Argentina started the game with an aggressive pressing and convinced with an impressive teamwork. This lead to the first chance in the 2nd minute, however even the two following rebounds couldn't be used to score a goal. Due to the aggressive game of the Argentinians New Zealand was facing problems during ball possession. In the 7th minute a tip-in of the Argentinians just missed the goal. New Zealand hat to wait until the 13th minute for their first chance, however Vivaldi could save the shot without any problems.
The match lost its tempo and pace and all of a sudden New Zealand gained its first penalty corner, which Hayden Shaw dragged flicked into the top rigth corner, no chance for the goal keeper.
Argentina started heavy attacks, however New Zealand started to play with more confidence and putting strong emphasis on its defensive work. One of the few New Zealand attacks over Stephanson leading to the second penalty corner, which Hayden Shaw finished successfully, this time into top left corner.
Argentina was shocked and lost its confidence, whereas the Black Sticks were keeping the pressure up acting with more and more confidence. Another penalty corner in the 27th minute was just missed by Shaw. Argentina tried to score their first goal before the end of the first half, however this was not successful. Both, Cammareri and Almada missed decent chances. In the 35th minute New Zealand created another chance when Hari hit the post with a reverse stick after a quickly played free hit.
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