In the third match on Day 1 of the Pan American Games Men’s Hockey Competition, Argentina played home team, Mexico. Argentina took quick 1-0 lead off a field goal by Matías PAREDES. Argentina controlled possession and pressured on attack. Mexico played strong and kept Argentina from significantly entering their attacking circle. The fans erupted whenever Mexico touched the ball. Mexico got a penalty corner with 10 minutes remaining in the first half, but could not convert. With Mexico having few offensive opportunities, but Mexico’s defense holding strong Argentina had trouble scoring again. Argentina’s persistence paid off and they went ahead by two off a field goal by Lucas CAMMARERI. Argentina continued their offensive pressure, but Mexico held off a few Argentina penalty corners. Yet, with under one minute remaining in the first half, Argentina’s Ignacio BERGNER penalty corner goal put Argentina ahead of Mexico 3-0 at the half.

Argentina continued to dominate possession in the second half; but again Mexico was tough on defense. Mexico had a couple penalty corner opportunities but could not convert. Argentina went ahead 4-0 over Mexico off another penalty corner goal by BERGNER in the 48^th minute. Argentina quickly increased their lead to 7-0 over Mexico with three goals in three minutes from goals by BERGNER, Lucas VILA, and another by PAREDES. The Argentina lead increased to 8-0 off a Juan LOPEZ goal. With Mexico unable to get on the scoreboard, the final score was Argentina 8, Mexico nill.

Match Quotes

Mexico’s Coach Arsenio Alberto LOPEZ DELOYA

On the match …

I think that we prepared for this game well and played well at times. [Argentina] got some quick goals due to errors of ours. However, in the first half Argentina continued to hold the majority of possession. In the second half¸ I think we began well, but also had lots of times where we lost focus and this was a disadvantage. I believe the result is fair because Argentina scored lots of goals. However, an important point I want to make is that Mexico has not been to a Pan American Games in 12 years and thus this is a chance for our players to make a little bit of history. We also do not have any player who has played in a Pan American Games.

Argentina’s Matias Damian VILA

On the match…

We played against the local (home) team and we knew they would play at a high level. They defended well and we encountered a good game. Once we figured out how to break through their defense we began to score goals. It was our first match and it was great to come out with a win.