Four Nations Women’s Hockey: Rejuvenated New Zealand surprise world champions Argentina

The New Zealand women’s hockey team gave their home fans plenty to rejoice about, as they scripted a splendid 2-1 victory over world champions Argentina in their second match of the Four Nations women’s hockey tournament being played at the ITM Hockey Centre in Whangarei.

The world number three side pulled up their socks after their disappointing 3-4 defeat at the hands of South Korea. The Black Sticks women came unstuck against the speedy Koreans, who are ranked five places below them.

But on Thursday, the New Zealand eves lifted the pall of dejection which had descended on them following their unexpected opening game defeat with a much improved display.

The Mark Hager-coached side dished out a solid brand of hockey, maintaining possession and looking more threatening upfront than their opponents.

Argentina, who are the Olympic silver medallists, were tipped as favourites on paper, but they had to contend with a side which was determined to set things right after their opening loss.

New Zealand may have oozed more positive intent in the first half, but it was Argentina who went ahead in the first quarter.

22-year old Martina Cavallero sounded the board, essaying a superb dive, and slammed home from a tight angle, breaching the defence of New Zealand goalkeeper.

The Black Sticks did not take long to restore parity. Charlotte Harrison rattled the Argentinean cage – scoring her second goal of the tournament to trigger joy among the side’s team-mates and supporters.

Just close to the half-time hooter, Argentina had an opportunity to pull ahead when they were awarded a penalty corner, but the home side foiled that attempt to ensure both teams went into the break with a 1-1 scoreline.

Both teams created a lot of scoring chances, and Sian Fremaux nearly gave her side the lead, but her rasping shot missed the target after she was fed by Katie Glynn.

Both teams were able to win short corners, but could not profit from them.

With ten minutes left on the clock, New Zealand mounted attacks one after another, which resulted in a penalty corner. Katie Glynn converted the set-piece in the dying moments to pave the way for a morale-boosting win.

Argentina, who pipped United States 3-0 in their opening day fixture, have fielded a full-strength team for this tourney (with the majority of players from the London Olympics team playing here).

The South Amercian powerhouse would be boosted by the presence of star player Luciana Aymar, who arrived in New Zealand on Thursday.

In the earlier game, United States halted South Korea 2-1. Torrie Albini opened United States’ account in the first minute of play, converting a short corner. Ok Ju Kim scored drew level for Korea in the 29^th minute.

Rookie Lara Parsley scored the match-clincher for the United States in the 64^th minute.