England’s unbeaten run in the BDO FIH World Cup was halted yesterday in a 2-0 defeat against hosts, Argentina. In a stadium bursting with home supporters, Argentina shot to the top of Pool B, leaving England with the likely prospect of facing reigning World, Olympic and Europeans champions, the Netherlands, in the semi finals.
Before the match, both sides were guaranteed a place in the semi finals, it was a fight to come top of Pool B and for an extra bit of confidence as the prospect of a place in the final draws closer.
On paper it looked like the South Americans had the upper hand, traditionally coming out on top in previous encounters. Despite a win for England at the Samsung FIH Champions trophy in July, the last victory against Las Leonis, as the Argentinean team are commonly known, had been in 1990 on their way to the Sydney World Cup.
The team were not prepared to let this stand in their way and resolved to notch up another win against the world number two side. Argentina, however, gained an early advantage when they were awarded a penalty corner in the fourth minute. Captain, Luciana Aymar, set the ball up for a goal but was tackled by Crista Cullen before she could convert it into points on the scoreboard.
An immediate response from the England squad saw Reading forward, Alex Danson, cross the ball through the Argentine circle from the right wing. A similar fate was met, however, and the score remained 0-0.
Shortly after, the ball came off Georgie Twigg’s stick inside the England circle, awarding Argentina their second corner. Noel Barrionuevo flicked the ball past goalkeeper, Beth Storry, putting the first points on the board. Twigg had come back into the side after missing Saturday’s match against South Africa.
The majority of the first period saw England defending as the southern hemisphere team stepped up the attack. Argentina’s third penalty shot was cleared by defenders Cullen and Walsh, a piece of play contested by Aymar on the grounds of a foot inside the English circle. The appeal was turned down, however, and Argentina lost the right to further referrals.
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The second half saw a revived English squad and they soon found themselves with a chance as Chloe Rogers worked her way behind defenders and placed the ball at the top of the circle. The Argentinean defence proved too strong and England were unable to push through and convert the opportunity.
Three cards then followed, green for Sally Walton and yellow for both Susie Gilbert and Carla Rebecchi. With both sides down to 10 players, panic set in as Rosario Luchetti had a chance at close range but a super tackle from Cullen prevented a further goal. England then found themselves down to nine players when Ashleigh Ball was sent off for a foul in midfield.
This didn’t hinder play and England threatened a goal but Cullen’s shot hit the near sideboard. Top notch defence from the Argentinean side prevented any goals for the English team and with 3 minutes to go, 22 year old, Daniela Aruogo, produced an impressive reverse stick strike that took the final score to 2-0.
Speaking after the match, head coach, Danny Kerry, admitted it was England’s failure to break down the defence that cost them the match. He commented, “Argentina are better than us but that gap is closing.”
Australia and Germany will play to join the Netherlands, England and Argentina in the semi finals.
Kirsty Page, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
Image credit: Grant Treeby Images
