Argentina wins second straight Women's Hockey bronze

(BEIJING, August 22) -- Argentina scored two unanswered goals in the first half of the Women's Hockey bronze medal match and then added one more goal in the second on their way to a 3-1 victory over Athens Olympic champion Germany. This is Argentina's second consecutive bronze medal in Olympic Women's Hockey.

Making better use of their chances, Argentina scored through Claudia Burkart (11th minute), Carla Rebecchi (23rd) and Noel Barrionuevo (62nd) while Germany's lone goal came in the 45th minute when Anke Kuehn scored.

Argentina's first goal came from a badly executed penalty corner as Mariana Gonzalez Oliva failed to stop the push. But she recovered to pass to Burkart who was left free to drive to the boards.

A shaken Germany conceded another goal when their goalkeeper Kristina Reynolds failed to cover an attempt from Alejandra Gulla and Rebecchi, lurking near the post, flicked the ball in.

Germany pulled one back early in the second half when Kuehn struck from just inside the circle after Julia Mueller put her through. The goal was upheld after video referral.

Germany momentarily took control as they pressed hard for the equalizer, but their forwards wasted several chances. Intent on attacking, Germany left their defense open and Argentina forced a penalty corner which Barrionuevo converted for the insurance goal.

Germany won a series of late penalty corners, but they were unable to capitalize as Argentina took their second consecutive Olympic bronze.