Netherlands lifts 2011 Rabo FIH Women’s Champions Trophy Title (First Half Analysis)
Following a nail-biting contest, Netherlands edged past reigning World Champions Argentina by 6-5 in the final to clinch the title of the 2011 Rabo FIH Champions Trophy for the record-equalising sixth time. The suspenseful game, which was decided in the
penalty-shootout round, took place on July 03, 2011 at the Wagner Hockey Stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Max Caldas, the chief coach of the triumphant Netherlands, while speaking to the media said that the Dutch players contested the game quite confidently despite trailing a hat-trick of goals in the first half of play. He stated, “They scored three goals with
their first three chances, but the girls stayed cool. I think the public was the winner in this match they got to see a fantastic game. Luckily we won.
On the other hand the Argentinean trainer, Carlos Retegui, was of the opinion, “When we went down 3-1 we also went down mentally. That will happen, especially since we had a very young team here in Holland.”
Though the Dutch team played the game under pressure due to home ground and crowd, they contested the game quite confidently and succeeded to break the jinx. The game will be remembered long in the minds of the hockey lovers due to its thrilling and dramatic
moves. The entire game was not enough for the two teams to decide the winner of the match, as the match moved into the penalty-shootouts for final action.
Both teams landed on the field with an aim to take the title of the mega event with them. The host team of Netherlands wanted to get the record-levelling 6th gold medal, while the Argentineans wanted to continue their winning-streak.
The defending World Champion, which was in appalling state of mind after losing to host side in the Pool C match, unfolded the game with a brilliant move.
With seventeen seconds into the first half, Carla Rebecchi of Argentina made a penetration into the defensive circle of Dutch team and notched a maiden goal of the day through a well-ordered shot. Following the first goal, the speed of the game slowed down,
as the host team made their defences tight.
The strikers from both the finalists were playing speedy game in order to dominate the field. After missing numerous opportunities, Luciana Aymar, the seven-time Player of the Year award holder, converted a short-corner in the 32nd minute of the
match and increased the pressure on Dutch team. The Netherlands’ players went on a more defensive play after trailing by two goals that further stretched the lead against them.
With a minute left on the clock, Daniela Sruoga added a goal through a penalty conversion that pinched the joys over the faces of Dutch fans. With seconds left on the clock, Dutch skipper, Maartje Paumen, scored off a short-corner and decreased the lead
down to two goals. The first 35 minutes of play was completed with Argentina holding a 3-1 advantage.
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