Hockeyroos to Face Argentina at Hawke’s Bay Cup

The Hockeyroos face a quarter final clash with Argentina at the Hawke’s Bay Cup in New Zealand after finishing the pool stage with a 0-0 draw with India.

The two countries have not faced since last year’s Champions Trophy final in Mendoza, Argentina, that saw the hosts claim the title courtesy of a 3-1 shoot out victory.

WAIS scholarship pair Ashleigh Nelson and Kathryn Slattery are both in the Hockeyroos set up that registered a third consecutive draw in its stalemate with world number 13 India.

The inability to convert on forward pressure has vexed coach Adam Commens – who remains confident his side can cause Argentina trouble in their elimination match on Thursday (11.45am Perth time).

“One of the things we tried to do after our last match was to have some fluidity through the pitch, and I think we had that tonight as well as creating ourselves some good opportunities. We’re having difficulties in scoring and I’m unsure of why that is. We are training well and we certainly have a range of shots that we can use to finish off with.

“India scrambled really well tonight. Our penalty corner attacks are going to have to be a lot better executed in our next match against Argentina. I give all credit to India tonight, they defended well in our attacking circle.”

Speaking of the match with Argentina, Commens felt the Hockeyroos could capitalise on quick ball transition to create further circle entries against the world number three.

“We need to do the same as we did tonight with high energy levels, good pressure and good patience in moving the ball from one side to the other. If we can do this well, we will hopefully open up critical plays in the circle and create ourselves more opportunities against Argentina in the quarter-final.”