Sports Bulletin

Islamabad (Sports Desk): New Zealand secured a 3-1 victory over Scotland, overturning an early deficit to clinch a semi-final spot. Ireland continued their dominant run with a 2-0 win against Korea, maintaining their perfect defensive record in the group stage. Chile topped Pool B after a 3-1 win over the USA, capitalizing on penalty corners, while Japan edged Canada 2-1 with a late goal.New Zealand 3-1 Scotland: To start the final day of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup, New Zealand finished out the final group match with a 3-1 win over Scotland. Scotland began the match with a bang scoring in just the 2nd minute. Scotland hung on to their lead for just over twenty minutes, however New Zealand proved to be more clinical in the circle.Korea 0-2 Ireland; Korea played as a strong defensive unit for much of the first half, not allowing many chances for The Green Army. However, with a charging run into the circle, a fake a shot, and a smooth finish through the keepers’ legs, Sarah Torrans scored Ireland’s first goal of the match in the 25th minute.The second half proved much of the same, Korea played well defensively but struggled to put many scoring attempts together. In the 51st minute Ireland sealed the deal with an open shot from Christina Hamill at the top of the circle and a reaching touch by Mikayla Power to deflect it into the top of the net.Chile 3-1 USA: It was a story of penalty corners in the third match of the day, with Chile scoring three penalty corners, allowing them to claim top of Pool B on home soil. The USA’s performance was a frustrating one, with a penalty corner goal disallowed in the first half which would have tied the game and potentially changed the momentum.The second half brought more pressure from the Americans, but they failed to convert their chances. Another penalty corner was denied, and a penalty stroke miss defined the USA’s second half. While Maria Maldonado managed to score Chile’s third goal of the night on the fourth consecutive penalty corner, providing a cherry on top of her 100th match with Las Diablas.Japan 2-1 Canada: The first half of this match proved to be a stalemate, with neither Japan nor Canada earning a spot on the scoresheet. Canada’s defensive strength was led by Anna Mollenhauer and Sarah Goodman who played huge roles in the first half shut out. The Cherry Blossoms did look to be the better team offensively, as they created multiple circle entries and earned several penalty corners near the end of the half.The Canadian Wolfpack had an unfortunate start to the second half with only nine players on the field due to a yellow and a green card. Japan took advantage of this opportunity by opening the scoring on a penalty corner. Canada quickly responded with their first goal of the tournament by Kathleen Leahy just minutes later. At the very start of the fourth quarter Rui Takashima blazed through the Canadian defence with a zigzagging run setting up an open goal tap in for Hiroka Murayama to win the match for Japan 2-1.

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): A stellar offensive and defensive effort from Scotland in the final against Egypt saw them come away with a 4-2 win to claim the inaugural FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 title and the promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2026. 7/8 Place: Oman 1 – 2 Chile: The 7/8 place classification game started with an early goal from Chile as a shot from Kay Gesswein took an unfortunate deflection off Al Shaaibi and went past the wrong footed keeper. The game was played in an end-to-end fashion with Chile holding more possession, but Oman created some good chances, including two penalty corners, and went close from both of them, but could not find the target. Chile almost doubled their lead on the stroke of halftime but Felipe Richard’s shot hit the post and went wide with Chile taking a 1-0 lead into the break. Oman continued to improve as the game went on and their work in the third quarter was rewarded as a string of penalty corners finally helped them open the scoring as captain, and centurion on the day, Khalid Al Shaaibi injected the ball on the set piece got to the near post and deflected the shot in, to mark his milestone with a goal. It was Chile however who got the winner as an attempted clearance by the Oman defence fell to Alvaro Garcia, who did well to bring the ball under his control and smash a shot past the keeper to earn Chile a win in their final match at the event.5/6 Place: China 1 – 3 Austria: The first half was a tale of Chinese dominance and two penalty corners. The first one was scored by China in the opening quarter through Gao Jiesheng. The goal was the only conversion by China from their 7 penalty corners in the opening half. Austria’s equaliser also came from a penalty corner in a dramatic fashion. They won the set piece with 2 seconds left on the clock and while their initial attempt was stopped on the line, China stopped playing while the ball was still inside the circle, and a sharp steal by Austria led to Moritz Frey steering the ball into an empty goal while the Chinese defence stood shell shocked. Austria used the momentum from their late equaliser in the first half to make a much better start to the second. Their early pressure paid off with Moritz Frey receiving a long aerial in the Chinese circle and getting a powerful reverse shot on target beyond the keeper to give the Red Capricorns the lead. As China threw more and more player into attack in search of the equaliser, Austria scored a third from a counter attack with Josef Winkler and Nikolas Wellan playing one-twos around the keeper, leaving Wellan with an empty goal to tap the ball into. Moritz Frey was awarded player of the match for his two goals that helped Austria get the win and get the 5th place in the competition. Bronze: USA 2 – 2 Poland (Shoot-out: USA 1-3 Poland): Two evenly matched sides in USA and Poland produced fantastic hockey in the opening quarter, but a grave error from Mendoza on the edge of the USA circle, as he tried to play a no-look pass to his teammate led to the opening goal for Poland. The attempted pass went straight to the waiting stick of Koperski, who took one step and buried a powerful shot from the top of the circle into the corner of the goal. That goal remained the only one to be scored in the opening half.USA started slow in the second half with the Polish side in the ascendancy. The second goal of the game also went Poland’s way after Koperski’s flick was stopped on the goal-line by the post defender’s foot and led to a penalty stroke, which was dispatched with ease by Gracjan Jarzyński who doubled the European side’s lead in the bronze medal match. USA were back level by the end of the third quarter with Aki Kaeppelar scoring from a penalty stroke and Mehtab Grewal putting the finishing touches to a great move from the left flank by Pat Harris and Charasika. With no goals coming in the final quarter despite USA’s dominance, the match headed into the shoot-outs to determine the outcome. Polish keeper Mateusz Popiołkowski was the star of the show in the shoot-outs as he stopped USA on three of their four attempts, while Poland strikers converted all three of their attempts as Poland came away winners, to become the bronze medalists at the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 Oman 2025.Final: Egypt 2 – 4 Scotland: Egypt made the brighter start and kept prodding the Scottish defence, but the European side stood firm and opened the scoring from an incredibly difficult opportunity as Struan Walker received the ball on the left side of the Egyptian circle, but the narrow angle and distance from the goal did not phase him as his reverse shot found the far corner of the goal to perfection, giving Scotland the lead. The second quarter was more even in nature but once again it was Scotland who got the goals from penalty corners. The first came through a Jamie Golden drag flick that went over the keeper's head before he could react, and the second through a Struan Walker hit from a 30th minute penalty corner that found the bottom left corner of the goal to perfection. With a 3-goal deficit to overcome in the second half, Egypt started pushing hard early in an attempt to claw back the deficit, but Scotland’s defence continued to stand firm and stopped Egypt from scoring on four penalty corners in the first five minutes. Their work was rewarded on the other end as a counter attack from a saved penalty corner turned into the fourth Scottish goal, coming from the stick of Austin Thomas this time. Egypt finally got on the board midway through the final quarter with Mohamed Ragab scoring from their 11th penalty corner of the game! Egypt added a second through an Ahmed Elganaini penalty stroke, but the deficit overall was too much to overcome as Scotland came away with 4-2 win and the inaugural FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 title. Final Standings: Scotland, Egypt, Poland, USA, Austria, China, Chile, Oman

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): China came from behind twice to clinch an incredible 3-2 win over Spain as FIH Hockey Pro League action continued in Sydney on Friday, their first over the Spanish in seven years. Earlier in the day, the Netherlands men bounced back from their surprise loss to Australia on Thursday with a 2-1 win over Spain to climb to the top of the table.(Women’s) Spain 2 – 3 China: Spain opened the scoring in the third minute when Patricia Alvarez dived at full pace for her deflection on the right post, but the Chinese slowly gained the ascendancy and Jinzhuang Tan levelled from a penalty corner in the sixth minute. There were no further opportunities in the half and the scores remained locked on 1-1 at the break.China really got on the front foot in the early stages of the third period and Spanish goalkeeper Clara Perez did sterling work to keep them at bay. She first made an excellent penalty corner save before scrambling to the baseline to shut out recycled ball, and later made a fully stretched foot save from open play. Spain were still aggressive, earning a couple of circle entries and penalty corners before reclaiming the lead with a 45th-minute PC variation from Candela Mejias.China again showed their willingness to pursue a result by pulling their goalkeeper off early, this time with 13 minutes remaining. Perez made three huge saves before she was finally beaten by two perfectly placed penalty corner slaps. The first was by Ou Zixia in the 57th minute and the second by Tan with just 70 seconds remaining as China wrapped up a remarkable win.(Men’s) Spain 1 – 2 Netherlands: The Netherlands raced into the lead in the second minute, Pepijn van der Heijden finding the back of the net with a well-executed drag flick. They went on to boss the quarter with numerous opportunities while Spain had a solitary attempt from a penalty corner.The Red Sticks worked their way into the game in the second quarter, making some good intercepts and fast counterattacks, but the Dutch remained 1-0 up at half time.The Dutch doubled their lead in the 34th minute from a poor Spanish clearance, intercepting on the 23-yard line and finding Koen Bijen in the circle for a first-time strike. Maurits Visser then denied Spain with an excellent save from open play, but a sublime deflection from Gerard Clapes in the 41st minute closed the gap. Rafael Revilla then made a couple of vital saves while a Spanish player served a five-minute suspension to keep his team in contention with 15 minutes to play.

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): Australia’s inexperienced young team rallied from a defeat at the hands of Spain a day earlier to claim an unexpected 4-2 victory over Olympic champions the Netherlands in a FIH Hockey Pro League clash in Sydney on Thursday.(Men’s) Australia 4 – 2 Netherlands: The young Australians started the first quarter far better than their opening match on Wednesday and created a couple of early circle penetrations. The Dutch still exploited some big gaps in the Kookaburras’ structure and had repeated success with long probing passes and runs through the centre, goalkeeper Jed Snowden doing sterling work on four occasions to deny them through the first quarter.Australia tightened their structure in the second period, which relieved a lot of the self-inflicted pressure. The Netherlands still created good opportunities, but the Australians got stronger as the half progressed and Jake Harvie fired them ahead with a 27th-minute penalty stroke for a 1-0 lead at half time.That lead was doubled in the 34th minute when Davis Atkin bagged his first international goal with a bunted shot over the goalkeeper after receiving a long overhead from Corey Weyer. The Dutch grew increasingly frustrated as the hosts bossed the third quarter, and found themselves three down when Copper Burns scored his first international goal in the 43rd minute. Koen Bijen pulled one back with a deflection from a recycled penalty corner and it was 3-1 heading into the final period.Tjep Hoedemakers snatched a rebound goal for the Dutch in the 47th minute, but Ky Willott immediately restored the Kookaburras’ two-goal cushion with a tap-in at the right post. The contest played out at a frenetic pace as the Dutch pushed hard for a result, but there were no further goals.(Women’s) Australia 2 – 2 China (SO: 2 – 1): Hosts Australia played out a 2-2 draw with China before going on to clinch the shootout 2-1.In a rematch of the Olympic quarterfinal, which China won, it was the Australians who dominated the first quarter, creating circle entries and half chances, without much success, however. The Hockeyroos were eventually rewarded when Claire Colwill fired them ahead with a penalty stroke in the dying seconds of the quarter.Australia struck again in the 16th minute, when Courtney Schonell got a good deflection from open play. China gradually established some control through the second quarter and made it count from their third penalty corner, Jinzhuang Tan beating the defence in the 28th minute.There were some sweeping attacks and dangerous moments in both circles as the space seemed to open up in a goalless third quarter, and the match was in the balance with Australia holding a slender 2-1 lead heading into the final period.The Hockeyroos got on the front foot quickly, but poor execution of 46th and 48th-minute penalty corners kept China in touch. The Chinese then made a brave decision to substitute their goalkeeper with 11 minutes left on the clock. They carried tremendous attacking momentum through the next seven minutes and were rewarded when Tan equalised with her second from a 56th-minute penalty corner. China immediately got Li Xinhuan back in the cage where she saved a penalty corner a minute later.Lucy Sharman had a sharp chance to snatch victory for the Hockeyroos with seconds left on the clock, but her shot slipped wide. With the points shared, Australia went on to clinch the shootout 2-1 for a bonus point.

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): As Croatia prepares to host its first-ever FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Poreč from 3-9 February, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. This historic moment signifies a turning point for Croatian hockey, providing a platform to showcase the nation’s passion for the sport while inspiring the next generation of players.From Tradition to Opportunity: A New Era for Croatian HockeyDamir Hrupec, President of the Croatian Hockey Federation, reflects on the significance of this milestone: “The history of hockey in Croatia began way back in 1896, with the first field hockey demonstrations. This is a tradition that has been ongoing for 129 years. Hosting an FIH World Cup is a huge opportunity for hockey to grow in new regions and significantly increase the number of players. Our goal is to turn a small country like Croatia into a big hockey nation. We are ready to make this event a spectacular showcase of hockey and ensure we exceed all expectations.”Women’s Team: Dreams Becoming RealityFor the Croatian women’s team, this marks their debut on the global stage. Team captain Martina Petretić shares the pride and anticipation of this monumental event: “Playing at the World Cup is a dream come true for every athlete. It’s even more special that this event is hosted in our nation, and we’re ready to represent Croatia in the best light possible. The experience of playing at this level will be something we cherish forever.”Balancing both indoor and outdoor hockey, Martina believes the versatility gained from playing both formats supplements the team’s overall skills: “Indoor hockey enhances defensive techniques and dribbling in tight spaces, skills that are directly transferable to the outdoor game. The quick, precise decisions required in indoor hockey help us stay sharp in both formats.”Men’s Team: Rising to the ChallengeFor the Croatian men’s team, the pride of wearing their nation’s jersey is amplified by the opportunity to compete at home. Team captain Mario Mucić expresses his excitement: “Representing Croatia at the Indoor Hockey World Cup is a remarkable moment. We’ll give our best to represent our country and make our supporters proud.”Mario, talking about his love for the indoor hockey format, added: “Indoor hockey, with its faster pace and tighter spaces, enhances ball control, quick decision-making, and reaction times. It’s a dynamic game that improves goal-scoring and finishing abilities.”The team’s goal for the tournament is ambitious yet focused: “Our objective is to progress beyond the group stage. We’ll take it one match at a time, giving our all to make the most of each game.”

Islamabad (Sports Desk): The Vantage Black Sticks Women recently completed a two-test series against the United States of America (USA), showcasing a blend of experience and fresh talent on the field.The first match took place on Sunday, January 19th at Lloyd Elsmore Park. In what was a closely contested game, New Zealand emerged as winners with a 1-0 win, thanks to a late goal in the fourth quarter by Holly Pearson.Hannah Gravenall captained the side, leading a team that featured four debutants: Britt Wang, Julia Gluyas (goalkeeper), Mezzy Surridge, and Millie Calder. The match marked an exciting start to the year, as the young team with new talent look to build the next era of Vantage Black Sticks for the women’s side.Match Two took place the following day on Monday, January 20th. This time, Casey Crowley stepped up as captain for her first time, guiding the team alongside debutant Jaimee Eades. The match took a slow start with a tidy deflection just before half time by Paige Blake to secure a 1-0 lead.It was the second half that saw all the action take place with the USA responding with two goals before the Vantage Black Sticks struck back with a drag flick and second deflection by Paige Blake and a goal by Anna Willocks in the final two minutes. The final score in match 2 was 3-2 to the Vantage Black Sticks, sealing the series win over the USA.

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The Malaysian men’s national indoor hockey team is set to make history as they prepare to participate in their first-ever FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup, scheduled to take place shortly in Poreč, Croatia from 3-9 February. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant milestone for Malaysia as they step onto the global indoor hockey stage.Excitement and Pride: Team captain Mohammad Najmi Farizal Jazlan expressed the team’s excitement and pride in representing Malaysia at this prestigious event. “It is the very first time Malaysia qualified for the Indoor Hockey World Cup. We are very excited to play in the World Cup. It is a new experience for us to play with the top teams in Indoor.”Boosting Hockey Development in Malaysia: The qualification is not just a milestone but a catalyst for the growth of indoor hockey in Malaysia. Najmi hopes this achievement will spur development and foster more age-group competitions, alongside the already established Malaysia Indoor Hockey League. He envisions Malaysia hosting a future Indoor Hockey World Cup.Bridging Indoor and Outdoor Hockey: All members of the Malaysian team play both indoor and outdoor hockey, which Najmi believes enhances their focus, accuracy, and quick thinking in both formats. He highlights the speed, space, and unique technical skills as the aspects he loves most about indoor hockey.Learning from International Experience: The team brings valuable lessons from international experiences, such as the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman, where they won the silver medal in the inaugural edition. They recognise that there are major differences between the two formats, but the honour of representing the nation on a global stage and the aim of winning silverware still remain intact. Najmi and his team view participation in the Indoor Hockey World Cup as a significant honor and a chance to learn and compete against the world’s best. They also hope to play a future edition of the event on home turf.Aiming High: Despite being newcomers, Malaysia is entering the tournament with determination and ambition. “Our objective in this Indoor World Cup is to gain experience playing with the top teams and players. Even though it is our first time at the event, we are going to compete and give our very best to achieve the highest best result.”A Call to Fans: Najmi concludes with a heartfelt message to Malaysian fans: “I hope Malaysians will support our team through ups and downs. We will give our best in our first time in the Indoor Hockey World Cup. With this momentous debut, the Malaysian team is ready to showcase their talent and passion on the international stage, hoping to inspire a new era for indoor hockey in their country.

Tampere (Finland): The United States of America (USA) became the first team to qualify for the semifinals at the 2024 Euro Women’s Hockey Tour on Thursday, thanks to a 6-2 win over Switzerland. Team USA moved to 2-0 and clinched first place in Group A of the six-team tournament.Abbey Murphy was once again a force for the winners, with a goal and an assist that gives her five points in two games. Cassandra Hall, Sloane Matthews, Tessa Janecke, Casey O’Brien and Ella Huber also scored for the Americans, with Amanda Thiele getting the win in goal. The game was tied 1-1 after the first period but Team USA took over with three second-period goals and led 4-1 heading into the final frame.Nicole Vallario and Lena Marie Lutz scored for the Swiss, who will now prepare for a huge game against host Finland on Friday. With both the Swiss and Finns at 0-1, the winner of Friday’s tilt will move on to Saturday’s semifinals, while the loser will play in the fifth-place game.The event in Finland is the third of four events on the Women’s Euro Hockey Tour for 2024-25. Czechia won the first event in August, held in Kloten, Switzerland, when it won two games and lost one in overtime for seven total points, one more than second-place Sweden.Canada beat Czechia (3-0): In the other game on Thursday, Canada outshot Czechia 40-17 en route to a comfortable victory. Hannah Murphy stopped all 17 shots she faced for the shutout.Anne Cherkowski scored the lone goal of the first period and then Canada got insurance markers from Sarah Paul and Maya Labad in the second. With the win, Canada concluded its round-robin with a 2-0 record and, like the United States, has clinched a spot in Saturday’s semifinals.“It felt great (to get the shutout),” said Murphy. “It was an awesome team win for us and to kill some big penalties in the third period was a really good momentum boost for our team. We keep getting better every period; it is really awesome playing behind such talented athletes. If we keep doing what we are doing, we will continue building throughout the tournament.”Czechia will face Sweden on Friday, with the winner moving onto the semis and the loser having to play in the consolation game. (Thanks to Chris Jurewicz).

Islamabad (Sports Desk): With a full crowd in attendance, the top two women’s teams in the world went head-to-head at Santiago del Estero Hockey Club. The Netherlands came out on top, 3-2, despite a strong performance from Argentina. The Argentina men broke a 60-minute stalemate with a penalty corner goal to defeat Ireland, 1-0.(Women’s) Argentina 2 – 3 Netherlands: Clashing for the first time since their semifinal match-up in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Argentina and the Netherlands gave fans a show. The Oranje started off hot, but after a few minutes, Argentina was able to find their footing and keep it for the rest of the contest. The first shot of the match – a drag flick attempt by Agustina Gorzalaney – did not come until ten minutes in, and Argentina was unable to convert. In the 13th minute, the ball slipped through a line of Argentina defense and Luna Fokke put the Netherlands on the board. Soon after, the Oranje had their first penalty corner, but the drag flick by Frédérique Matla was saved by Cristina Cosentino.A well-disciplined Netherlands side found their next set piece opportunity five minutes into the second frame. Jansen’s flick found the back of the net, doubling the lead for the Oranje. The quarter was not absent of Argentina attempts, as shots by Maria Granatto and Zoe Diaz were stopped by goalkeeper Josine Koning. The hosts broke through at minute 26 when Eugenia Trinchinetti sent a cross from the righthand side of the circle that was finished in cage by Brisa Bruggesser. Despite first half possession and shots in favor of Argentina, it would be the Netherlands leading 2-1 at halftime.Play looked inspired in the third, particularly from Argentina, with the energy of a home crowd behind them. It was then a devastating blow for Las Leonas when the Netherlands took advantage of a chance up the field with just one minute remaining in the quarter. A little aerial skill past the defender and quick shot by Renee van Laarhoven was tapped in by Fay van der Elst. Gorzelany put Argentina back within reach with a penalty stroke goal in the final seconds of the frame.The fourth quarter was full of energy and chances but void of any goals. In the 52nd minute, Argentina won the first penalty corner since the first quarter, but Koning saved the shot. As time ticked down, all eyes were on Argentina’s Valentina Raposo, who was unable to convert off her set piece shot in the final minutes.(Men’s) Argentina 1 - 0 Ireland: Argentina and Ireland went head-to-head in a defensive battle. No real momentum developed for either side in the opening quarter, despite several opportunities on goal. A shot from Nicholas Keenan called Ireland goalkeeper James Milliken into action five minutes in, as he cleared the ball out wide. Argentina goalkeeper Joaquin Ruiz withstood his first test in his first international cap, shutting down a high strike from Conor Empey.The second frame would be another quiet one. Los Leones looked more comfortable with play after a hesitant first quarter, spending more time in their attacking 23 and seeing a shot wide from Tomas Domene. The half concluded with the scoreline still at zero.Argentina missed out on a few good chances early in the third quarter, starting with a ball to Lucas Martinez at the post. At minute 32, the hosts earned their first penalty corner of the new Pro League season. The insert flew past the battery but was saved and sent back in for an unconventional set piece that was nearly successful. In the 38th minute Ireland got their first good look in some time when Daragh Walsh nailed a reverse shot over the cage.Drama would mark the final seconds of the match, after both teams seemed resigned to finish in a draw. A final effort aerial ball sent up from Argentina’s backfield was called coming out as time expired, but a video review request from Los Leones changed the decision to a penalty corner. Domene would be the hero of the day, sending the ball into the goal with a drag flick, and sealing the 1-0 victory for Argentina.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): The latest segment of the FIH Hockey Pro League kicked off today in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. The hosts split their success between the men’s and women’s teams. (Women’s) Argentina 2 (3) – 2 (2) Germany: Facing off for the first time since their quarterfinal clash in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Argentina and Germany found themselves in yet another tightly contested match. Both sides featured a combination of recent Olympians and a sum of athletes making their international debut.The first shot on target came from Argentina, as the attempt from Zoe Diaz forced Germany’s Nathalie Kubalski to make a save just 3 minutes in. Not long after, an errant pass from an Argentina backline under pressure was intercepted by Germany’s Aina Kresken, who took a backhand shot that was saved by Cristina Cosentino.Some new additions to the Argentina squad put in work at minute 8. Making her debut, Lourdes Pisthon dribbled through traffic to send the ball to María Larsen, who finished on the reverse to earn her first goal on her first cap. Germany continued to find themselves unable to execute passes around the backfield, as a high press from Argentina’s attacking line forced changes in decision-making. A period of back-and-forth play was followed by a burst of Argentina energy. Catalina Andrade made her presence known with a beautiful move that freed up space to send a pass into the circle, but Julieta Jankunas just missed out.As momentum built for Las Leonas, a loose ball off the stick of a Germany defender was picked up by Jankunas and sent quickly to Agustina Granatto, whose shot was saved by Kubalski. Argentina still earned a penalty corner on the play – their first of the match – as the initial strike from Valentina Raposo was saved. Argentina finished off the half with a 9-1 shot advantage and a 1-0 lead.Two minutes into the third quarter, Germany earned their first penalty corner, and the drag flick from Stine Kurz sailed just wide of the cage. A ball up the center led to a second penalty corner chance for Germany at minute 34. A diving play by the Argentina flyer gave Las Leonas a break up the field, as Diaz sent the ball to a wide open Granatto, who settled for a penalty corner. Agustina Gorzalany’s drag flick was blocked, as was another penalty corner chance just a minute later.Germany got on the board in minute 37 after a hit in from Charlotte Gerstenhöfer found Lynn Krings on the left post. The play retained a fast-paced cadence through the end of the third quarter, and didn't slow down as both teams strived to avoid shootouts in the final frame. It was Argentina with the next goal – Eugenia Trinchinetti sent the ball to Jancounas, who smashed in a one-time to the top of the net. In thrilling fashion, Germany found the equalizer with two minutes left to play. A long ball into the circle found its way to Sara Strauss, whose slap shot sent the ball into the top right corner.Tied at 2-2, the match headed to shootouts. Argentina was to attack first, as Diaz hit the post and Germany’s Lilly Stoffelsma missed as well. Jankunas put away her attempt for Argentina, while Germany’s Sophia Schwabe made it 1-1. Sofia Cairo put Germany’s goalkeeper on her heels while Strauss used a cheeky backhand lift to make it 2-2 after three rounds. Argentina’s Pisthon and Germany’s Weidemann were both denied to keep it 2-2 after four. Argentina captain Agostina Alonso put the team on her back with a goal, as Las Leonas claimed victory when Germany skipper Lisa Nolte’s goal was called back upon review.(Men’s) Argentina 1 - 3 England: Argentina came together again for the first time since Paris, facing a skilled England side, whose team also featured a large amount of returning Olympians (Great Britain).England kicked off the match with the ball, but an early interception gave Argentina possession for the first few minutes. The first touch for England goalkeeper James Mazarelo came in the 6th minute, as a block on Tomas Domene’s cross ball. Back in Argentina’s defensive end in that same minute, England used a video referral to earn the opening penalty corner. The chance was missed after a botched reception at the top of the circle.After few chances materialized for both sides, possession eventually fell in favor of England. Will Calnan worked to earn a penalty corner chance for England in the final two minutes, and on a retake, Stuart Rushmere placed a drag flick into the bottom left side of the cage. The goal gave England a 1-0 lead over the hosts.The second quarter saw more of England’s high press, forcing Argentina turnovers. As the energy on the pitch increased, so did the chances – at minute 28 England’s Jack Waller sent in a shot that was turned away by Nehuen Hernando. England found another penalty corner in that 28th minute where a drag flick from Samuel Hooper was denied.Patience from the Argentina side in the second half paid off with chances up inside their attacking 25, including a scramble in front of the cage that had to be cleared out by England’s Timothy Nurse. More than halfway through the third frame, Los Leones struggled to find an equalizer against the strong England defense. It became an even bigger challenge for Argentina when Sam Ward put away a second goal for England off a penalty corner in 41st minute.Finally, in minute 48, Argentina broke through. On a nearly impossible angle, Felipe Merlini got a touch on a crossed ball from Lucas Martinez, sending it high into the cage. Now back to a single goal deficient, Argentina had 12 minutes to find the tying goal.England found themselves with the chance to just about put away the game with a penalty corner at minute 54. The chance looked squandered with a mistrap at the top, but the play developed into a chance for Ward to win back the ball and smash a reverse chip over the head of Hernando. England would win the match 3-1.