Double delight for captain Paumen as Argentina conquered

Netherlands captain Maartje Paumen produced a captain’s performance by scoring two goals to defeat World Champions Argentina in their Pool C encounter here in the final match of the day in Amstelveen. The result puts The Netherlands onto four points in Pool C, drawing them level with Korea.

Argentina were very much second best in the first half, as The Netherlands camped in their opponents half. The Dutch women won two penalty corners but were not successful in converting them. Although the Netherlands were well on top, the first big chance of the match fell to Argentina superstar Luciana Aymar. The seven times FIH Player of the Year found herself through on goal with only the Netherlands keeper Joyce Sombroek to beat, but the Dutch shot-stopper brilliantly robbed the ball from Aymar with a perfectly timed tackle that will live long in her memory.   

The opening goal of the game went the way of The Netherlands, and it was fully deserved.  Maartje Paumen stepped up to the mark in the 20^th minute and sent a rocket of a penalty corner into the Argentina goal.

Argentina hit back seven minutes later when a magical run down the left from Aymar won a penalty corner, with Delfina Merino deflecting Noel Barrionuevo’s slapped effort into the roof of the Netherlands goal.   Eva de Goede went close with a sensational diving deflection before Kim Lammers went close on three occasions to restoring the Dutch advantage.

Argentina were very much in the match at half time, with the goal providing confidence amongst the ranks. However, the second half saw more domination from The Netherlands who peppered the Argentinean circle with crosses from midfield.

With eight minutes remaining Lidewij Welten managed to steal the ball from Luciana Aymar inside the Argentinean circle before cracking a reverse stick shot goal-wards, but Belen Succi held firm and kicked to safety.

Just as the large crowd appeared to be losing belief The Netherlands finally got the goal that they were looking for, and it was no surprise that it came from the ever-reliable Paumen. The Dutch captain launched another wonderful penalty corner flick into the goal with just two minutes remaining to seal a very important victory for her team.

Before the game, Australian umpire Lisa Roach was presented with a Golden Whistle in recognition of umpiring her 100^th senior international match. 

Review 16.  Argentina vs Netherlands (1-2) - Rabo FIH Champions Trophy 2011

> The Dutch end their 4-match losing streak against Argentina and record their first win against Las Leonas since winning 6-1 at the 2010 Rabo Trophy in July 2010. > The Netherlands had last beaten Argentina in a world level event at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing winning 5-2 in the semi-finals. > Before today’s victory, Holland’s last CT win over Argentina came in the final of the 2007 Champions Trophy in Quilmes (1-0). > Maartje Paumen broke Ageeth Boomgaardt's record for Dutch player with most goals in Champions Trophy competition by scoring her 17th and 18th CT goal. > Maartje Paumen scored her 2nd and 3rd PC goal this tournament. Paumen has now scored in 4 of Holland's last 5 CT matches against Argentina. > On 6 goals, Maartje Paumen (9 matches) is now Holland’s sole top goalscorer against Argentina in CT competition. > Maartje Paumen lifted the Dutch record for most PC goals in Champions Trophy competition to 16. > The Dutch have now converted 3 of 19 penalty corners awarded at the 2011 Champions Trophy. > Argentina are on 2 for 15 penalty corners. > Argentina’s Delfina Merino scored her 2nd goal of the tournament, she also netted in Argentina's 4-1 win over China.