A Commanding Performance in Belgium
In a match that showcased their trademark intensity and skill, Las Leonas, the pride of Argentine field hockey, delivered a decisive performance against Scotland. On Wednesday, August 19th, at the Belfius Hockey Arena in the Belgian city of Wavre, Argentina triumphed with a clean 2-0 scoreline, wrapping up the group stage of the 2026 Hockey World Cup, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.
The deadlock was broken early in the first quarter. A well-executed penalty corner, fired in by Valentina Raposo, produced a rebound that captain María José Granatto was quickest to pounce on, slamming the ball home for her first goal of the tournament and her 93rd for the national team.
The second goal arrived in the third quarter. Granatto turned provider, bursting down the left flank and sending a low, precise cross that Lara Casas deflected into the net. After a video review, the goal was confirmed, much to the relief of the Argentine bench and their traveling fans.
Group B Success and a New Tournament Format
This victory allowed Las Leonas to finish the group stage with 7 points, a record of two wins (3-2 against Germany and 2-0 against Scotland) and a draw (1-1 with the United States). This impressive tally guarantees them at least a second-place finish in Group B, securing their progression to the next phase of the tournament, which introduces a fresh format. Teams will be placed into new groups of four, carrying over points earned against the other team that qualifies from their original group.
The final standings now hinge on the outcome of the match between Germany and the United States, played on the same day at 9:00 AM (Argentina time). If the Americans win, Las Leonas will carry just 1 point into the next round. A German victory would see them carry a full 3 points.
Argentina's Starting Lineup vs. Scotland
Cristina Cosentino; Valentina Raposo, Juana Castellaro, Agustina Gorzelany, Sofía Toccalino, Victoria Miranda, Agostina Alonso, Eugenia Trinchinetti; María José Granatto, Julieta Jankunas, and Zoe Díaz.
Substitutes: Mercedes Artola, Emma Knobl, María Paula Ortiz, Victoria Sauze, Victoria Granatto, Brisa Bruggesser, and Lara Casas.
A Special Milestone for Agostina Alonso
Before the match, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) honored defender Agostina Alonso, who was celebrating her 200th international cap for Argentina. A stalwart of the team's defense, Alonso started the match and received a warm ovation from the crowd, a fitting tribute to her incredible dedication and career.
Reactions from the Squad
Forward Majo Granatto was undoubtedly the player of the match, involved in both goals. Speaking after the game, Juana Castellaro praised the team's defensive solidity and the energy from the fans in Europe, noting, “You could feel that defensive strength, which is so important in a high-stakes tournament.” Similarly, Victoria Sauze highlighted the squad's experience in managing tense moments, expressing that the win provides great confidence moving forward.
What's Next for Las Leonas?
With their place in the next round confirmed, Las Leonas now await the result of the Germany vs. USA match to know their exact seed and future opponents. They will form a new group alongside the other qualifier from Group B and two teams from Group C (which includes Belgium, Spain, or Ireland). The goal is clear: finish in the top two of this new group to advance to the semifinals.
Their next match is tentatively scheduled for Friday, August 21st. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN and Disney+ Premium in Latin America.