The National Stadium in Mendoza was the perfect scenario for the last day of the Champions Trophy competition. Six thousand people cheered best of the best 8 women’s teams, in a glorious day.
The last match was the prelude to a night full of emotions Martina Caballero celebrated her 100 caps and Luciana Aymar and Casey Eastham, Captains of the two top teams participated in the first time ever olive ceremony involving hockey in the peace program Scholas Ocurrentes, supported by Pope Francis.
Argentina and Australia came into the pitch in an atmosphere of tension where players showed their anxiety even during the National Anthems. The Hockeyroos scored first in minute 35th after the error of the Argentinean defense. Las Leonas did not give up and 4 minutes later Florencia Habif converted with a deflected ball from a penalty corner.
The game became even with both squads running into attack end to end. The match ended in a draw and teams went into the shoot out competition.
Luciana Aymar was the first to score for the Argentineans, followed by the explosion of her fans at the packed stands. But it was Belen Succi who once more became the main asset of the team, with 3 saves of 4 shots from the Hockeyroos. Argentina went out with the victory 3-1 in the shoot out competition and was crowned once more Champions of the Competition.
FIH award for the Best Player of the Tournament went to Luciana Aymar, Carla Rebecchi was the top scorer and Belen Succi best Goal keeper.
After the Award Ceremony where Luciana Aymar got the Trophy for the last time as a player, the big celebration started as a tribute to “La Maga”. Fans remain at the stands watching in silence the special ceremony for Luciana. Videos with messages from top players around the world and former team mates were shared on the screen at the pitch. Luciana Aymar thanked her fans for “a dream that needed to come to an end to give a place to new ones”. The Fireworks and shirts with #8 and “The Legend” on it were the perfect end of a perfect night.
