The world No. 2 Argentina ended up with a 2-2 draw with America in women's Olympic hockey?in Beijing?on Sunday evening.
The Argentine forward Rebecchi Carla scored twice during the first 11 minutes. Smith Keli from the United States converted a penalty corner in the 18th minute. Argentina led 2-1 at the halftime.
In the second half, the Argentine team got several penalty corners but they failed to convert any of them. With loud chants of "U.S.A" from the spectators, Loy Angela scored a field goal with only five minutes to go and leveled the score 2-2.
The twice scorer Carla said the draw was not enough for them and they wanted to win. "We had more chances to score, but we didn't seize the opportunities," she said.
"I am not happy with the result. We made some mistakes in defense," said Argentina Captain Aicega Magdalena. "But we must go forward because it's the first game, and now I look forward to Great Britain on Tuesday."
The Argentine coach Gabriel Minadeo noted they lost many penalty corners due to the inaccuracy and the rain. "The rains complicated things a little bit for us, but this doesn't change anything," he added.
Lee Bodimeade, the American coach said he was satisfied with the 2-2 draw with the world number two in the first game.
The 2004 Athens bronze medalists Argentina next meet Britain and the 11th-ranked United States take on Japan on Tuesday.
(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)