By FIH
Host nation Argentina have won the Argentina Hockey Men’s Champions Challenge 1 thanks to a stunning 5-0 win against Korea.
It was a truly brilliant performance from the South Americans, who
totally dominated the world number 7 to seal a place in the next edition
of the FIH Champions Trophy. Agustin Mazzilli, Gonzalo Peillat, Pedro
Ibarra, Guillermo Schickendantz and Manuel Brunet were the scorers for
Argentina, delighting a huge partisan crowd in Quilmes.
Argentina were hugely impressive in the first half of
the final, and snatched an early lead when Agustin Mazzilli pounced on a
loose ball in the Korean circle to score and send the home fans into
raptures. Gonzalo Peillat added a second goal two minutes from the end
of the half with a blistering penalty corner, rattling the backboard
with a perfectly executed low effort.
The home side won a succession of penalty corners at the end of the
first half, but their failure to convert their chances left Korea very
much in the game for the second half. However, Argentina added a third
goal at the very start of the second period, with Pedro Ibarra taking on
the flicking duties with another brilliant penalty corner effort.
Korea went in search of a much needed goal, but an
error in their own circle cost them another penalty corner. Again, there
was a different player taking the flick, with Guillermo Schickendantz
sending a high shot into the roof of the net for his fifth goal of a
remarkable debut tournament.
The fifth and final goal was a beautiful move from Argentina, passing
their way through the Korean defence before Manuel Brunet tapped in
from close range to seal an epic victory.
The competition final brought to an end a hugely
entertaining event, with all of the matches being played in great spirit
under glorious sunshine.
Argentina forward Lucas Vila was named as the Player of the
Tournament thanks to some outstanding displays for his team, while the
Goalkeeper of the Tournament Award went to Ireland’s David Harte.
Korea’s Jong Hyun Jang finished as the tournament’s top goal scorer
thanks to eight penalty corner strikes, while Japan were given the Fair
Play award for receiving the lowest number of disciplinary cards.
The bronze medal went the way of Ireland, who defeated
Malaysia 4-3 thanks to a golden goal from Peter Caruth. It was a
remarkable achievement for a team playing in their first ever Champions
Challenge 1, and one that their players will never forget. The full
report can be found by clicking here.
Earlier in the day, Japan took fifth place with a 4-2 win over
Canada, while South Africa took seventh place by beating Poland 4-1.
Reports for both of these matches can be found by clicking here.Final Standings:
1: Argentina (Promoted to the Champions Trophy)
2: Korea
3: Ireland
4: Malaysia
5: Japan
6: Canada
7: South Africa
8: Poland
Awards:
Player of the Tournament: Lucas Vila (ARG)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: David Harte (IRL)
Top Goal-scorer: Jang Jong Hyun (KOR) – 8 goals.
Fair Play Award: Japan
