The Spanish women's team qualified for the final of the World Roller Hockey Championships in Novara (Italy) after beating Spain on Friday. Argentina (1-4)the reigning champion, in an early rerun of the last three finals. An early final between the two great powerswith 13 of the 16 world titles contested.
The team led by Sergi Macià, debutant in an official tournament at the head of the Spanish team, He took revenge for the 2022 defeat in San Juan (Argentina). In its fifth consecutive finalSince 2016, Spain has not failed to reach the final. It dominated the scoreboard throughout a duel that began to take shape after 30 seconds.
Spain took to the track with more energy and Always Florence It took her less than a minute to clear a loose ball near goalkeeper Anabella Flores to score the 0-1. The second goal could have come in the midst of Argentina's confusion, but the goalkeeper saved the day.
The captain Luciana Agudo led the albiceleste reaction, who came across the stops of the Spanish goalkeeper Anna Ferrervery safe. And in the midst of Argentina's improvement, the 0-2 came (min.10) in an individual action by Marta Piquerowho with skill and cunning slipped through the rival defense and beat Flores on his second attempt.
Forced to respond, Argentina launched an attack and the duel became a back-and-forth affair. Ferrer once again showed her reflexes against the pressure of Agudo, Adriana Soto and Gimena Gómez, but she could not avoid the Soto's goal (1-2, min.13).
Sara Rocesat the most delicate moment, came to the rescue of Spain by forcing a direct free kick that she herself transformed (1-3, minute 15). After the goal, the Spanish defence's performance and Ferrer's saves protected the result until half-time.
In the second half, Argentina took command, but was hasty against a disciplined and supportive opponent, who scored the 1-4 in an action of pure effort: after a shot by Piquero, Anna Casarramona stole a ball that Flores' goalkeeper thought they had controlled and served the goal to Florence (1-4, minute 30).
There were still twenty minutes left, but the Albiceleste did not know how to organize their ideas and gave in to the the strength of a Spain that will play its fifth consecutive World Cup final this Saturdaywith the ambition to achieve the eighth title in its history before the winner of the Cross between Portugal and Italy.
Technical data sheet
1. Argentina: Anabella Flores, Valentina Fernandez, Julieta Fernandez, Luciana Agudo, Flor Felamini -starting team-, Gimena Gomez, Daiana Silva, Adriana Soto and Julieta Martin.
4. Spain: Anna Ferrer, Aina Florenza, Anna Casarramona, Marta Piquero, María Sanjujo -initial team-, Sara Roces, Sara Lolo, Mariona Colomer and Victoria Porta.
Goals: 0-1: Aina Florenza, min.1. 0-2: Marta Piquero, min.10. 1-2: Adriana Soto, min.13. 1-3: Sara Roces (direct free kick), min.15. 1-4: Aina Florenza, min.30.
Referees: Joaquim Pinto (POR) and Silva Coelho (POR). Argentine Adriana Soto was shown a blue card (min.15).
Incidents: Women's World Roller Hockey semi-final match held at the Pala Igor in Novara (Italy). EFE
