Dominant first quarter seals the win
Argentina's women's field hockey team, Las Leonas, secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Spain in their first match of the second phase of the 2026 World Cup, held in the Netherlands and Belgium. The team resolved the match in a dominant first quarter and then managed the lead to earn three points that directly qualified them for the semifinals. This Monday they will face Belgium to advance as group leaders and avoid a potential clash with the Dutch, the big title favorites.[S1]
The match against Spain began after another great piece of news for Argentina: the victory of Los Leones 3-1 over England. With that momentum, Las Leonas came out determined to impose conditions and struck before the first minute of play. Julieta Jankunas was brought down inside the area and Agustina Gorzelany took charge of the direct penalty. The specialist did not fail and made it 1-0.[S1]
Fernando Ferrara's team did not give Spain time to react. Just a couple of minutes later, a prepared play from a penalty corner ended with Gorzelany opening for Juana Castellaro, whose shot made it 2-0. Towards the end of the first quarter, the third goal came. Argentina had another penalty corner and this time Gorzelany executed directly: she took a precise shot that went into the Spanish goal to establish 3-0.[S1]
Controlled second half and next challenge
With that commanding lead, the Argentine team managed the pace of the match and controlled the development. Spain tried to react but found no way to score, while Cristina Cosentino kept her goal clean. The second quarter passed without goals and Las Leonas reached halftime with the same difference they had built in the first 15 minutes. In the second half, Argentina continued to manage the result and avoided major scares until closing a 3-0 victory.[S1]
The win allows Las Leonas to secure a place in the final four and be well positioned in the fight to win the group. The objective is to finish as high as possible to avoid a clash with the Netherlands, the great favorite for the title. The Argentine team will play again this Monday at 15:30 (Argentine time) against Belgium, in a key match to define their position in this stage and keep firm the goal of reaching the final and winning the third world title after the conquests in Perth 2002 and Rosario 2010.[S1]
Los Leones also made their mark
The day had begun with great news for Argentine hockey. Los Leones beat England 3-1 in the second phase of the men's World Cup and are well positioned in the fight for a place in the semifinals. Tomás Domene was the great figure of the Argentine team by scoring all three goals, while goalkeeper Tomás Santiago was key to sustaining the national team during the start of the match.[S1]
