Women's hockey receives dramatic knockouts against feared opponents
The German women's hockey team has been eliminated from the Olympic Games for the second year in a row. The team coached by Valentin Altenburg lost to Argentina in the quarter-finals, just like they did three years ago in Tokyo. This time, the decision was made in a shootout.
A dramatic exit against their bogey team, medal dreams shattered: The German women's hockey team has once again failed to get past Argentina in the Olympic quarter-finals, this time losing in a shootout. The team coached by Bundestrainer Valentin Altenburg lost in a thrilling match, with the score tied at 1-1 (0-0) after 60 minutes. Just like in Tokyo 2021, Germany missed out on the semi-finals and left empty-handed.
Viktoria Huse had given Germany the lead with a penalty stroke just before the end (57'), but Argentina's Eugenia Trinchinetti equalized (59'). In the shootout, Argentina's Julieta Jankunas and Zoe Diaz de Armas scored, while all of Germany's shooters missed. Germany has not been able to beat Argentina in recent major tournaments, losing to them in the Olympic quarter-finals in 2021 and the World Cup semi-finals in 2022.
Before the rematch against Argentina, Altenburg had stressed that past encounters should not play a role: "We're going to make the semi-finals clear, no matter who we're up against." He had demanded "greater consistency over 60 minutes" from his team.
Argentina presses, Germany struggles
The DHB women, who had suffered a setback against Belgium in their last group game (0:2), were initially focused on defense. Argentina pressed and repeatedly pushed the European champions back into their own half. Goalkeeper Nathalie Kubalski prevented Argentina from taking the lead, saving a penalty corner early on (9').
Germany struggled offensively, making several early turnovers. Jette Fleschutz created the first dangerous chance for Germany, but was denied by goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino (15'). Germany gradually found their way into the game, but were unable to capitalize on their own penalty corners.
After the break, Germany continued to search for a way forward, but found no breakthrough. Argentina, the silver medalists from Tokyo, also pressed for the opening goal. Kubalski had to make several saves, and Germany defended resolutely, even taking the lead after a foul on Fleschutz. But the German drama was far from over.
Despite their promising start, Germany failed to maintain momentum, resulting in a tough match against Argentina. Regardless, the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris will undoubtedly present a new opportunity for the German women's hockey team to overcome their quarter-final hurdle against Argentina.
