Italy
beat China to produce the shock result of the 2018 Vitality Hockey Women’s
World Cup so far.
There were big wins for Argentina and the Netherlands who wowed the fans with plenty
of goals on day two before New Zealand came from 2-1 down to beat Belgium 4-2 in the final game of the day.
Playing in their first World Cup for 42 years, Italy put in a brilliant display
to run out 3-0 winners which sparked wild celebrations at the full time
whistle.
Valentina Braconi brilliant reacted to loose ball to give Italy the lead after
17 minutes before doubling that lead early in the second half through Lara
Oviedo, with Giuliana Ruggieri sealing the win in the 45th minute.
“It's a joy to be here, it's been 42 years since Italy played in a big
tournament like the World Cup,” said Italy captain Chiara Tidi.
"We are in a really strong pool, and we are the lowest ranked team in the
tournament, but we believe in our game and our capacities. I think today we
showed to the world that we can play."
Argentina
also started their Pool C campaign in winning style as they overcame an early
setback to beat Spain 6-2.
Maria Ortiz was the star, scoring two goals including a stunning
strike to give her side the lead for the first time after Julieata Jankunas
equalised following Carola Salvatella’s third minute opener for Spain.
Rocio Sanchez, Noel Barrionuevo and Delfina Merino also put the ball into the
net to give the world number three side an unassailable lead, while Beatriz
Perez grabbed a late consolation for her side.
Not
to be outdone, The Netherlands also treated the crowd to a goalfest as they ran
out 7-0 winners over Korea.
It took just 21 seconds for Frederique Matla to open the scoring and by the end
of the first quarter they had five as Matla grabbed a second with Lidewij
Welten, Kitty van Male and Kelly Jonker also on target.
Laurien Leurink scored the goal of the game with a fabulous strike to make it
six before van Male grabbed her second. And it could have been more as Alyson
Annan’s side hit the woodwork three times in the second half.
The final game of the day also saw a gluttony of goals as New Zealand overcame a dogged Belgian side 4-2.
The Black Sticks had taken the lead through a clever corner routine as Kelsey Smith diverted Anita McLaren's flick over the goalkeeper but it was the Belgians who took the half-time lead thanks to goals from Louise Versavel and Jill Boon.
However New Zealand hit back with two goals in a minute at the start of the third quarter with Shiloh Gloyn equalising before Olivia Merry scored a fine solo goal.
Belgium had chances to grab a point but ultimately it was New Zealand who sealed the win with six minutes to go as Merry scored her second with a penalty stroke.
