Ashleigh Ball was also on target as Britain finished second in the pool, behind reigning champions Netherlands, who beat Japan 4-1 to top the section on goals scored.

Cullen got Britain off to a superb start as she scored with the first chance of the game, converting a penalty corner which Zhang Liu in the China goal could have done better on.

China almost equalised through Tang Chunling five minutes later when the ball was in the British net but the umpire ruled that she had touched the ball inside the circle.

A half of few chances saw Britain control the game and win two penalty corners, but it was the 42nd minute before another goal was scored.

Again it was Cullen, whose effort deflected towards goal where Alex Danson tried to help it on its way towards the net, but the Leicester player's shot still found its way in to make it 2-0.

Baorong Fu did her best to help China mount a fightback, with a good finish after Britain failed to clear the ball.

Chloe Rogers soon helped Britain regain the two goal advantage as she drew the goalkeeper before flicking over her, only for Yibo Ma to clear it, but Ball was on hand to lash home the third.

Cullen is the top scorer in the entire tournament with five goals, and along with the British squad will now face South Korea in the most delicately balanced of the quarterfinals.

Britain beat the Koreans in the opening game of the recent Four Nations tournament in Córdoba, before losing to the same opposition in the tournament final.

The other last eight games will see Netherlands face New Zealand, Pool B winners Germany take on Japan and hosts Argentina meet China.


Britain's coach Danny Kerry said: "It was a very, very tough game.

"We covered a lot of distance out there.

"I know we can play better but it's a good result against the Olympic silver medallists.

"I think we have been consistent over the first three matches, especially in hot conditions.

"Today was better and we could attack more.

"I'm reasonably happy with the three matches.

"Today, we should have scored more and equally China could scored more...where we came in the group was always up to us and not reliant on anyone else."

Captain Kate Walsh added: "We know we can play better and hopefully we can show this as the tournament progresses.

All four quarterfinals will be taking place on Thursday (February 2).

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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