The Leonesse are back to play the World Cup: an almost ideal start that also has ideas for improvement

Two goals and only one goal against. The Lionesses couldn’t ask for a better start to the Women’s Field Hockey World Cup in Spain and the Netherlands. The selected albiceleste, number two in the world, finished first in Group C, where he is the only unbeaten one, after beating 4-0 South Korea and from 4-1 in Spainand confirmed that it is one of the favorites to shout champion. And not only for the excellent level of play he showed, especially against the Iberian team, which plays at Terraza and which in the previous phase was the toughest rival of the first phase. Also because in the field a mature, solid group with clear ideas, which invites you to be excited about the possibility of going far in the tournament. And even if they warned in preview that they want to go game after game, this Thursday they will have the opportunity to take a big step towards the big goal.

Is that those headed by Fernando Ferrerawhich come from consecrating samples in pro-league without losing any game, they will clash Canada -from 13 in our country, with the television of ESPN3 and Star + -, at the end of the initial phase. And they depend on themselves to secure the first position in the box – even a draw is enough to not depend on third parties – and go directly to the quarter-finals.

“I saw the team very well, focused, solid and respectful of the game program. We did not expect to score goals, much less against Spain, but we know that the potential we have and that the days when things go well can happen. against many teams, we are happy “commented in a conversation with the agency Telam the Argentine coach.

“There is a great energy and feeling in the group”he has declared Rocio Sanchez Mocciateam captain, in an interview with ESPN.

The forward from Naval High School stressed that one of the reasons for the great start of the competition was the team’s ability to maintain the level of hockey and aggression on the pitch when the trainer move the bank

“We are all very focused on doing what we have to do. Both those who enter and those who start as owners, we all know the role and function we have to play. And when we enter, we fulfill them. It happened against Spain. The truth. I loved the team’s performance in that match “Sánchez Moccia analyzed.

Against Spain, even the Argentines, silver medalists at the Tokyo Olympics, proved to be a mature team, which knows how to remain calm in the hottest moments of the matches, as happened in that duel against the Iberians, in that one. was some controversial referee decisions and also received several cards (one green and two yellow), which forced them to play outnumbered for many minutes.

“In the tour before the World Cup, in the last Pro League games, it cost us the theme of the head, not to go to the head sometimes. But we know that, for example, complaints to referees are to be managed” I think you channel the your frustrations with the referees when things don’t work out. And we talked about it. We said it was important not to channel your frustrations there, but to lean on the team and move on. It is normal for the ball not to go in sometimes, but the fault is not the referee’s fault. It was clear in the previous one and it was seen against Spain “commented Belen Succithe historic goalkeeper of the selected team, who is competing in his last World Cup.

Many positive things left the two victories, but also some to improve. For example, the regularity in the short corner. In the match against Korea, the efficiency was perfect: four executed, four transformed. But several chances were lost against Spain e only three of the 11 corners were on the net (The other goal in that match was a penalty). We will have to see what happens against Canada.

The Americans, 14th in the world rankings, are in theory the weakest team in the area. But both Ferrara and his boys know that they will have to face the game without underestimating their rival.

“It can be a tight game at the beginning. They have to win yes or yes to try to qualify, they will close a lot and try to get out of it. It will depend on us if we can unlock it quickly.”Ferrara analyzed.

And he explained that, as always, the idea is there “Keep the game under control, try to attack by taking precautions due to counter attacks; play a game based on ball possession and defined attacks, and from there try to open it as quickly as possible to make less wear”.

Valentina Costa Biondimeanwhile, he anticipated: “At this level and in this tournament we cannot give even a second advantage, because you concentrate for two seconds and the opponent always takes something, a corner or something. Against Canada we have to play as we played against Korea. And Spain. . Continue to strengthen and generate trust “.

If Argentina finishes first in the group, they will advance directly to the quarter-finals and play again only on 13 July. If they finish second or third, they will have to play an extra game on Sunday to secure a spot in the top eight, where they meet second or third in Group B, which includes New Zealand, China, India and England.

Netherlands in the quarterfinals, Chile in the “round of 16”

This Wednesday two groups were closed. In A, Hollandcurrent two-time champion, defeated 3 to 1 kilos, added his third win and secured passage to the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, the South American team, led by Sergio Vigil, finished third and will have a new chance to qualify for that instance, as well as Germanywhich passed from 3 to 0 a Ireland and finished second.

in the D, Australia won 2 to 1 a South Africa and he was also the undefeated leader in that area, so he already has his place in the top eight. The Africans, on the other hand, are third and will meet Germany for the passage to the quarter-finals.

Belgiumwho closed the initial phase with a 3-0 against Japanfinished second in the group and will now face Chile.

This Thursday, in addition to the Argentina group (Spain and Korea will play the other match of the day); The B will also be defined, with the clashes in between New Zeland And India Y China And England.