Host nation Argentina have won the BDO FIH World Cup thanks to a 3-1 victory over The Netherlands. It was a stunning match between the two top ranked teams, but two Carla REBECCHI goals either side of a Noel BARRIONUEVO penalty corner gave Las Leonas victory over the Olympic champions. The Bronze medal was won by England, who defeated Germany 2-0 to claim their first ever World Cup medal.
It was a stunning night for Las Leonas, who saw their star player Luciana AYMAR named as the player of the tournament. Incredibly, AYMAR was also playing her 300th international match for Argentina, with winning the World Cup being the perfect way to crown the occasion. The best goalkeeper award went to England's Beth STORRY, who helped her side to a Bronze medal earlier in the day thanks to victory over Germany. The best young player award went to India's Rani RAMPAL, while Maartje PAUMEN was given the prize for tournament top goalscorer. Australia were the recepients of the fair play prize.
The match itself was a brilliant encounter between the two best teams in the world. Argentina were clearly inspired by their cheering crowd, going on the offensive from the first moment, and struck the opening goal when Carla REBECCHI fired into the net in only the third minute. Noel BARRIONUEVO netted a second just four minutes later to send the crowd into delerium.
Maartje PAUMEN pulled a goal back ten minutes after half time with a ferocious penalty corner flick that gave Belen SUCCI no chance of saving, hitting the roof of the net at breakneck speed. It was PAUMAN's 11th goal of the tournament, and certainly her most important to date. Argentina won a penalty corner of their own minutes later, but failed to take advantage. However, Argentina were not to be denied a third goal when Carla REBECCHI scored her second of the game, slamming home a volley from a tight angle after Alejandra GULLA hit the post with a diving shot. The goal was greeted with wild cheers and singing from the huge Argentinean following in the stadium, who were really beginning to raise the decibels to unforeseen levels at this event. Arguably the biggest roar of the night came when Belen SUCCI pulled off a stunning penalty corner save to vitually seal victory for Las Leonas. It was a special night not only for Las Leonas, but also for hockey in general, with a huge fireworks display bringing the curtain down on an incredible two weeks of action.
Full tournament information can be found on the FIH microsite: http://www.bdofihworldcup2010.sportcentric.com/
