England clearly stated their intentions in Saturday’s opening match of their Samsung FIH Champions Trophy campaign with an exciting win over defending champions and world number two Argentina in front of a boisterous Nottingham crowd.
Just over ten minutes into the match, Leicester’s Hannah Macleod put England ahead with a brave diving shot. The Argentineans kept England under pressure but midway through the second half Reading’s Alex Danson cemented England’s lead, deflecting home Crista Cullen’s penalty corner. On track for only their second ever Champions Trophy win, despite Noel Barrionuevo pulling one back for Las Leonas, England held firm to deny Argentina a win, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd.
The two teams displayed contrasting styles, with Argentina playing with flashes of individual flair, but in the end it was England’s more organised set pieces that won the day. The match was a physical encounter, with several players incurring knocks and England’s top player Alex Danson receiving a warning for a heavy challenge. Soon afterwards, England defender Sally Walton was issued a yellow card and five minute suspension, but Argentina failed to capitalise on the advantage.
England were kept on their toes by six-times World Player of the Year and Argentina captain Luciana Aymar, who put in another world-class performance, but good saves from goalkeeper Beth Storry and strong England nerves led to a first victory over Argentina in 20 years in the opening day win.
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England captain Kate Walsh commented, “It was obviously going to be a tight game when you play the world’s number two team. They have some great players.”
Whilst pleased with their victory, Walsh refused to get carried away, saying “We had a few chances today and we took them. We’re aiming for the trophy but we’re coming into this tournament ranked fifth and so we’re just taking one game at a time.”
Argentina coach Carlos Retegui credited the England performance, acknowledging “It was a very difficult game. We know that England is a team that play very well and their lines are very strong. They defend very well, they play very well on the counter-attack and they took all their chances.”
England face an even sterner test next as they take on reigning Olympic, World and European Champions the Netherlands on Sunday.
Anna Young, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
