Argentina Women beat GB Women

Credit: GB Hockey

Argentina Women beat GB Women


Great Britain were defeated by a dominant Argetinian women's side in Rosario.

Argentina moved to the top of the FIH Pro League table with this victory and they were on the front foot from early in the game. GB showed good resistance and had periods of possession but were left disappointed by the outcome on the night.

Sabbie Heesh saved from Agustina Albertarrio early on, and the same attacker then put it on a plate for Mario Granatto but she somehow missed under pressure. Still in the first quarter, Granatto hit the post as the home side looked to break the deadlock.

Into the second period and Hannah Martin - earning her 50th international cap - had an effort blocked on the line before Julieta Jankusas made it 1-0 with a well-taken shot on the reverse. Grace Balsdon drew Mark Hager's side level though, ripping home a superb drag flick that gave Belen Succi absolutely no chance; a fantastic effort from the Canterbury defender.

However Argentina went back in front early in the second half, Jankunas beating Nicki Cochrane with another well-hit strike on the backhand. And when Victoria Zuloaga made it 3-1 with a penalty corner, it was an uphill task for Mark Hager's side.

Sarah Robertson had a decent opportunity saved by Succi, and when Granatto got her second at the near post it looked to be game over. However GB were not lying down, and Sarah Jones produced a very neat finish to make it 4-2.

Britain pushed for more goals, but Argentina kept us at arms' length. It was a deserved victory for the home side, but the GB side continues to gain valuable experience under a new coach.

Next up they travel to Germany later in the month, before a first home against USA in London on Sat 27 April - tickets on sale now.

Players used: Heesh (GK), Cochrane (GK), Unsworth, Ansley, Pearne-Webb (c), Toman, Balsdon, Costello, Rayer, Robertson, Defroand, Jones, Evans, Martin, Petty, Howard, Owsley, Hunter