World No. 2 Argentina won the bronze medal in the Olympic women's hockey tournament here on Friday, beating defending champions Germany 3-1.

This was Argentina's third Olympic hokcey medal following a silver in 2000 and a bronze in 2004.

The third-ranked Germany, the surprise winner of Athens Games, failed to make their second appearance on the Olympic podium.

Argentina took a 2-0 lead at halftime with a penalty corner from Rosario Luchetti in the 11th minute and a field goal from Carla Rebecchi in the 22nd.

Anke Kuehn narrowed the gap for Germany in the 45th with a field goal which was finally ruled valid by video umpire. However, Noel Barrionuevo once agian widened the margin to 3-1 in the 63rd minute and sealed the win.

Germany got three chances for penalty corner in the second half but they failed to convert any of them.

Argentine coach Gabriel Minadeo said it was a tough game for both sides. "We find spaces to take an early 2-0 lead. Germany played well in the second half, but we hold on the board 3-1."

"Hockey is important and popular in Argentina. I hope the medal will encourage more boys and girls to play hockey," Gabriel noted, adding that of course a gold medal was the best way to finish the tournament.

German coach Michael Behrmann was very disappointed about the result. "Australia did better in the first half, and we try to make up for the second, but two goals are hard to catch up," he said.

Both the coaches predicted that the Dutch would win the gold medal over China in the later match. "The Dutch are extremely strong and experienced."

(Xinhua News Agency Augsut 22, 2008)