Argentina’s women’s national field hockey team got back on track in its 2026 World Cup campaign in the Netherlands and Belgium with a 3-2 win over Germany in its second group-stage game.
Las Leonas needed a win after a 1-1 tie with the United States in their opening game left them on the back foot in their bid to qualify for the next stage.
The Argentine players came out swinging and took the lead just two minutes into the game, when Eugenia Trinchinetti deflected a shot by Juana Castellaro into the net.
Argentina remained on the attack throughout the first quarter but was unable to extend its lead.
The second period brought more problems, as Germany regained its composure, took advantage of open space to advance down the field and earned several penalty corners in an effort to level the score.
The Germans were unable to turn that pressure into a goal, but the match became an increasingly back-and-forth affair.
Keeping Germany in check proved difficult for Las Leonas, particularly with one of the best players on the opposing team having once been one of their own.
That player was Misiones-born defender Lucina Von der Heyde, who switched her national allegiance to represent Germany in January 2026, citing a lack of opportunities with Argentina and her desire to continue living in Europe.
Gorzelany emerges as the hero
Germany kept pushing, but Las Leonas held on to their 1-0 lead going into the fourth quarter. Agustina Gorzelany doubled the lead with a penalty just three minutes into the period, but Germany pulled one back in the 50th minute.
Two minutes later, Sonja Zimmermann scored from her team’s fifth penalty corner to make it 2-2.
Argentina went all out once again, and it was Gorzelany who, four and a half minutes before the final whistle, restored the lead with a low shot that skimmed along the ground and crossed the line just inside the post.
“I can’t describe how happy I am right now,” Gorzelany said after the match. “The team needed to win and pick up three points. We want to enjoy this victory, even though we have to take it one step at a time. Aside from my goals, celebrating with this team is a treat for the soul.”
Gorzelany went on to credit Germany, which “played a great game,” but insisted Argentina held its head high and never gave up.
“We kept trying until the very end, and that paid off,” she added.
The win leaves Argentina tied with the U.S. at the top of Pool B. They will take on Scotland on Wednesday at 6 a.m. Argentina time, with a win securing their spot in the next round.
Los Leones face tough challenge
Argentina’s men’s national field hockey team, Los Leones, is also in competition, with the men’s and women’s World Cups being played simultaneously.
After a 3-0 win over Japan on Sunday, Los Leones will face one of the tournament’s best teams, the Netherlands, on Tuesday.
A win will send them through to the next stage, while a loss or a tie will leave them needing a win in their final match against New Zealand.
Cover image: International Hockey Federation
