"Marcianitas" to go up against USA en route to Women's Roller Hockey World Championship semifinals

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SANTIAGO.- Spain's national team defeated the United States today by a score of 7-1 during the last match of the regular phase for group B of the IX Women's Roller Hockey World Championships in Yuri Honjo, Japan.

The result means the U.S. finished the round as the second qualifier in the series and will face Chile at the quarter finals.

Meanwhile, England defeated South Africa 5-1, Argentina tied with no goals against Germany, and Portugal triumphed over France with a score of 4-0.

The "Marcianitas", coached by Mauricio Lleras, had already passed on to the quarterfinals, where they hope to revalidate their champion status after taking first place in the 2006 competition in Santiago.

The Chilean team classified first in their group after defeating both England and South Africa by a score of 9-0.

The match between the "Marcianitas" and the U.S.A. has been scheduled to take place at noon local time this Thursday in Japan. If the Chilean team wins, they will go on to face the victor of a match between Portugal and Germany in the semi-finals.