Hockey: Rose keeps England on course

England came from behind to secure fifth place in the women's World Cup here yesterday. They beat South Korea 4-3 on penalties after the teams had drawn 3-3 at the end of extra time. England's heroine in the shootout was goalkeeper Hilary Rose, who followed a penalty save during the match with two more in the barrage.

The result was England's third successive win over South Korea this year and undoubtedly the most important, giving the team a fine finale to their campaign after they had qualified on Friday for the elite Champions Trophy by thrashing Germany 7-2. The England coach, Tricia Heberle, was delighted with the squad's performance. "We put together a very good last three games," she said.

Helen Grant opened England's account in the 11th minute, after Jane Smith had launched a glorious flowing attack. They could have sealed the match within a couple of minutes, as excellent chances fell to Rachel Walker, Leisa King and Grant, but they let the speedy Koreans back into the game. From a string of corners, Seon Ok Lee drove the ball between Rose's pads for the equaliser in the 19th minute. Three minutes later, Korea took the lead through Eun Jin Kim.

After a bright opening to the second half, England again lost their way, conceding further penalty corners from which Lee scored again, putting South Korea 3-1 ahead.

England narrowed the gap in the 46th minute when Smith deflected in a strong pass from Jennie Bimson, before drawing level with seven minutes remaining when Mel Clewlow in midfield saw her shot scrambled away only to reach Grant, who took her second. The equaliser set up the penalty shootout, in which King, Walker, Kate Walsh and Helen Richardson struck to secure victory.