The United States beat New Zealand on penalty shots today to book their place in the women’s semi-finals at the Inline Hockey World Championships in Italy ©Roberta Strazzabosco and Max Pattis

The United States beat New Zealand on penalty shots today to book their place in the women’s semi-finals at the Inline Hockey World Championships in Italy.

With the two teams tied at 1-1 after overtime, the US held their nerve to win 1-0 on penalty shots and 2-1 overall at the Hodegart venue in Asiago. 

Awaiting them in the last four are Spain, who defeated Argentina 9-0 today.

The match will be a repeat of the 2017 final.

Spain are through to the semi-finals after beating Argentina 9-0 ©Roberta Strazzabosco and Max Pattis
Spain are through to the semi-finals after beating Argentina 9-0 ©Roberta Strazzabosco and Max Pattis

The other semi-final pits 2017 bronze medallists Canada against Czech Republic after both nations came through their last-eight ties.

The Canadians overcame hosts Italy 4-0, while the Czechs beat Finland 6-2.

The two semi-finals are scheduled to take place tomorrow and will be followed by the medal matches on Saturday (July 21).

The senior men’s event is due to begin on Sunday (July 22) with France looking to defend their title.