Pro-League: Leaders Argentina Beat the Danas Again

FIH Pro League: Germany vs. Argentina 1:3 (1:2)

May 22, 2022

In the FIH Proleague on May 22, 2022 in Berlin, the Danas met Argentina for the second time in 48 hours. After national coach Valentin Altenburg’s team narrowly lost 2-1 to the South Americans the day before, Germany had to admit defeat in the second game, 3-1. Nike Lorenz scored the goal for Germany. Maria Granatto scored twice for Argentina and Jimena Cedres once.

Argentina take an early lead, Germany pares to 2-1 in the second quarter

Copyright: Worldsportpics / FRANK UIJLENBROEK; Nike Lorenz

The Argentineans started the game wide awake and determined. It took them 53 seconds to get the first shot on goal through good pressing. Maria Granatto finished with the Argentinian backhand and scored very early in the game to give the South Americans a 1-0 lead. The Danas found it very difficult to get into the game and almost had to take the 2-0 in the fourth minute. The post saved. Argentina defended their circle very agile, so that the Danas didn’t get any chances to score. In the tenth minute, Jimena Cedres scored after another good pressing, giving the Argentines a 2-0 lead. Shortly before the end of the first quarter there was the first penalty corner and Germany’s first chance to score. A good 90 degree variant did not find its way into the goal. Germany went with a 2: 

The second quarter started with bolder Danas. The women from Argentina still had the first chance to score. In the 19th minute, national coach Valentin Altenburg’s team was able to win the second penalty corner. The very experienced Succi Belen, goalkeeper of the Argentina, made a save and prevented the goal. Just two minutes later there was the penalty corner on the other side. With a sensational save, Nathalie Kubalski kept the German women in the game. A turning point, because from that point on, Germany was better. In the 26th minute, Nike Lorenz hit the follow-up shot from a penalty corner and reduced the lead to 1:2 from a German perspective. Despite scoring chances, the Danas were unable to equalize before half-time. Half-time score: 2-1 for Argentina. 

Strong goalkeepers and the 3:1 for Argentina

At the beginning of the second half there was another setback for Germany. Maria Granatto tied up her brace with a penalty corner in the 32nd minute. The Danas had to run after a two-goal deficit again. But the game was more open. There were shots on goal from both sides and at times the Germans looked a little superior. However, Germany was unable to convert the penalty corners in the 33rd, 38th and 39th minutes. The South Americans also missed a penalty corner in the 44th minute. The spectators in Berlin saw great goalkeeping performances from Nathalie Kubalski and Succi Belen on both sides. Argentina led 3-1 before the last quarter.

Copyright: Worldsportpics / FRANK UIJLENBROEK; Cheers from the Argentines

The last 15 minutes of the game brought no new goals. Although Argentina pressed for the preliminary decision, Germany was able to prevent worse. A penalty corner for Argentina in the 48th minute and a penalty corner for Germany two minutes before the final whistle were successfully defended. The South Americans played down the time confidently and showed the spectators why they are unbeaten in all twelve games in the FIH Pro League. Germany had to admit defeat after 60 minutes with 1:3.

Comments on the game: 
 

Valentin Altenburg, national coach: “Today we didn’t have enough good phases. We made it too easy for Argentina to take the lead. Actually, we react well to being behind and gain control of the game. We were able to win a lot of corners, which was a goal for today. So we were able to perform well in some areas, but unfortunately not enough. In the second half we didn’t show enough resistance to turn the game around or make it more exciting. Overall, the game gives us many questions to which we must find answers. If we play our hockey, we can make it difficult even for Argentina. Unfortunately, we didn’t play enough hockey today.”

Kira Horn: “ We had big plans for today’s game and unfortunately we were only able to implement them in phases. We conceded the first goals far too easily. In the third quarter we have a phase in which we take a lot of penalty corners in a row and actually play well together. We had planned more and afterwards there will be a lot to discuss. ”

Lilly Stoffelsma : “ We conceded the first two goals far too early. As a result, we’re just chasing the lead in the first half. We have chances, but we can’t convert them. We try to play boldly, but the goals just don’t come. At the end of the game we play too cerebrally.”

Game details: