Islamabad (Sports Desk): With a full crowd in attendance, the top two women’s teams in the world went head-to-head at Santiago del Estero Hockey Club. The Netherlands came out on top, 3-2, despite a strong performance from Argentina. The Argentina men broke a 60-minute stalemate with a penalty corner goal to defeat Ireland, 1-0.
(Women’s) Argentina 2 – 3 Netherlands: Clashing for the first time since their semifinal match-up in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Argentina and the Netherlands gave fans a show. The Oranje started off hot, but after a few minutes, Argentina was able to find their footing and keep it for the rest of the contest. The first shot of the match – a drag flick attempt by Agustina Gorzalaney – did not come until ten minutes in, and Argentina was unable to convert. In the 13th minute, the ball slipped through a line of Argentina defense and Luna Fokke put the Netherlands on the board. Soon after, the Oranje had their first penalty corner, but the drag flick by Frédérique Matla was saved by Cristina Cosentino.
A well-disciplined Netherlands side found their next set piece opportunity five minutes into the second frame. Jansen’s flick found the back of the net, doubling the lead for the Oranje. The quarter was not absent of Argentina attempts, as shots by Maria Granatto and Zoe Diaz were stopped by goalkeeper Josine Koning. The hosts broke through at minute 26 when Eugenia Trinchinetti sent a cross from the righthand side of the circle that was finished in cage by Brisa Bruggesser. Despite first half possession and shots in favor of Argentina, it would be the Netherlands leading 2-1 at halftime.
Play looked inspired in the third, particularly from Argentina, with the energy of a home crowd behind them. It was then a devastating blow for Las Leonas when the Netherlands took advantage of a chance up the field with just one minute remaining in the quarter. A little aerial skill past the defender and quick shot by Renee van Laarhoven was tapped in by Fay van der Elst. Gorzelany put Argentina back within reach with a penalty stroke goal in the final seconds of the frame.
The fourth quarter was full of energy and chances but void of any goals. In the 52nd minute, Argentina won the first penalty corner since the first quarter, but Koning saved the shot. As time ticked down, all eyes were on Argentina’s Valentina Raposo, who was unable to convert off her set piece shot in the final minutes.
(Men’s) Argentina 1 - 0 Ireland: Argentina and Ireland went head-to-head in a defensive battle. No real momentum developed for either side in the opening quarter, despite several opportunities on goal. A shot from Nicholas Keenan called Ireland goalkeeper James Milliken into action five minutes in, as he cleared the ball out wide. Argentina goalkeeper Joaquin Ruiz withstood his first test in his first international cap, shutting down a high strike from Conor Empey.
The second frame would be another quiet one. Los Leones looked more comfortable with play after a hesitant first quarter, spending more time in their attacking 23 and seeing a shot wide from Tomas Domene. The half concluded with the scoreline still at zero.
Argentina missed out on a few good chances early in the third quarter, starting with a ball to Lucas Martinez at the post. At minute 32, the hosts earned their first penalty corner of the new Pro League season. The insert flew past the battery but was saved and sent back in for an unconventional set piece that was nearly successful. In the 38th minute Ireland got their first good look in some time when Daragh Walsh nailed a reverse shot over the cage.
Drama would mark the final seconds of the match, after both teams seemed resigned to finish in a draw. A final effort aerial ball sent up from Argentina’s backfield was called coming out as time expired, but a video review request from Los Leones changed the decision to a penalty corner. Domene would be the hero of the day, sending the ball into the goal with a drag flick, and sealing the 1-0 victory for Argentina.
