(Translation from the original Spanish ( Host nation's Confederation ,CAH's, press office journalist, Rodrigo Spiess) editing and additional information from our staff editor John Coxon.
Initially Las Leonas pressed forward but lacked accuracy close in the goal area and gort nothing. the best chance in a relatively uneventful first half was a directr shot on goal from Josephine Sruoga but it was cleared to safety by Amelia Gibson.
In the second half , New Zealand were able gain ground and Julia King on 21 minutes found with the first direct shot found the net. The black Sticks had two more shots on goal but these were well taken care of by Laura del Colle. ( Belen succie was rested for this game - Laura del Colle is a resident of Rosario the CT2012 venue )
Delfina Merino (28 ') brought Las Leonas level seven minutes later in open play weaving round severla players to strike home. Delfi was key at bothering the New zelands defence in the second half. On 47 minutes Anita Punt converted a short and nine minutes later, Sofia Maccari returned the compliment to level matters at two each.
After that the host team upped their game and pressed forward but despite many forays into New Zealand's territory they missed several great opportunities failing in the final thrust inside the circle. improved significantly over a long passage of play and we have several opportunities to move ahead in the score, but without effect in the final thrust and the final whistle went and we were in for extra time on golden goals. The tie was decided by a short corner with Silvia firing home the winner on the 80th minute.
The national team now look forward to the final stretch in preparation for the Champions Trophy at Rosario's between 28th January and 5th February) in Rosario at the World Championship stadium. Elsewhere today, Australia 's hockeyroos rocked the Dutch, one of the favourites for an olympic medal under Max Caldas by securing a 4-2 win in the first friendly of their pre-Olympic tour in Europe. They play again tonight.
Argentine Squad:-
Laura Del Colle, (Goal Keeper ) Florence Habif, Silvina D'Elia, Noel Barrionuevo, Rosario Luchetti, Josefina Sruoga, Macarena Rodriguez, Mariela Scarone, Luciana Aymar (Captain), Carla Rebecchi ,Daniela Sruoga.
Substitutes used :-
Jimena Cedrés, Carla Dupuy, Delfina Merino, Rocio Sanchez Moccia, Sofia Maccari.
Coach: Carlos Retegui.
New Zealand Squad
Amelia Gibson,(Goal Keeper ) Alana Millington, Emily Naylor, Clarissa Eshuis, Lucy Talbot, Stacey Michelsen, Kayla Sharland (Captain ), Krytal Forgesson, Charlotte Harrison, Samantha Harrison, Gemma Flynn
Substitutes used :-
Alana Millington, Samantha Charlton, Julia King, Rhiannon Dennison, Gemma Flynn, Sophie Devine, Anita Punt.
Coach: Mark Hager.
FIH Umpires Sarah Wilson (GBR) and Kang Hyun Hee (KOR)
Source :Press Office CAH / Journalist Rodrigo Spiess - Rodrigo Twitter CAH Press Photo / Matthias Correa Arce. CAH Official site
