Women’s 4 Nations Hockey Tournament: Australia draws with Argentina – Hockey Update
The Australian Women’s hockey team put in a tremendous performance as they managed to draw their match against the World Number one Argentina on February 13 in Rosario, Argentina.
This match was more of revenge expected out of Argentina to answer back last week’s defeat of 2-3 that was held in the Mendoza 4 Nation Tournament but to a surprise, these World Champions were faced off well again by the Australian team.
In spite of a newly refined Australian team with seven members playing debut of their career, it was a surprise that Argentina found hard to beat up the newcomer Australians.
The first half was a silent one when both the teams ended up with no goal attempts by the time the half time was called. Although the Australian Women showed a good game in the first 35 minute half yet they failed to get a goal.
In the second half the Argentinean players outshined, getting four penalty corners in the beginning minutes of the match. Nevertheless, the Australian goal-keeper, Rachael Lynch did justice with her title of being one of the best young goal-keepers in the
World, refuting each attempt of Argentina.
However, with 20 minutes remaining on the clock, an Australian striker, Ashleigh Nelson received a Green card and left the field for two minutes. Argentina took full advantage of this and Daniela Sruoga scored a solo effort shot in the 51st minute
of the match, giving Argentina the lead.
Minutes later, a penalty corner was awarded to the Australian team and the young Kandice Oliveri deflected a goal to level the match at 1-1.
The rest of the minutes of the match showed signs that both the teams have an equal opportunity to finish a win but unfortunately the time out whistle blew with the scoreboard concluding on a 1-1 score.
The Australian coach, Commens was very glad to see the young girls match equal with the World Champions but said that they still need to reach their potential. He said, “I thought we played a reasonable first half with some positive elements. In the second
half we struggled to control the ball a little bit and as a result we struggled to put our game plan into place and allowed Argentina to have a few more scoring opportunities. However on a positive, we were able to score a well executed penalty corner goal.”
The game was exciting as both teams fought hard for a victory and it will be interesting to see how the Australians handle the World Champs in the final.
Tags: