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World champions Argentina trounced New Zealand 5-1 to clinch the second leg of the Four Nations women’s hockey tournament, which concluded at Blake Park in Tauranga on Sunday.
The Las Leonas, who gave a poor account of themselves in the first leg held in Whangarei a week back, failing to make it to the final, looked a transformed side in the second leg with the return of seven-times FIH World Player of the Year winner Lucina Aymer.
Aymer reserved her best for the summit showdown against the Black Sticks women, scoring once and setting up two goals to reduce the match to a ridiculously one-sided contest.
The Olympic silver medallists, who were held to a 2-2 draw by New Zealand in the league phase of the second leg, put up a belligerent brand of hockey from the starting hooter.
Aymar set up the opening goal for Argentina in the 11th minute, essaying a fine pass from outside the strike to Delfina Merino, who deflected home, much to the joy of the Argentinean supporters at Blake Park.
The Argentinean hockey superstar was also instrumental in facilitating the second – it was her pass which was tapped home by Carla Rebecchi – her sixth goal of the tournament.
Soon Aymar sounded the board to make it 3-0.
Delfina Merino added another to her tally, exploiting a defensive lapse to score the fourth goal even as the home crowd was stunned to silence.
Argentina led 4-0 at half-time.
The Black Sticks raised visions of a serious fightback when 18-year-old Cassandra Reid nudged home a pass from captain Kayla Sharland in the 48th minute.
The world number three side had the momentum and showed the promise to come out firing. But the white and blue brigade put the issue beyond New Zealand when Gisele Juarez rattled their cage three minutes later.
Earleir, in the bronze medal play-off match, world number ten the United States scored a surprising 1-0 win over 8th ranked South Korea.
It may be worth recalling that New Zealand eves had annexed the first leg of the Four Nations hockey tournament in Whangarei.
The Black Sticks women downed South Korea 3-0 in the final clash.
The triumph was a sweet revenge for the home side, who were handed a narrow 3-4 defeat by the Asian giants in the tournament opener.
Argentina had to settle for the third spot after quelling the challenge of the United States.
It may be worth recalling that the Black Sticks played a five Test series in Argentina, which they lost 1-2, winning one game, losing two matches and drawing two games.
All the four participating teams are utilizing this tournament to prepare for the FIH Hockey World League semifinals, which is the new World Cup qualification tournament.
The USA and world number one Argentina will compete in the second semi-final in London, while South Korea and New Zealand will compete in the first semi-final in Rotterdam in June.
