In the second Semifinal on Day 4 of the Pan American Games Men’s Competition neighbors Argentina and Chile played. With the match, Chile’s Cristobal RODRIGUEZ earned his 150^th international cap. In the opening minutes, Argentina took the early lead off a penalty corner goal by BERGNER. Both teams continued to fight for possession, but Argentina maintained their offensive momentum. And Argentina’s Lucas Martin VILA made it a 2-0 score over Chile in the 27^th minute. In the 33^rd minute, Lucas Martin REY scored that gave Argentina a three goal lead over Chile. Immediately after, Argentina’s Ibarra Pedro IBARRA netted a penalty stroke to make it a 4-0 score over Chile at halftime.

Argentina again came out on the attack in the second half. Throughout the half Argentina pressured the Chilean defense. But behind Chile’s keeper Mathias ANWANDTER Chile was effective at preventing Argentina from scoring for much of the second half. Argentina’s Captain Matias Damian VILA scored off a very high penalty corner shot to give Argentina a five goal lead in the 49^th minute. Despite Argentina dominating possession, Chile persisted and Alexis BERCZELY put Chile on the scoreboard in the 60^th minute and made it a 5-1 score. Yet, Argentina kept up their attack and both Lucas Martin VILA and Matias Damian VILA scored again before the end of the match. Thus, Argentina won 7-1 over Chile and secured their spot in the Final match against Canada. While Chile will play Cuba in the match for third place.

Match Quotes

Argentina’s Coach Pablo LOMBI

On playing Canada in the Final match…

We are two teams with 80% different strategies. Canada is a team that plays a lot of compact defense, while we play a lot of attack with the ball. The two teams have a great identity and system of play. I think it will be a very close game.

Argentina’s Lucas Martin VILA

On playing Canada in the Final match…

They are a very good team and good rival for us. They always come ready to play. But this will be a new game and a new Final. We have to try to not repeat errors.

Chile’s Coach Daniel GATH

On the match…

It was a very complicated match. We committed two errors and that helped put Argentina ahead by four goals. I think this made it a harder game for us than if we had gone into halftime only down by two goals. Argentina is a very good side. But I do not think that these errors (that led to goals) were responsible for the loss, it just increased the difference between Chile and Argentina.

Chile’s Alexis BERCZELY

On his Pan American Games experience and the result of the match…

It is my first time playing in such a high level international tournament. It has been a great experience to be around such good people and good organization. And to share this experience and this sport with others. It has been very educational. The match was clearly hard and we do not have the opportunity to play for the gold medal. But our objective has always been the same—to medal and we will put it all out on the field to do so.