In the first match of the day three, Argentina’s Las Leonas battled to a 2-1 win over Australia’s Hockeyroos to maintain their hopes of defending the title that they won in 2014.
Defending champions Argentina took a huge step towards securing a place in the final of the Women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 in London thanks to a 2-1 victory over Australia in the opening match of day three. The result moved Las Leonas onto seven points from three games having started the day locked together on four points with the champions of Oceania.
Argentina’s goals came from two of their most experienced campaigners, with Noel Barrionuevo firing home a third quarter penalty corner before team captain Carla Rebecchi scored a superb solo goal – her fifth of the tournament – to double the advantage seven minutes from time. A brilliant individual goal from Kathryn Slattery reduced the deficit with three minutes remaining, but Las Leonas held on for the win.
“I am very happy with the result”, said Argentina captain Carla Rebecchi after the match. “The system of the Champions Trophy means that every match is important, so to play in the final means that you have to have more points than the others to get there. Today was a very important match because Australia had the same number of points as us.”