Wavre, Belgium, 28 August (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Argentina are through to the Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup final after Las Leonas defeated Australia 1-0 in their semi-final at the Belfius Hockey Arena. The Argentina hockey final place was secured when Julieta Jankunas scored from a penalty-corner routine in the fourth quarter.
The result means Fernando Ferrara’s side will face defending champions the Netherlands on Saturday, with Argentina seeking their third women’s World Cup crown after previous triumphs in 2002 and 2010.
Why Argentina beat Australia and reached the final
Australia put Argentina under pressure early and earned a penalty corner in the opening minute, but Las Leonas remained organised defensively. Goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino helped keep the Hockeyroos scoreless as neither team found a breakthrough during the opening three quarters.
Argentina eventually made their opportunity count. From their seventh penalty corner, a rehearsed routine created the opening for Jankunas to score the decisive goal.
Australia responded by pushing players forward and later withdrawing their goalkeeper for an additional outfield player. Argentina survived the late pressure, including video reviews during a dramatic finish, to protect their one-goal advantage.
After the match, Jankunas summed up Argentina’s belief in their campaign, saying: “We deserve it. This is what we came for.”
The match-winner also made clear that reaching the final was not the team’s ultimate objective. “Until we have the one we want, we’re not going to stop,” she said as Las Leonas turned their attention to the Netherlands.
Why the Netherlands will be Argentina’s biggest test
The Argentina hockey final against the Netherlands carries added significance because it repeats the 2022 World Cup final. The Dutch won that encounter 3-1 and have again demonstrated their strength by reaching another global final.
The Netherlands booked their place with a 1-0 semi-final victory over co-hosts Belgium. Argentina, meanwhile, enter the title match unbeaten and with confidence strengthened by their defensive performance against Australia.
For Las Leonas, the challenge will be converting their opportunities while limiting a Dutch side accustomed to competing for major international titles.
What happens next for Las Leonas?
Argentina and the Netherlands will meet at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Saturday, 29 August. Argentina’s hockey federation lists the match for 11am Argentine time.
Victory in the Argentina hockey final would deliver the country’s first women’s World Cup title since 2010 and a third overall. Defeat would leave Argentina as runners-up for a second successive tournament, making Saturday’s rematch another defining contest for this generation of Las Leonas.
