The women's team of Argentina defeated Great Britain 1-0 in the third test match between the two countries. The only Argentine goal was scored by Alejandra Gulla in the first half. Both teams will conclude the series with a fourth match scheduled for Sunday.
Great Britain played their third test match in Salta against the Argentinean's in front of a capacity crowd and on live ESPN TV. Despite the British girls having won over many locals with their constant stopping for autographs and photographs at the ground and in the street, this was clearly a home crowd who were keen to see Argentina get their first win of this series.
It took Argentina just two minutes to give the home crowd something to cheer about when a nervous looking Great Britain gave away an easy penalty corner. It was well defended and then GB broke with Walsh bursting forward to give Williams the first chance in front of the goal at the other end, but she was unable to connect with Walsh's cross. Another two corners for the home side in the fifth minute also came to nothing as one was swept over the cross bar and the other blocked.
As the game got going, so did the rain which was relentless for the rest of the match. Despite some good play from Great Britain it was the Argentineans who broke the deadlock from a 21st minute penalty corner which was slipped left and taken well by Alejandra Gulla to get a deflection into the net.
GB came back strong and won two penalty corners in the 24th minute but both opportunities went begging when the first was saved from a top of the D strike and second was put wide after a first shot rebound.
The second half saw increased pressure from GB and their first real chance came when they were awarded another penalty corner in the 43rd after the ball bounced off a defender into Sarah Thomas's shoulder. A strong drag flick from Cullen was well saved and the home crowd breathed a sigh of relief.
Ten minutes later a great run from Richardson ended in a good cross that the forwards were just not able to get on the end of. Seven minutes later it was Panter's good run and skill that created another chance but again there was no one on the end of a good ball into the D.
GB kept the pressure up but despite there being chances at both ends, neither team could change the score line and the game ended 1- 0.
Head Coach Danny Kerry said ÔÇ£Despite the loss, that has perhaps been our best performance so far. A nervy opening ten minutes was followed by good control of the game for the remaining 60ÔÇØ
Source: Great Britain Hockey ltd.
