16 April 2022
Argentina took down their North American rivals, the United States, 3-1 in the first of their two match-ups. Valentina Costa’s penalty corner double earned her Player of the Match in a game that marked the 100thinternational for Victoria Sauze. Danielle Grega scored the USA’s opening goal, also her team’s first in the Pro League.
Tobias Martins scored in the first three and last three minutes of the game to power the Leones to a 4-2 victory over France at the Cenard in Buenos Aires. Tomas Domene and Lautaro Ferrero each scored off final quarter penalty corners to over-come France’s first-half lead. Etienne Tynevez and Antonin Igau each netted for France.
Argentina v United States (women) – Cenard, Buenos Aires (ARG)
A familiar Pan American rivalry match up ended with Argentina grabbing another three points after a 3-1 win over the United States. The score line didn’t reflect the superb performance from the young USA team who were up 1-0 heading into half time.
The game did mark big milestones for Victoria Sauze who played her 100th international, while stalwart keeper Belen Succi exited the pitch in the final seven seconds of the game with a standing ovation for her performance, worthy of her 255th appearance. For the USA, the recent return of Ashley Hoffman paid dividends for the composed back line, while the offensive return of Erin Matson, who didn’t compete in the FIH Pro League games in Holland, was key.
Following a scramble in front of the net it was Danielle Grega who made no mistake on the back hand to lift the USA 1-0 minutes before half time. The goal came after Kelsie Robles stood tall in front of seven penalty corners within a five-minute period.
At the break the USA wanted to continue their good work in the opening half but the Leonas overcame the discomfort of trailing by a goal. In the 34th minute Valentina Costa’s penalty corner flick beat the out-stretched left foot of USA keeper Kelsey Bing to draw the game level. Less than a minute later Argentina were back at the top of the circle. This time Maria Jose Granatto delivered from the top but the ball rebounded out. Attempts from Eugenia Trinchinetti and Delfina Merino couldn’t beat the crowd of USA defenders but Rocio Sanchez was able to find a way through to bring the Leonas ahead 2-1.
The United States had back-to-back penalty corners in the fourth quarter but an untidy execution denied them any quality shots. Argentina nearly pulled ahead again through Sanchez. The ball beat Bing but Jacqueline Sumfest was there to calmly clear the ball from the goal line. With seven seconds to go the Leonas had another penalty corner and this time Costa unleashed a flick high over the shoulder of Bing to seal Argentina’s fifth FIH Pro League victory.
Argentina’s finish in the circle was all that stood between the two teams as the USA put on a valiant performance in both ends of the field. Argentina move to third in the standings with 15 points and a perfect 5-0-0 record.
Player of the match Valentina Costa said after the game: “It was a very difficult match but we are happy because we won. That is the important thing. We will prepare for tomorrow’s match by watching some video. Tomorrow we want to start with the first goal because today we went down early. We want to start the pressure higher and really try to score first.”
USA goal scorer Danielle Grega noted after the match: “Today was a hard fought battle. We came out in the second half a little on the back foot. Tomorrow we want to change a few things and come out with really good energy.”
Argentina v France (men) – Cenard, Buenos Aires (ARG)
Argentina scored three goals late in the game to climb their way back from a 2-1 deficit against France and win 4-2. Los Leones opened with a penalty corner in the third minute and Tobias Martins buried the rebound after Federico Fernandez’s flick was saved. France had their early chances with a penalty corner in the eighth minute but Timothée Clément’s back-hand was denied by a charging Matias Rey.
Early in the second quarter Clément had a penalty corner flick booked for the bottom corner but the ball ricocheted off Nicolas Cicileo’s foot on the line and a penalty stroke was awarded. Etienne Tynevez perfectly executed from the spot, finding the top corner, stick side on Emiliano Bosso, to bring France level. Les Bleus continued to make tough work for Los Leones with Eliot Curty’s long aerials stretching the Argentine defence. Before half time Argentina had a chance to pull ahead as they couldn’t convert on two penalty corner rebounds. Rey had the final blast but it deflected high over the net.
The teams traded opportunities in the second half. Clement had a drag flick denied by the stingy Argentine penalty corner defensive unit. Then, Viktor Lockwood sent a hard ball across the Argentine circle and the ball deflected high and to the back post. Antonin Igau, in world-class fashion, knocked the ball from over his head, down and in to bring France ahead 2-1.
France keeper Arthur Thieffry gave up a penalty corner late in the fourth quarter giving Tomas Domene a chance to strike from the top. Thieffry got a foot on Domene’s low delivery but the ball ricocheted into the net to bring the game to 2-2. Minutes later Argentina showed their strides in a brilliant counter-attack that allowed Nicolas Acosta to pick up the ball deep in France territory. Acosta drew the penalty corner that was finished by Lautaro Ferrero to give Argentina the 3-2 relief. France felt the pressure as Thieffry was called on big to deny a shot from Joaquin Leonel Coelho and then a diving effort from Agustin Mazzilli. Tobias Martins was there to tidy up the rebound and double Argentina’s lead, 4-2.
Following the match Tobias Martins was named player of the match and said: “We are very happy to turn the results in to a victory for us. France is a very strong team that has grown a lot in the last year and they grew in the game as well. We are very happy to come back for the victory. We were not used to playing together so today was a challenge and I’m very happy for the win.”
France skipper Viktor Lockwood after the match: “It was a tough game. We put a lot of energy but in the beginning of the game we were a bit afraid and we let a goal in in the first five minute and lost our video referral. After a bit though we started to play and play well and we got back into the game. We are not happy (with the loss) but now we focus on the big recovery so we can be better tomorrow. We need to start strong at the beginning and be more patient when we have the ball.”
FIH Pro League – 16 April 2022
Cenard, Buenos Aires (ARG)
Result: Women’s Match 17
Argentina 3, United States 1
Player of the Match: Valentina Costa (ARG)
Umpires: Suzi Sutton (USA), Maggie Giddens (USA), German Montes de Oca (ARG-video)
Result: Men’s Match 35
Argentina 4, France 2
Player of the Match: Tobias Martins (ARG)
Umpires: German Montes de Oca (ARG), Federico (URU), Suzi Sutton (USA-video)
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