The Argentina women's national field hockey team (Spanish: Selección femenina de hockey sobre césped de Argentina) is governed by the Argentine Hockey Confederation (CAH). The current coach is Fernando Ferrara, who was appointed after Carlos Retegui let go in late 2021. The team is currently second in the FIH Women's World Ranking.
Las Leonas (The Lionesses) have appeared in six Hockey World Cup finals, including the first final in 1974, which they lost 1–0 to the Netherlands. Argentina had to settle with second place in two more finals before winning the tournament for the first time in 2002, beating the Netherlands 4–3 in the final on penalty strokes after a 1–1 draw. Argentina, led by eight-time FIH Player of the Year Luciana Aymar won again in 2010, a 3–1 victory over the Netherlands. Argentina's World Cup-winning coaches are Sergio Vigil in 2002 and Carlos Retegui in 2010.
Argentina has been very successful at the Summer Olympics, winning four consecutive medals (two silver, two bronze) since the 2000 edition, when they became the first women's team in any sport to win an Olympic medal for their country. Luciana Aymar is the only player that has participated and won those four medals. Also, after their first title in 2001 at a Hockey Champions Trophy, they have won the tournament six more times. In front of a home crowd, they won the 2014–15 Hockey World League as the first international title after Aymar's retirement from the national team the previous year.
At a continental level, Argentina has dominated and won every tournament they played, including the Pan American Cup and the Pan American Games leaving the United States with second place on most events until they lost the 2011 Pan American Games final for the first time.
In July 2003, after the implementation of an official World Ranking System, Argentina reached the top of the FIH Women's World Ranking for the first time, reaching it again in 2010 after obtaining the World Cup title and once more in late 2013.
History
editHockey was introduced in Argentina by English immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century, and the first women's teams were officially formed in 1909.[2] In 1997, Sergio Vigil, a former player for the men's national team, was appointed coach. Under his leadership, Las Leonas achieved their first World Hockey Cup title, their first Olympic medals, their first Champions Trophy medals, and many other achievements. The team went from having a rather limited audience to becoming a national sensation, with some of the players even appearing as models in advertising campaigns.
Nickname
editThroughout its history, the team has developed a reputation for being tenacious even when a match appears to be lost. For this reason, a lioness was chosen as their symbol when the team qualified for the 2000 Summer Olympics. During the second round of games, Argentina played against the powerful Dutch team, and they chose this occasion to place the image of a lioness on their shirts for the first time.
The image was designed by then-player Inés Arrondo together with Vigil's sister-in-law.[3] Argentina won that match, went on to win the silver medal, and Las Leonas were born. Subsequently, the junior (under 21) team is called Las Leoncitas ("the baby lionesses" or "the lioness cubs").
The lioness logo was redesigned in 2006 by the team kit supplier, Adidas, along with Confederación Argentina de Hockey and even some of the most representative players. This is slightly different from the original, showing the lioness' tail pretending to be a hockey stick while holding a ball.[4]
The nickname also falls in line with an unwritten Argentine tradition of naming national teams after big cats: the men's field hockey team is called Los Leones ("The Lions"), the men's rugby union team is called Los Pumas ("The Pumas"), and the women's volleyball team is known as Las Panteras ("The Panthers").
Tournament records
edit| World Cup[5] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Host city | Position |
| 1974 |  Mandelieu, France
|
2nd |
| 1976 |  Berlin, West Germany
|
2nd |
| 1978 |  Madrid, Spain
|
3rd |
| 1981 |  Buenos Aires, Argentina
|
6th |
| 1983 |  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
|
9th |
| 1986 |  Amsterdam, Netherlands
|
7th |
| 1990 |  Sydney, Australia
|
9th |
| 1994 |  Dublin, Ireland
|
2nd |
| 1998 | Utrecht, Netherlands
|
4th |
| 2002 | Perth, Australia
|
1st |
| 2006 |  Madrid, Spain
|
3rd |
| 2010 | Rosario, Argentina
|
1st |
| 2014 | The Hague, Netherlands
|
3rd |
| 2018 |  London, England
|
7th |
| 2022 | Terrassa, Spain Amstelveen, Netherlands
|
2nd |
| 2026 |  Wavre, Belgium Amstelveen, Netherlands
|
TBQ |
| Pan American Cup[6] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Host city | Position |
| 2001 |  Kingston, Jamaica
|
1st |
| 2004 |  Bridgetown, Barbados
|
1st |
| 2009 |  Hamilton, Bermuda
|
1st |
| 2013 | Mendoza, Argentina
|
1st |
| 2017 |  Lancaster, United States
|
1st |
| 2022 |  Santiago, Chile
|
1st |
| 2025 |  Montevideo, Uruguay
|
TBQ |
| South American Championship[7] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Host city | Position |
| 2003 | Santiago, Chile
|
1st |
| 2008 | Montevideo, Uruguay
|
1st |
| 2010 |  Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
|
1st |
| 2013 | Santiago, Chile
|
1st |
|
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| World League[11] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Final host city | Position | |
| 2012–13 | San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
|
4th | |
| 2014–15 | Rosario, Argentina
|
1st | |
| 2016–17 |  Auckland, New Zealand
|
5th | |
| Champions Trophy[12] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Host city | Position |
| 1995 | Mar del Plata, Argentina
|
6th |
| 1999 | Brisbane, Australia
|
4th |
| 2000 | Amstelveen, Netherlands
|
4th |
| 2001 | Amstelveen, Netherlands
|
1st |
| 2002 |  Macau, China
|
2nd |
| 2003 | Sydney, Australia
|
4th |
| 2004 | Rosario, Argentina
|
3rd |
| 2005 | Canberra, Australia
|
4th |
| 2006 | Amstelveen, Netherlands
|
4th |
| 2007 | Quilmes, Argentina
|
2nd |
| 2008 | Mönchengladbach, Germany
|
1st |
| 2009 | Sydney, Australia
|
1st |
| 2010 | Nottingham, England
|
1st |
| 2011 | Amstelveen, Netherlands
|
2nd |
| 2012 | Rosario, Argentina
|
1st |
| 2014 | Mendoza, Argentina
|
1st |
| 2016 |  London, United Kingdom
|
1st |
| 2018 |  Changzhou, China
|
3rd |
Players
editCurrent squad
editThe following players were called to play at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Players, caps and goals updated as of 9 August 2024.
Head coach: Fernando Ferrara
| No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | GK | Cristina Cosentino | 22 December 1997 | 48 | Royal Victory HC
| |
| 14 | GK | Clara Barberi (reserve) | 19 April 1992 | 30 | Lomas
| |
| 3 | DF | Agustina Gorzelany | 11 March 1996 | 124 | 76 | AH&BC
|
| 4 | DF | Valentina Raposo | 28 January 2003 | 59 | 9 | Gazellen-Combinatie
|
| 25 | DF | Juana Castellaro | 29 March 2005 | 29 | 0 | River Plate
|
| 29 | DF | Victoria Miranda (reserve) | 5 June 2000 | 23 | 1 | Ciudad
|
| 2 | MF | Sofía Toccalino | 20 March 1997 | 179 | 12 | Real Sociedad
|
| 5 | MF | Agostina Alonso | 1 October 1995 | 165 | 7 | Banco Nación
|
| 17 | MF | Rocío Sánchez Moccia | 2 August 1988 | 328 | 21 | Puerto Nizuc
|
| 18 | MF | Victoria Sauze | 21 July 1991 | 154 | 5 | Atletic Terrassa
|
| 20 | MF | Sofía Cairó | 8 October 2002 | 35 | 4 | Mariano Moreno
|
| 26 | MF | Pilar Campoy | 6 October 1990 | 107 | 24 | Hacoaj
|
| 31 | MF | Valentina Marcucci (reserve) | 21 February 1998 | 33 | 0 | Lomas
|
| 7 | FW | Agustina Albertario | 1 January 1993 | 235 | 64 | Lomas
|
| 10 | FW | María José Granatto | 21 April 1995 | 218 | 105 | Junior 1917
|
| 22 | FW | Eugenia Trinchinetti | 17 July 1997 | 187 | 39 | Real Sociedad
|
| 23 | FW | Lara Casas | 22 June 2004 | 17 | 2 | Italiano
|
| 28 | FW | Julieta Jankunas | 20 January 1999 | 178 | 68 | Club Egara
|
| 33 | FW | Zoe Díaz | 5 June 2006 | 14 | 2 | Italiano
|
Recent call-ups
editThese players were called up in the last 12 months.
| Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Ana Luz Dodorico | 6 January 2000 | 4 | GEBA
|
2024 United States friendly matches serie | |
| DF | Valentina Costa Biondi | 13 September 1995 | 91 | 9 | THC Hurley
|
8 December 2023, v. Netherlands
|
| DF | Bianca Donati | 5 June 1995 | 43 | 2 | UD Taburiente
|
11 December 2023, v. Netherlands
|
| DF | Bárbara Dichiara | 13 November 1996 | 29 | 1 | Club Atlético Monte Hermoso
|
19 February 2024, v. Germany
|
| DF | Stefanía Antoniazzi | 18 October 1999 | 10 | 1 | RC Polo Barcelona
|
30 May 2024, v. Germany
|
| MF | Catalina Andrade | 7 February 2002 | 16 | 3 | Italiano
|
1 June 2024, v. Australia
|
| FW | Delfina Thome | 10 September 1996 | 61 | 18 | Flottbeck
|
2 June 2024, v. China
|
| FW | Celina di Santo | 23 February 2000 | 26 | 3 | KMTHC Mechelen
|
26 May 2024, v.  India
|
| FW | Victoria Manuele | 4 May 2001 | 9 | 1 | KMTHC Mechelen
|
1 June 2024, v. Australia
|
| FW | Alina Piccardo | 3 June 1997 | 4 | 2 | RC Polo Barcelona
|
8 December 2023, v. Netherlands
|
| FW | Carolina Carrizo | 10 March 1997 | 2 | 0 | SAG
|
2024 United States friendly matches serie |
Past players
edit- Gabriela Aguirre (2006–2016)
- Magdalena Aicega (1993–2008)[13]
- Laura Aladro (2005–2016)
- Mariela Antoniska (1998–2006)
- Inés Arrondo (1999–2009)
- Luciana Aymar (1998–2014)
- Noel Barrionuevo (2006–2021)
- Moira Brinnand (1988)
- Claudia Burkart (2001–2015)
- Victoria Carbó (1983–1991)
- Julieta Castellán (1994–1996)
- María Castelli (1991–1996)
- Martina Cavallero (2012–2018)
- Jimena Cedrés (2013–2023)
- Laura del Colle (2012)
- María Colombo (1983–1988)
- Silvia Corvalán (1995–1999)
- Silvina D'Elía (2003–2021)
- Marina di Giacomo (2003–2004)
- Natalí Doreski (2001–2005)
- Carla Dupuy (2009–2016)
- Magdalena Fernández Ladra (2017–2023)
- Milagros Fernández Ladra (2017–2023)
- María Paz Ferrari (1994–2004)
- Andrea Fioroni (1988)
- Emilia Forcherio (2020–2023)
- Julieta Franco (2012)
- Anabel Gambero (1991–2002)
- Soledad García (1999–2011)
- Julia Gomes Fantasia (2013–2018)
- Mariana González Oliva (1996–2008)
- Victoria Granatto (2019–2023)
- Alejandra Gulla (1998–2010)
- Agustina Habif (2014–2019)
- Florencia Habif (2011–2019)
- María de la Paz Hernández (1999–2008)
- Marcela Hussey (1988)
- Priscila Jardel (2017–2020)
- Giselle Juárez (2013–2017)
- Giselle Kañevsky (2006–2020)
- Gabriela Liz (1983–1998)
- Marisa López (1983–1995)
- Rosario Luchetti (2005–2020)
- Sofía Maccari (2011–2021)
- Sofía MacKenzie (1991–1996)
- Laura Maiztegui (2000–2002)
- Mercedes Margalot (1998–2012)
- Karina Masotta (1991–2002)
- Delfina Merino (2009–2022)
- Laura Mulhall (1983–1998)
- Florencia Mutio (2012–2019)
- Vanina Oneto (1991–2004)
- Paula Ortiz (2015–2023)
- Alejandra Palma (1988)
- Gabriela Pando (1994–1998)
- María Gabriela Pazos (1988–1991)
- Carla Rebecchi (2004–2021)
- Marcela Richezza (1988–1991)
- Jorgelina Rimoldi (1994–2001)
- Micaela Retegui (2019–2022)
- Macarena Rodríguez (2005–2025)
- Cecilia Rognoni (1996–2010)
- Pilar Romang (2013–2016)
- Mariana Rossi (2008–2013)
- Mariné Russo (2001–2010)
- Gabriela Sánchez (1988–1996)
- Mariela Scarone (2009–2025)
- Daniela Sruoga (2009–2014)
- Josefina Sruoga (2009–2015)
- Ayelén Stepnik (1996–2008)
- Belén Succi (2006–2022)
- María Alejandra Tucat (1983–1988)
- Lucina von der Heyde (2015–2023)
- Paola Vukojicic (1999–2008)
- Victoria Zuloaga (2009–2019)
Not in use jersey numbers
edit
When Luciana Aymar (eight-time FIH Player of the Year Award winner and regarded as the best player in the history of the sport),[16][14][15] retired from the national team in 2014 after 376 international matches played, some of Aymar's teammates (such as Carla Rebecchi[17][18]) asked the Confederation for the retirement of her iconic number 8 worn by her during 17 years with the national team.[19] Nevertheless, the number is not officially retired by the CAH, although it has not been assigned to other players since.
Captains
edit| Period | Captain | Vice-captain |
|---|---|---|
| 1997–2002 | Karina Masotta | Magdalena Aicega |
| 2003–2005 | Magdalena Aicega | Cecilia Rognoni |
| 2006–2008 | Luciana Aymar | |
| 2009–2014 | Luciana Aymar | Rosario Luchetti |
| 2014–2015 | Macarena Rodríguez | Carla Rebecchi |
| 2015–2017 | Carla Rebecchi | Belén Succi |
| 2017–2019 | Belén Succi | Delfina Merino |
| 2019–2020 | Rosario Luchetti | Silvina D'Elía Carla Rebecchi |
| 2021 | Noel Barrionuevo | Delfina Merino |
| 2022 | Agostina Alonso Rocío Sánchez Moccia Victoria Sauze | |
| 2023–2024 | Agostina Alonso María José Granatto Rocío Sánchez Moccia Victoria Sauze | |
| 2024-Present | Agostina Alonso María José Granatto Victoria Sauze | |
Coaches
edit
| Period | Name |
|---|---|
| 1986–1991 | Miguel MacCormik |
| 1991–1997 | Rodolfo Mendoza |
| 1997–2004 | Sergio Vigil |
| 2004–2009 | Gabriel Minadeo |
| 2009–2012 | Carlos Retegui |
| 2012–2013 | Marcelo Garraffo |
| 2013 | Emanuel Roggero |
| 2013–2014 | Carlos Retegui (2nd cycle) |
| 2014–2015 | Santiago Capurro |
| 2015–2017 | Gabriel Minadeo (2nd cycle) |
| 2017–2018 | Agustín Corradini |
| 2018–2021 | Carlos Retegui (3rd cycle) |
| 2021–present | Fernando Ferrara |
Honours
editSince its breakthrough in the 2000 Summer Olympics (where the team nicknamed "Las Leonas"' for the first time),[20] Argentina has won more than 20 official titles, which are detailed below:
- Summer Olympics:
Silver medal (3): Sydney 2000,[21] London 2012,[22] Tokyo 2020
Bronze medal (3): Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, Paris 2024
World Cup (2): 2002, 2010[23]- FIH Pro League (1): 2021–22
- FIH Hockey World League (1): 2014–15
- Champions Trophy (7): 2001, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016
- Pan American Cup (6): 2001, 2004, 2009, 2013, 2017, 2022
- Pan American Games (8): 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2019, 2023
- South American Championship (4): 2003, 2008, 2010, 2013
- South American Games (3): 2006, 2014, 2018
Gallery
edit-
Mariné Russo in a match against Australia in 2005 -
Mercedes Margalot in a match against Nederlands in 2005 -
Celebrating their win after the 2010 Champions Trophy final. -
The 2010 World Champion squad -
Champions Trophy winners in 2016
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See also
edit
Notes
editReferences
edit- ^ "FIH Outdoor World Hockey Rankings". FIH. 23 November 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
- ^ (in Spanish) History of the Argentine Hockey Confederation Archived 11 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ (in Spanish) Interview with Inés Arrondo Archived 19 September 2010 at the Wayback Machine by DeporTEA Press, 10 August 2010.
- ^ "90 10 Empresas: Adidas presentó el nuevo logo de las Leonas" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2010., 29 September 2006.
- ^ "Home – FIH".
- ^ "Pan American Cups". Archived from the original on 24 December 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
- ^ a b "South American Championships". Archived from the original on 2 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
- ^ "Home – FIH".
- ^ "Pan American Games". Archived from the original on 2 December 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
- ^ "FIH confirms Spain men and Belgium women join Hockey Pro League". FIH.
- ^ "Home – FIH".
- ^ "Home – FIH".
- ^ A Magui Aicega le llegó la hora del adiós tras 15 años de éxitos on La Prensa, 22 Aug 2008
- ^ a b Top 10 greatest field hockey players, The Telegraph, 5 January 2015
- ^ a b It's all about Aymar by Melina Gaspar, on The Hockey Family, 10 August 2017
- ^ Luciana Aymar profile on CAH website
- ^ Piden retirar la camiseta Nº 8 de Luciana Aymar on Rosario3, 8 Dec 2014
- ^ Rebecchi pidió retirar la camiseta número 8 de Luciana Aymar on Télam, 8 Dec 2014
- ^ Rebecchi pidió retirar la camiseta número 8, Télam, 8 December 2014
- ^ "El nacimiento de Las Leonas", CanchaLlena, 24 September 2010
- ^ "Igual son de oro", Clarín, 30 September 2000
- ^ "Las Leonas perdieron y tuvieron que conformarse con la de plata" by Sabrina Faija, Clarín, 12 August 2012
- ^ ""Las Leonas son campeonas mundiales y un verdadero orgullo de la Argentina", Los Andes, 11 September 2010". Archived from the original on 19 September 2010. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
External links
edit
