Hockeyroos and Argentina Share Spoils in 2-2 Draw

The Hockeyroos and Argentina played out an entertaining 2-2 draw last night in the second of a three test series in Perth.

A tight first half produced end-to-end hockey with both teams managing excellent scoring opportunities to no avail. The Hockeyroos forced four penalty corners in the first half, but were unable to convert with penalty corner Specialist Jodie Schulz not in the side for this series.

A stern half time address from Commens had an immediate impact in the second half with Hockeyroos Captain Madonna Blyth jumping on a loose ball in the circle and flicking it past the Argentinean keeper in the 37th minute. It didn’t take long for the world No. 2 to hit back, through a penalty corner in the 44^th minute through star striker Carla Rebecchi.

The match proved to be an aggressive contest with both teams trying to secure the winning goal late in the match. Star Striker Rebecchi secured her double in the 60^th minute, capitalising on a magnificent run down the left hand side from Luciana Aymar.

The Hockeyroos continued to fight hard for an equalizer and broke through in the 67^th minute through Hockeyroos young gun Emily Smith. A frantic final three minutes saw both teams attempt to grab the winner; however the score line remained 2-2 when the final siren sounded.

Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens took some positives from the Hockeyroos performance “It was an improved performance from the first game,” he said. “To come back from a 1-2 deficit was a good fighting performance by the girls and showed the determination they have.”

Commons admitted the team struggled for penetration without penalty corner specialist Jodie Schulz.

“With Jodie Schulz out, it shows that we need to develop our threat a little further, but I think we can do that before London.”

Game three will be held at Shenton Park Thursday March 22 at 5:00pm.

-Hockey Australia