Argentina and Hockeyroos settle on a draw at Sydney Series Day Two – Hockey Update
The second match of the Sydney series turned out to end up in a draw at 0-0 between the World Champion team Argentina and the outshining host team Hockeyroos. The match was held at the Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre on April 9, declaring the series victory
to the Las Leonas at 2-1.
In the best of four series, the last two matches were a set example of how much the Australian Women have improved their game. They managed to maintain a zero-record of score from the World’s best in the two successive matches played in Sydney, making a
mark of their competency against the visiting team.
Argentina was in full form after their previous day’s defeat of 1-0 from the Hockeyroos. In the opening minutes of the match, they managed to win a penalty corner but failed to capitalise on it.
During the mid of the first half, the Hockeyroos were in action and got a penalty corner for themselves. However, the shot attempted by penalty corner specialist Jodie Schulz was denied from the opponent’s defence, keeping the score 0-0.
With moments left in half-time, Argentina was found at offence in the Australian circle. However, the host goalkeeper Rachael Lynch managed to deny their attempt, closing the first half at 0-0.
After the half break, Hockeyroos’ striker Jade Close found a gap while standing alone in the circle and attempted a hit. Disappointingly, the shot missed by a few inches above the crossbar.
During the second half, another Hockeyroos’ striker Ashleigh Nelson received a pass in the circle and hit towards the goal. However, the shot was deflected out of the left corner of the goal.
Argentina had many appealing chances to score in the penalty corners but Lynch stood firm in defence and denied each of their attempts along with the other defensive squad members.
With 15 seconds on the clock, Hockeyroos were awarded with a penalty corner. Unexpectedly, the ball was chased down well by Argentina, ending the game at 0-0.
In spite of the fact that Commens squad had lost the series, however, their confidence was raised to a new level for playing the 2011 Champions Trophy, which will begin from June 25 in the Netherlands.
The young team will be expected to play well and earn some World ranking points, which the team is in dire need of. A remarkable performance at the Champions Trophy will help them improve on their current standing at the sixth rank internationally.
It will be interesting to see how well the Hockeyroos perform during the Champions Trophy, as they have clearly improved their performance and are now focusing on the 2012 London Olympics.
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