Argentina defeat South Africa 2-1 to level the two-match series – Hockey Update
It was not a simple victory but revenge of the first match, as Argentina’s Men’s hockey team edged out South Africa 2-1 in the second test and levelled the two -match Eagle Turf Men’s Series 1-1 at Kaspersky Park in Randburg, South Africa on September 18.
The cliff-hanging contest between 11th ranked Argentina and South Africa, the 12th ranked team was played with great aggression and competitiveness from both sides. Las Leonas lost the first game to the South Africans after a tough
competition at 5-4.
Though the Argentineans were under pressure due to opening victory, they started the game with improved courage and strategies. They made early penetrations into the defensive circle of South Africa in order to reduce their pressure and create goal scoring
chances.
Matias Paredes took the ball away and sent a deflection into the goal of South Africa but to no avail. Brendon Botes, the African custodian made a brilliant dive to clear the ball from the danger zone. However, their extensive work paid off in the form of
a goal in the seventh minute of the mark when Lucas Argento with the help of Pedro Ibarra volleyed the shot into the goal with giving any chance to the goalkeeper to stop the ball.
The visitors continued their action and tested the defensive line of the home side many times within a short span of time. The visitors earned their second short corner and tested Paredes once again. This time he did not disappoint the Argentineans and moved
through the ball from the cage with a powerful drag flick. It was the point which put the home side of South Africa under pressure and they started a fast paced game in search of an equaliser.
The host sides comprised of a few fresh faces, as many of their experienced players have rejoined their respective clubs after making the victory possible in the opening match of the series. The African youngsters faced quite a difficult time in holding
the ball under their possession and missed plenty of chances on various ends.
In the concluding minutes of the first half, the South Africans increased their pace in order to make their entry on the scoreboard. Lloyd Norris-Jones, the veteran player was in position to send the ball into the cage but his shot was blocked by the Argentinean
goalie.
Before half-time, the South African skipper Wade Paton also failed to convert a chance that could assist them to make a comeback into the match. In the second half, the South Africans made some improvement in their game-plan and gave a tough time to Argentina.
In the 44th minute of the play, Thornton McDade scored a goal but it could not save them from defeat. The score remained the same after seventy-minutes of play and Argentina won the match 2-1.
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