Earlier in the day, the Australian women’s team defeated China for the first time since the Tokyo Olympics in a mini-tournament being held in Roorkula, India, and the Netherlands claimed yet another victory after a hard-fought battle against a tenacious Indian side. .
A few hours later, in Santiago del Esetero, the Argentine players confidently defeated the young Belgian team 4-1, thanks to two goals from speedster Nicholas Keenan. Moments later, the classy and realistic Argentina women’s team defeated Belgium’s Red Panthers by five points to end the night with a dominant home victory. Victoria Manuele added to the spark by scoring the opening goal of the match and her first international goal.
Leonas wore a black band in memory of former Argentina women’s player Gabriela Pando, who recently passed away. Pando played for Leonas from 1989 to 1998, where she won a gold medal at the 1995 Pan American Games and a silver medal at the 1992 Olympics.
(Women) Australia 2 – 0 China
Australia last defeated China in an international Olympic match on July 26, 2021, but ended their losing streak with a hard-fought 2-0 win on Wednesday. The Hockeyroos continued to attack throughout the first half, enjoying significant advantages in position and possession, while China relied on their defensive structure and quickly counterattacking their limited chances. Xinhuan Li had a lot of work to do in China’s goal, making a great save to deny Grace Young’s shot from close range.Grace Stewart finally broke the deadlock in Game 29th In the 1st minute, he smashed a recycled penalty corner into the right post for a 1-0 lead at half-time.
The third quarter was a heated battle, and although China finally managed to secure good possession, they were unable to score a goal against Australia’s solid defense. The Hockeyroos absorbed more pressure in the fourth quarter, with Jocelyn Bartram shutting out a dangerous one-on-one at the top of the circle in the 47th minute.th Save after 1 minute and again after 2 minutes. China gave it their all in the final minutes, pulling the keeper away with six minutes remaining, but the move backfired when Stephanie Kershaw found the back of the Australian net in the 57th minute, putting the game beyond doubt. It came out.
Australia’s Alice Arnott wins consecutive Player of the Year awards He then reflected on the team’s progress. “It was good. It felt like the game went much more smoothly than the first game against China.” We took a lot from that game and put it into this one, so I’m very happy. . ”
[Women]Netherlands 1 – 0 India
The Netherlands defeated India 1-0, playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in the stormy weather. The Netherlands continued to attack throughout the first half, but it took them 27 minutes to find a goal. They chased India away inside the 23-yard area, where Felice Albers hit back the reverse stick from Savita’s save with lightning reflexes and fired quickly.
India were busy in the third quarter with repeated circle entries and five penalty corners, but were unable to break through the Dutch defence. Holland had chances in the frenzy at the end of the quarter but failed to score despite a yellow card for Savita in strange circumstances. Her defense was caught high, and after she went outside trying to slam the ball to safety, she accidentally kicked the ball far outside the circle. Savita returned in the fourth quarter and made a series of good saves from four penalty corners to keep India in the corner, but despite some intense movement at both ends, no further goals were scored.
The Player of the Match award was awarded to Felice Albers of the Netherlands. Acknowledging the exciting atmosphere in the stadium, he said: “I think the crowd today was great. Thank you for all the support. We really enjoyed the match and thank you to India. It was a tough match, India defended really well so it’s a big compliment. I think we have a really strong team.”
(Men) Argentina 2 – 0 Belgium
In the opening match hosted by Santiago del Estero, the experienced home team gave the young Belgian team a hard time. Argentina’s hypnotic movement in possession allowed Leones to control the tempo well and keep Belgian keeper Simon Vandenbroucke busy. Nicholas Keenan opened the scoring with a brilliant upright reverse blast in the final seconds of the first quarter after Tomas Habif sent a nice ball into a chaotic circle. Red Lions forward Thomas Croles tapped Nicolas Della Torre’s pocket in the second quarter and fired an unopposed shot at the goal, but the blast ricocheted between kicker Thomas Santiago and missed the net. I deviated from it.
Argentina continued to show their dominance in the second half, despite failing to convert a number of penalty corners. Following quick passes from Lucas Martinez and Santiago Tarazona, Maico Casella doubled the lead and made it 2-0 with a goal at the back post without any pressure. But Belgium didn’t let up, and some nifty work from Romain Dubecott forced Argentina’s Juan Catan into a false touch on his way back to the circle, allowing Thibaut Stockburgs to contribute to Belgium’s goal. Vandenbroucke was then forced to make a video call on the right side of the area when he invaded Belgium with Keenan in an aerial duel, but Argentina won the original penalty corner as no advice could be obtained. Dela Torre found the back of the net to make it 3-1 for Leones. Keenan added his second goal and Argentina’s fourth goal late in the game, making the final score 4-1.
Player of the Match honor went to Argentina’s double goalscorer Nicholas Keenan “We knew (Belgium) weren’t a complete team tonight, so we had to take it seriously. I’m glad the team worked hard and got the win,” the player said after the game. .”
[Women]Argentina 5-0 Belgium
The Leonas defeated the visiting Belgian Red Panthers 5-0, and followed up the men’s win with an overwhelming victory in Santiago del Estero. The young Belgian line-up, which included seven members from the 2023 Junior World Cup silver-medal-winning squad, showed good composition and poise, but struggled to manage the experience and cunning individual skills of the dynamic Leonas. Victoria Manuele gave Argentina the lead after just three minutes, scoring her first international goal in just her fourth appearance with a stunning backhand effort. Argentina held the ball tenaciously inside Belgium’s half and was able to seize the opportunity to take the initiative. Just before half-time, Maria Granat toyed with the Belgian defense and attacked keeper Elena Sottoge, eventually allowing Serena Di Santo to divert and Leonas make it 2-0.
The offense continued as Agustina Albertario made a backhand to make it 3-0 and Agustina Gorzelany made a drag flick to make it 4-0 at the end of the third quarter. Leonas put in a masterclass performance in the penalty corner after Carolian Jaks was sent off for a green card. Gorzelany fired a shot at the back post, Tricinetti scored, and the deflection rippled through the mesh to make it 5-0. Belgium almost scored after Noah Schrules’ one-time shot from Louise Deweet, but the ball rang wide of Argentina’s post.
Argentina’s Agostina Alonso named Player of the Match He then commented as follows: “I’m very happy with the team’s performance. It’s always great to score five goals when you’re playing at this level. I’m happy to start the year this way.”
top scorer’s armband
To celebrate talented goalscorers throughout the season, FIH has introduced the Top Scorer Armband. It is worn as a visual mark for the fans and by the leading goalscorers in the men’s and women’s competitions this season. So that the players can wear them with pride at every game.
Current leading scorer:
Women – Ibi Jansen (NED) (11 goals)
Men – Zip Jansen (NED) (6 goals)
To check the current standings of the FIH Hockey Pro League: click here.
FIH Pro League – February 14, 2024
Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Lurkula, India (IND)
Result: Game 20 (win)
Australia 2-0 China
Player of the match: Alice Arnott (AUS)
Referees: Junko Agatsuma (JPN), Martin Madden (SCO), Aleisha Newman (AUS-Reserve), David Tomlinson (NZL-Video)
Result: Game 21 (win)
Netherlands 1 – 0 India
Best Player: Felice Albers (NED)
Referees: Aleisha Newman (AUS), David Tomlinson (NZL), Martin Madden (SCO Reserve), Christy Robertson (AUS-Video)
Result: Game 13 (M)
Argentina 4-1 Belgium
Player of the match: Nicholas Keenan (ARG)
Referees: Sean Rapaport (RSA), Tyler Klenk (CAN), Irene Plesenki (ARG Reserve), Benjamin Peters (USA-Video)
Result: Game 19 (win)
Argentina 5-0 Belgium
Best Player: Agostina Alonso (ARG)
Referees: Maggie Giddens (USA), Victoria Pazos (PAR), Benjamin Peters (USA-Reserve), Irene Plesenki (ARG-Video)