Four Nations Women’s Hockey Tourney (2nd Leg): World champions Argentina eves sail past South Korea 4-2

After huffing and puffing to a 2-2 draw with world champions Argentina in their opening encounter of the second leg of the Four Nations Women’s Hockey Tourney, hosts New Zealand eves put up an unconvincing display but still managing to pip the United States by a solitary goal.

The home side now needs a better performance in their last league tie against South Korea if they are to harbour hopes of reaching the final.

The Black Sticks women enjoyed the lion’s share of possession. They created several scoring opportunities but were guilty of muffing them up.

The Mark Hager-coached side must work on their finishing, which was a big let-down against the Americans.

The United States offered stout resistance in defence. The world number ten did not allow any clear-cut chances for the New Zealand forwards.

Both teams were locked goalless at half-time.

New Zealand eves broke the deadlock in the second half when 19-year-old Michaela Curtis had her moment in the spotlight as she slammed home after being fed by Katie Glynn. USA were more dominant in the second stanza but New Zealand held on to notch up a hard-fought win.

In other match, Argentina thumped South Korea 4-2.

Carla Rebecchi gave Las Leonas the lead before Noel Barrionuevo doubled the lead as they led 2-0 at the break. Argentina had the match in their bag when Noel Barrionuevo again struck making it 3-0. South Korea responded through Young Ran Kim, who converted a penalty corner before scoring another.

Carla Rebecchi scored another – her fifth of the tournament as the South Americans sealed a 4-2 win.

Earlier, New Zealand eves had won the first leg of the Four Nations hockey tournament, which concluded at the ITM Hockey Centre in Whangarei last week.

The Black Sticks women humbled South Korea 3-0 in the final showdown. The win was a sweet revenge for the home side, who were consigned to a narrow 3-4 defeat by the Asian giants in the league phase in the tournament opener.

World champions and Olympic silver medalists Argentina put up a disappointing showing in the first leg, failing to reach the final, having to settle for the third spot after vanquishing the United States.

Argentina, who played the first leg without world’s seven-time player of the year, Luciana Aymar, looked a disjointed outfit struggling to live up to their world number two ranking.

The second leg of the Four Nations hockey tournament runs till April 21.