Hockey World Cup 2018: 3 Reasons why Argentina beat New Zealand 3-0

After enthralling everyone with their 4-3 win over Spain in their inaugural match of the 2018 World Cup, Argentina took the field against New Zealand on Monday to strengthen their hold at the top of Pool A. Both sides began the game on a high note and had good chances to snatch the lead but both the goalkeepers came up with smart saves to make sure that it was goalless at the end of the first quarter.

Argentina started to take control of the game as they enjoyed majority of the possession. The deadlock was finally broken in the 23rd minute by the in-form striker Agustin Mazzilli who smashed a powerful reverse flick past New Zealand goalie Joyce.

Vila then made it 2-0 with a great finish from the edge of the circle in the third quarter. The finishing touches were applied by young striker Lucas Martinez who made it 3-0 with a neat finish.

The result meant that Argentina have one foot in the quarter-final. Let us take a look at the three reasons why Argentina won the contest 3-0.

---

#3 Controlled play in midfield

Hugo Inglis struggled to influence the game

After a fast start from the Kiwis, Argentina as they do so often slowed down the pace of the game and started rotating the ball amongst themselves with great patience. Argentina totally controlled the pace of the game with almost 60% possession. The slow pace of the game allowed the Olympic champions time on the ball which they used very nicely to build circle penetrations.

Apart from that, the high press of their midfield kept the Kiwis on their toes which eventually led to numerous turnovers. The likes of Rossi and Vila had a field day in the middle of the pitch whereas New Zealand’s Arun Panchia and Hugo Inglis struggled to influence the game as the match went on. It was only in the final few minutes that New Zealand did manage to conjure up some chances but it was too late by then.

#2 Neat finishing from the forward line

Lucas Vila's powerful shot made it 2-0

While the usual suspect Gonzalo Peillat failed to create his magic in today’s match via penalty corners, it was their strikers who stole the show. If it had not been for the brilliance of New Zealand goal-keeper Richard Joyce, New Zealand might have even lost the game 5 or 6-0.

Joyce thwarted attacks from Vila and Menini in the early stages of the game but was left stranded by a fierce strike by Agustin Mazzilli in the 23rd minute. Mazzilli did well to control a powerful drive from Peillat in the circle and then let fly a perfect shot in the top corner with the reverse stick.

After the interval, Vila stole a ball from Kiwi captain Blair Tarrant in the circle and then unleashed a powerful shot past Joyce to make it 2-0 for Argentina. Lucas Martinez also got into the act with a poacher’s finish in the dying minutes of the game.

#1 Stellar show from defence

Peillat was brilliant with his defending throughout the game

Gonzalo Peillat had a disappointing day in terms of penalty corner conversion but the 26-year old put on a great show in defence, thwarting any attack that the Black Sticks conjured up. Peillat along with Pedro Ibarra and Juan Martin Lopez made sure that the Kiwis did not have many clear shots at goal.

The superb display from the defenders ensured that goal-keeper Juan Manuel Vivaldi did not have too much to do. For once, Vivaldi was beaten but the calm head of Lopez prevented a simple tap-in for the Black Sticks. The back line also slowed down the pace of the game when they were in the lead, passing amongst themselves and frustrating their opponents.

The defenders totally dominated the 2nd and 3rd quarter as the Black Sticks failed to penetrate the circle with any real success. This tremendous showing by the back line augurs well for the reigning Olympic champions going forward.

---

Head to Sportskeeda to check out the schedule for the upcoming matches.