got a lot of penalty corners and won off a penalty corner," German captain Marion Rodewald told Reuters.

"We woke up in the second half and played with a lot more emotion, a lot more power which you didn't see at the beginning."

A powerful display it was, although three German players were flashed green cards as warning for rough play.

"We knew it was going to be not the cleanest of games out there and we tried really hard to play a decent game of hockey," New Zealand captain Elizabeth Igasan told Reuters.

"It's not the reason why we lost."

Germany are among the favorites in the competition, but were nevertheless stretched.

New Zealand introduced fresh legs in the second half to retain possession after Krystal Forgesson scored in the opening session.

Germany equalized late in the second half through Scholz, a livewire up front.

China, one of the favorites for a medal, displayed patches of classical Asian hockey with deft wrist work and long, flowing runs as they ran South Africa ragged in front of a boisterous home crowd for a second win.

Argentina's path to the semi-finals from pool B appears shaky after the favorites were held to a draw by Britain while former champions Australia and world's top-ranked team Netherlands remained in contention with second straight victories.

(Editing by Alison Williams)