An extremely interesting first matchday at the Rink Hockey World Championship. One result stood out above all: France beat Argentina in a world competition for the first time in its history. It was an extraordinary match in terms of intensity, as France not only managed to score one more goal (Rouze’s decisive strike), but also contained a strong Argentina side, which created a large number of shots. Di Benedetto Bruno opened the scoring, then Navarro replied to make it 1–1 at half-time, before the historic goal from 22-year-old Rouze. Spain once again confirmed its status as world number one, beating an inspired Italy 3–2, with Italy threatening to equalise late on. Pau Bargallò was the man of the day, leading the Spaniards to victory in the second half with three goals after Italy took a 2–1 lead. A spectacular tie between Chile and Angola: Angola equalised two minutes from the end through Seixas. But the contest had been intense from the outset, especially after Chile’s Rojas opened the scoring at the end of the first half. Portugal, meanwhile, had no trouble against Switzerland: Miguel Rocha (three goals) and company won comfortably, particularly in the second half, when they established a substantial lead. Rodrigues and Ramos also scored twice.
The second day of qualifying will feature Portugal against Spain, the “clasico” of European hockey (17:45). The day will open with France–Chile (13:15), followed by Switzerland–Italy (15:30), where the two leading European teams will be looking to add another three points to their tallies. Argentina–Angola (20:00) will close the day and should be one of the most interesting matches, given that Argentina are still seeking their first win.
On the first of the six scheduled days at the World Intercontinental Men in SND Arenita, three teams have already secured a win. Mexico beat Australia 5–2 (with four goals scored by Eljel Mendez). Austria beat Brazil 5–3 (with three goals scored by Elias Mark). Colombia recorded a convincing 13–0 win over South Africa (with five goals from Oscar Pataquiva). Today sees the first top-of-the-table clash between Austria and Mexico (10:30), while Colombia will look to build on its success against Brazil (12:45). The programme closes with South Africa–Australia (15:00).
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MEN - COP ARENA
1st Matchday - 12 October
13:15 - Chile-Angola = 2-2
15:30 - Spain-Italy = 3-2
17:45 - Argentina-France = 1-2
20:00 - Switzerland-Portugal = 0-10
Standings: Group A: Portugal and Spain 3 points, Italy and Switzerland 0 points - Group B: France 3 points, Chile and Angola 1 point, Argentina 0 points
2nd Matchday - 13 October
13:15 - France-Chile
15:30 - Switzerland-Italy
17:45 - Portugal-Spain
20:00 - Argentina-Angola
3rd Matchday - 14 October
13:15 - Angola-France
15:30 - Spain-Switzerland
17:45 - Italy-Portugal
20:00 - Chile-Argentina
Quarter-finals - 15 October
Semi-Finals - 16 October
Finals - 17-18 October
INTERCONTINENTAL CUP MEN - SND ARENITA
1st Matchday - 12 October
10:30 - Australia-Mexico = 2-5
12:45 - Brazil-Austria = 3-5
15:00 - South Africa-Colombia = 0-13
Standing: Colombia, Mexico and Austria 3 points, Brazil, Australia and South Africa 0 points
2nd Matchday - 13 October
10:30 - Austria-Mexico
12:45 - Brazil-Colombia
15:00 - South Africa-Australia
3rd Matchday - 14 October
10:30 - Australia-Austria
12:45 - Mexico-Colombia
15:00 - South Africa-Brazil
4th Matchday - 15 October
12:00 - Austria-South Africa
14:15 - Mexico-Brazil
16:30 - Colombia-Australia
5th Matchday - 16 October
10:30 - Australia-Brazil
12:45 - Mexico-South Africa
15:00 - Colombia-Austria
Semifinals - 17 October
Finals - 18 October