Match between France and Argentina ends in a draw, 2-2
The first friendly match between the Argentine men and Frenchmen turned out in a tie at 2-2 scores at the National Institute of Sport and Physical Education (INSEP) in Gallo, Paris on April 12.
The match featured the two countries playing a series together in preparation for the October event in Guadalajara, Mexico, the 2011 Pan American Games (PAG).
The two goals scored from the Argentine side were made by Matias Paredes and Lucas Cammareri, respectively under the guidance provided by their head coach, Pablo Lombi.
The match was quite much in the hands of the visiting team, but few mistakes lead the match to a draw at 2-2.
As commented by Argentina’s Assistant coach for the men’s squad, Jorge Lombi, "The game was controlled by Argentina, but not effective in the area. The pace was not dynamic in many inaccuracies."
The Argentine strikers were found in the opponent’s circle a number of times, but lost their opportunities to take a score lead despite the coach’s directions. During the game, Lombi instructed his squad players to keep the ball in hand, but many inaccuracies
turned up as a disadvantage for Argentina in the field.
The next match is to be played on April 14, at the same venue between the Blues and Argentina.
On Argentina’s visit to France, the French National Technical Director, Fred Delannoy, stated, "We are pleased to welcome Argentina INSEP, a world-class facility that has undergone a renovation of more than 200 million Euros in the recent years. We
hope that many teams will be able to come in the future to train and play in such excellent condition. "
This series became possible after efforts were put in by Pablo Lombi for an international set-up for his team.
Besides the two friendly games, a four-day tour, which also comprises of a training camp, has been set at the National Olympic Training Centre, INSEP that is located at 11 Avenue du Tremblay, in the Bois de Vincennes in Paris. This camp will get the
teams prepared for the PAG, starting from October 13-30, in Mexico.
Moreover, these matches are also considered as the rehearsal games for the next match between both the teams which is to be held from July 26-31 in INSEP, the INSEP Hockey Challenge.
Previously, Argentina played a four-game friendly series with France, last February and ended up with an undefeated series win at 4-0.
This was followed by three preparatory matches in Belgium, two in Europe and the other one with the country’s first division, Racing Club.
The second friendly match has been scheduled on April 14, where France will be head-to-head with Argentina at INSEP.
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