Danny Kerry has called for a much-improved performance from his Great Britain team in their next World League Final match against China after a 2-1 opening loss to Argentina.
The British women took the lead against the hosts in Rosario thanks to Lily Owsley’s early goal, but penalty corner efforts from Maria Granatto and Agustina Habif were enough to earn the victory for Argentina.
And having kicked off the competition with a loss, Kerry expects much better from his side against the Chinese on Sunday evening.
“Overall I found it very frustrating; I would say I am profoundly disappointed,” he said.
“We were too nice. We were cheap with the ball. We need to be stronger."
Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh also admitted that Britain were not at their best against a good team, but is optimistic that they can turn things around against China.
“It’s a great challenge to play against a side like Argentina and the crowd were as noisy as they always are,” she said.
“We didn’t play at our best and we’ll need to step up in the next game.
“Argentina are a wise, experienced side. We had some chances but we need to be better at taking them next time.”
Britain had started well when Susannah Townsend showed her pace to get in behind on the right before cutting the ball back for Owsley to fire home.
Argentina pulled level just before quarter time through with a penalty corner deflected by Granatto from Noel Barrionuevo’s pass.
In the second half it was another penalty corner that led to Argentina’s second goal, Helen Richardson-Walsh saving well from Barrionuevo, only for Habif to react quickest and fire home the rebound.
Britain tried to fight back but couldn’t fashion a chance and it was Argentina who had the better opportunities late on.
Sportsbeat 2015