Typical powerhouses Argentina and Canada cruised their way to the semifinals after winning 12-0 and 3-0 in their quarter-final matches against Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago, respectively. Chile overcame a gritty first half to knock out Cuba, 6-2, to move on, while the most inspiring moments of the tournament go to World No. 37-ranked Brazil who beat the USA 3-1 in shootouts to not only secure a spot in the semis but qualify for the 2016 Olympics. Click here for score updates, pictures, video interview and more from the men’s competition.
Quarter-final 1: Argentina vs. Mexico 12-0 (7-0)
Penalty corner specialist Gonzalo Peillat netted four goals as Argentina hit double-digits against Mexico in the first quarter-final of the day. Lucas Vila got two on the board for Los Leones. Peillat and Vila lead the tournament in goal scoring with 11 and six goals, respectively. Despite some saves from Mexican keeper Vargas, Argentina were able to dominate the pitch and run Mexico tired, cruising to a spot in the semifinals.
Quarter-final 2: Chile vs. Cuba 6-2 (0-1)
Despite the final score margin the game wasn’t always in favor of eventual winners Chile. Yoandy Blanco opened the games scoring after the 36-year-old scored on a Cuba penalty corner. It was the lone first-half goal that Cuba fed off until Alexis Berczely scored an equalizer for Chile. From there Chile’s possession started to pay off as five different scorers helped Chile put away Cuba 6-2. Chile advances to the semifinal to play South American rivals Argentina.
Quarter-final 3: USA vs. Brazil 1-1 (0-1) (1-3 SO)
Although USA started the match with the majority of the possession it was a spirited and gritty Brazilian team that got on the board first. Matheus Borges capitalized in the USA circle to score the game’s only first-half goal. Both teams played a tight defensive game with few quality chances in either end. Tyler Sundeen deflected home a late, tying goal to salvage USA’s semifinal chances but with either team able to score again the game went to shootouts. Brazil keeper Rodrigo Faustino was outstanding allowing just one shootout goal against, while all three of Brazil’s first shooters scored to seal the 3-1 win. Brazil needed a Top-6 finish to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics and with that box now ticked a semifinal win would only be icing on the cake.
Quarter-final 4: Canada vs. Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 (2-0)
Despite a 3-0 score margin it wasn’t an easy win for Canada in their quarter-final against Trinidad and Tobago. Iain Smythe put home a cross from Brenden Bissett on a broken down penalty corner option to lift Canada 1-0. Canada maintained most of the possession but unforced errors in their offensive end denied them many scoring opportunities. Matthew Sarmento finally deflected in a goal at the far post for 2-0, while Scott Tupper scored on a drag flick in the 50th minute to seal the shutout. Despite the loss Canadian keeper Dave Carter was called to action on a few dangerous Trinidadian chances through Dillet Gilkes and Soloman Eccles, while the defensive efforts of Trinidad and Tobago’s Darren Cowie, Aidan de Gannes and keeper Andrey Rocke were well on display throughout the match.
