The opening day of the BDO Hockey Champions Trophy, women turned out to be a great day for the favorites here in Quilmes, Argentina. In Saturday's action, the three medalist of the 2006 Samsung World Cup succeeded to win their match. World Champion Netherlands nailed Spain 3-1, Vice World Champion Australia booked a 3-0 victory over Japan and World Cup bronze medalist Argentina clinched a 2-0 win against Germany.
Netherlands did exactly what it had to do against Spain. The World Champion and WorldHockey World Ranking leader took advantage of an early goal of Carlijn Welten, who put the 1-0 on the scoreboard after just more than ten minutes.
The Dutch kept dominating, but only scored for the second time in the first part of the second half when Naomi van As put her team at 2-0. Although Spain came back to 2-1, Netherlands finally clinched the 3-1 victory.
Australia, the team that lost to Netherlands in the Samsung World Cup final last October, followed the World Champion. The Australian team, here in Quilmes with a selection of young players, overcame the tough defense of Japan. An early goal of Renee Trost followed by two Australian goals in the second half gave the ÔÇÿHockeyroos' the 3-0 victory.
Host Argentina had no problems defeating Germany, the defending Champions Trophy champion. Supported by almost 5'000 fans, Argentina played extremely concentrated and was able to put pressure on the German team the entire match.
Only in the first part of the second half, Germany was ÔÇÿdangerous' when the German team was looking to get back in the match. Germany had some chances, but even the best shots of captain Fanny Rinne were saved by the Argentine goal keeper Paola Vukojicic. Argentina kept control over the match and finally won this important clash 2-0 with great attacking play in the first half and excellent defensive skills in the second half.
Action here in Quilmes, Argentina continues on Sunday with three more matches scheduled. Netherlands will meet Japan, Australia will face Germany and Argentina will play against Spain.
BDO Hockey Champions Trophy, women
Results day 1: Saturday 13 January 2007:
Spectators: 4'800
Netherlands : Spain 3:1 (1:0)
12. Carlijn Welten 1:0; 40. Naomi van As 2:0; 47. Maria Romagosa 2:1; 64. Kim Lammers 3:1.
Japan : Australia 0:3 (0:1)
4. Renee Trost 0:1; 47. Amy Korner 0:2; 65. Peta Gallagher 0:3.
Argentina : Germany 2:0 (2:0)
9. Noel Barrionuevo 1:0; 29. Daniela Maloberti 2:0
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