Wednesday, October 25, 2023.- Argentinian "Leones" began their defense of the Pan American gold in field hockey on the right foot by defeating Mexico 10-1 in a packed Centro Deportivo del Estadio Nacional.

Tomás Domene was the standout player for Argentina, scoring four goals, while the other goals were scored by Nicolás de La Torre (2), Maico Casella, Nicolás Keenan, Agustín Mazzilli, and Lucas Toscani. Matías Guzmán scored Mexico's consolation goal. Matías Guzmán scored Mexico's consolation goal.

"The feelings are strange; it was a bit difficult at the beginning, but luckily, we reacted in the following periods. This is a step-by-step process, and we want to keep improving. We've been working well; this is a long process, and our main goal is to qualify for the Olympics and win the gold," commented the Argentine top scorer Tomás Domene.

Regarding the upcoming match against Chile (Friday, October 27th at 8:30 p.m. local time), Domene mentioned, "Chile has grown a lot in recent years. We know they are favorites because they are at home, and it will be tough, but we have to play at our best level."

Nine players who won gold in Peru 2019 remain in the Argentine team, which is in Group A along with Mexico, Chile, and Peru. After facing the local team, the current Pan American champions will close the group stage on Sunday, October 29 (12:30 p.m.) against Peru.

It's worth noting that field hockey at Santiago 2023 offers a spot for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, both for female and male.

Written by Marcelo López - Macarena Navas; translated by Andrés Castro / Santiago 2023 via Photosport
Photo: Felipe Poga / Santiago 2023 via Photosport