The match was revenge from pool play when Italy surprised Chile (2-1). The Italians had already achieved an excellent tournament, but seemed keen to do even better and boldly controlled the initial phases of the match, playing some positive hockey around the Chilean circle. Alfredo Mella, in goal for Chile in this match, was under pressure but kept his team in the game, giving them time to settle down and organize.

In the Californian sun cooled down by a pleasant breeze, the match was entertaining, with chances at both ends. First penalty-corner of the match was for Chile after a rare incursion in the Italian defensive territory, but it was well defended by Francesco Padovani, in fine form during this whole competition.

The match continued animated in second period, and Italy earned a penalty-corner after a long run by Agustin Nunez on the right wing. Chile, already short on a green card, lost a defender too eager to run, and Thomas Keenan scored in the 35th minute the long awaited goal, celebrated by the Italian fans in surprising number on the sideline. This certainly boosted the Chileans and they immediately forced a penalty-corner of their own and Nicolas Renz made no mistake to slot the ball high in goal to level the score.

Both teams were alternating aerial balls and long rushes and play was swinging wildly from one end to the other. Tempters were also starting to heat up and umpires needed to stop play to cool down the players. The two teams were still deadlocked at the end of third quarter, with the feeling that the result could swing for the team better able to maintain composure.

Everybody was eager to make the difference before the dreaded shoot-out competition. Chile had the best chance to score but Francesco Padovani saved his team once again. With yellow cards raining left and right in the final minutes of the match, no more goals were scored and the matter had to be settled in a shoot-out competition.  

One Italian shooter hit the crossbar and two shot wide, giving the fifth place to Chile. Italy can however be very satisfied by their performance in this competition: not only were they competitive in every game (their initial team goal) but they finished two notches above their entry ranking.