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Argentina got away with a crucial win against New Zealand to set one foot into the quarter-finals of the 2018 Hockey World Cup. They comfortably defeated New Zealand by 3-0 at a nearly packed Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Monday.
The game was a do-or-die for Argentina, given the fact that New Zealand also got the same number of points after their win against France. Both teams were tied with three points and the victorious team would all but secure a safe passage towards the last eight.
Argentina, beating a Spain in their first match which was thrilling encounter, took time to set their foot against New Zealand. The Kiwis started attacking right from the start to find an early goal. Argentina defenders had a torrid time in keeping their opponent quiet.
Hugo Inglis was the centre of all their attack as he tested Argentina goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi couple of times. Argentina too had their chance but their efforts were saved by Kiwi goalie Richard Joyce. The first quarter thus ended goalless.
Joyce saved an attempt early in the second quarter but couldn’t protect Agustin Mazzilli’s effort who scored from a powerful shot. The Olympic champions increased their lead through Lucas Villa in the third quarter and put the last nail on New Zealand’s coffin when Lucas Martinez scored five minutes from time.
Argentina kept more ball possession but it was New Zealand who had the upper hand for most of the time in the first half but couldn’t score a single one. The missed chances ultimately proved costly.
Argentina are leading the table with six points and all but secured their place for the quarter-finals. New Zealand though have on more chances in the cross-over.
Let us look at the three standout players of the match.
#3 Agustin Mazzilli
The Argentine player was once again made his contribution in the match. He opened up the scoring for his team in the 23rd minute after a barren first half. What a goal it was! New Zealand were looking strong until that moment.
Peillat crossed from the left flank and it was received well by Mazzilli near the goalmouth. He turned around and made a shot towards the goal through the reverse flick. There was so much in the shot that Joyce had no chance of blocking it.
Mazzilli could’ve scored again in the third quarter. After a beautiful move, Matias Paredes unselfishly released the ball to him. But he failed to trap the pass.
#2 Richard Joyce
If Richard Joyce was not there in the New Zealand goal, the Kiwis could end up the match conceding at least half a dozen goals. Joyce was an ever-present figure in the match.
It takes enough courage to stop a Penalty Corner when the drag-flicker is Gonzalo Peillat. But Joyce did that so easily, not once but twice. During the third quarter, he saved Peillat’s shot by putting his left leg on the way of the ball. Moments later, another Penalty Corner was saved by him. In the fourth quarter, he saved the fourth Penalty Corner too but eventually conceded off a rebound from Lucas Martinez.
Joyce came to New Zealand’s rescue at the start of the second quarter, when he blocked Lucas Villa’s shot. Joyce has all the ability of a goalkeeper and he used each against a tough opponent like Argentina. In this tournament, he has saved five Penalty Corners so far.
#1 Gonzalo Peillat
Once again, there was no confusion about the best player of the Argentina team. It was there star man Gonzalo Peillat, who was busy today in keeping his defensive duties.
It was a rare match when the famous drag-flicker hasn’t scored in a match. He took three penalty corners today and used but had to stop short from scoring. His first attempt was blocked by a Kiwi defender whereas the second and third was saved by the goalkeeper.
Perhaps, Peillat kept the best for the last one. He did it a trickery by passing the ball to his teammate, who took the shot which was blocked again by Joyce before Martinez beat him.
However, he provided the all-important assist during the first goal. He saw Mazzilli in a good position inside the D box and squared it from a terrific angle, which split past the Kiwi defence. He is a kind of defender who can provide this kind of crosses. He developed himself immensely as a player in the last year and Monday was the perfect occasion to prove that.
Head to Sportskeeda to check out the Hockey World Cup schedule for the upcoming matches
