The reigning Olympic champions wasted no time in the opening game of the men’s tournament at the 2019 Pan American Games. No. 4-ranked Argentina fire three goals past Chile in the opening eight minutes of the game. Leandro Tolini’s drag flicks on the Leones’ first two penalty corners flew in to the mesh past Chilean keeper Adrian Henriquez. Henriquez denied Argentina’s third penalty corner but the rebound fell to Agustin Mazzilli who smashed it to the far post for the easy redirection by Martin Ferreiro.

In the second quarter Chile were able to put pressure on the Argentina defence line but errant passing prevented them from gaining the circle. Chile were awarded their first penalty corner in the 26^th minute. Juan Amoroso’s drag flick was saved by the glove of Juan Vivaldi and Argentina counter-attacked with a perfect clear to a waiting pack of Argentina forwards. Mazzilli’s blast easily found Lucas Martinez at the far post for Argentina’s fourth goal. In the final minute of the half Lucas Vila made work of the Chilean defence and pulled the trigger on a low shot to give Argentina a 5-0 lead. 

Franco Becerra broke the Argentine shutout after a strong rung down the left side of the field and back-hand blast beat Vivaldi at the far post. Martin Rodriguez nearly got Chile a second goal but his forehand blast rang off the outside of the goal. Argentina continued to show their dominance moving the ball with ease, while Chile’s frustration led the players to attempt solo plays. Argentina eased off the gas in the final quarter and Henriquez steered away what  chances that did come to leave the game comfortably in the hands of Argentina, 5-1 over Chile.