The women’s team beats Chile (2-0) and the men’s team falls to the host Argentina (4-2)
MADRID, 8 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish women’s and men’s roller hockey teams have debuted in the World Cup –within the World Skate Games in Argentina– with different fortunes, with a victory for the defending champions over Chile (2-0) and a defeat for the men’s team against host Argentina (4-2).
On the one hand, the Spanish players got off to a good start defending the world title won at the previous Barcelona 2019 event, although they defend their three consecutive titles. Against Chile, in a very defensive match, they prevailed with a brace from Aina Florenza.
The Catalan, with a goal in each half, was the best of the team coached by Ricard Muñoz in a very intense game that Spain began to put on their side in the 7th minute of the game, thanks to a long shot by Florenza.
The one from Mataró, chosen as the best player in the last OK Liga Iberdrola, scored the final 2-0 after a rejection by the Chilean goalkeeper. Despite the fact that the Spanish domain was overwhelming, the scoreboard did not move again. Spain will now play Portugal (who beat France 8-0) on matchday two of the group stage.
Instead, in a completely full Aldo Cantoni pavilion, the men’s team could not score against an Argentina that was superior (4-2). In a duel between two of the great favorites to win this World Cup, Argentina knew how to take advantage of playing at home.
The Spaniards, coached by Guillem Cabestany, took the lead with a goal from Toni Pérez from a pass from Xavi Barroso. After a few minutes of anxiety, Spain had a stick – shot by Sergi Aragonés – but it was Argentina who scored and turned the score around.
Lucas Ordoñez equalized through a direct free kick and shortly afterwards it was ‘Pablito’ Álvarez who finished off inside the area and made it 2-1 at halftime. After the break, Spain leveled the match again thanks to Pau Bargalló, from a penalty, but Matías Platero answered quickly, on the next play, with the 3-2.
With 2 minutes to go, Lucas Ordoñez repeated and took a rebound inside the area to make it 4-2. The Spanish men’s team will face Mozambique on the second day of this group stage.
