A single penalty corner strike by Silvina D’Elia late in the first half meant Great Britain’s women collected the silver medal at the Champions Trophy in Rosario on Sunday night.
Despite losing to the World Champions by the narrowest of margins, the result represents Great Britain’s best ever finish in a World level event and comes just under six months before the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
D’Elia’s penalty corner strike just over five minutes before half time proved decisive in a match that saw both defences on top with Great Britain’s Reading goalkeeper Beth Storry pulling off a string of good saves from penalty corners.
Leicester's Crista Cullen came closest for Great Britain when her goal-bound penalty corner flick was deflected to safety from in front of the line by Rosario Luchetti. Cullen was later named the tournament's top goal scorer after she scored five times in Rosario.
Slough's Nicola White created two half chances for herself at the top of the circle but couldn't quite get her shots off while Alex Danson narrowly failed to find fellow World All Stars nominee Helen Richardson late on.
Despite a late fightback Great Britain could not penetrate a well marshalled Argentina defence and so it finished 1-0.
After the match Great Britain Head Coach Danny Kerry said, “I thought Argentina played very well tonight. They defended well, they didn’t create too many opportunities and their defence held out. We started to get back into it in the second half but it wasn’t to be.
“We won four, drew one and lost just one in a major world level tournament. We’ve made history tonight winning the silver medal.
“After yesterday’s game we had three or four players trying to find their game, we know where we need to improve and we will go forward and work on those areas. We have set ourselves high standards and I have to match the standards that the players have set themselves. That is the pressure I feel going into the Olympics.”
Great Britain Captain Kate Walsh said, “I am proud of the team tonight. We’re devastated not to have won. Argentina took their chance well but all in all it’s a disappointment. But, it will fuel us on our way to London.
“It was a great crowd and a great atmosphere. We thrive and get excited playing in front of a big crowd; hopefully we can get the same support at home in the Investec London Cup, the Olympic Test Event and at the Olympic Games.”
