The Field Hockey World Cup passed and For the coach of the Argentine women’s team, Fernando Ferrara, a bittersweet taste remained: After a great tournament, Las Leonas lost the final 3-1 against the Netherlands, but the DT is aware that the defeat in the definition does not overshadow the entire process, in addition to being clear that the Dutch are still one step above of the Argentines. “For something they have more history, they were always more stable in the processes and hence the results. We can beat him, we have a team for that, but we have to get the perfect match”highlighted the coach from Buenos Aires in an extensive interview with Télam in which he took stock of the tournament and projected the future possibilities of the world runners-up.
-How do you rate the World Cup played by Argentina?
-Very good, because it was played with authority from the beginning to the end; the area was won in a very solid way, scoring and liking; the crosses were won by playing well, suffering a little but deservedly, which shows conviction and mental strength. They reached the final, which is not something that happens every day, and they lost to a power that won nine world championships in total and the last three in a row.
– The Netherlands won the final categorically. Was it much superior to Las Leonas? In what aspects?
-It was a deserved winner, it was not much superior. Yes, he played better in some moments of the game. He was more forceful at key moments and made fewer mistakes than us. We had started well, if we scored first, it could change the course of the game at this level, but they didn’t forgive.
-Facing the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Netherlands showed that, beyond changes in their technical management and players, they maintain their hegemony. Do you think that this will continue or that Las Leonas are the only team in a position to break it?
-They will always be strong because they are a world power in every way. We are also very well despite the difficulties that our country is always going through and we are going to be at the foot of the canyon. In my opinion, Australia is going to grow a lot; perhaps the one that grows the most, and Germany and Great Britain are always going to be tough rivals.
-Agustina Gorzelany, World Cup scorer, expressed: “It makes me very powerless to keep coming second. I’m very angry.” Do you have the same feeling, are you angry, upset by the fall in the final?
-At the moment that “Gorze” declared that, we were all angry or angry because we know that we were good to win with the World Cup that we had been doing and it escaped us. More than anything, play the game we wanted and how we wanted. After analyzing with more time you realize the value of everything that has been done in these six months, that we had a lot of solidity and forcefulness, that we only lost one game. Then you realize that you cannot be angry, yes with a bitter taste but with more desire and conviction than ever for what has been done.
-What were the high and low points of the team?
-The high points: the solidity and variety in the game with the ball, with outstanding performances of several players as could be observed. Also, the solidity in the defensive phase until the final. Goals for. We were the team that did the most in the entire tournament. The growth in corners and shoot outs. The union of the group, the dedication to the end always, the commitment of all and all in general. In terms of low points, based on expectations, we did not have. Yes things to improve, clearly.
-What is the difference between Argentina and the Netherlands?
-For something they have more history, they were always more stable in the processes and hence the results. We can beat him, we have a team for that, but we have to get the perfect match.
-Do you evaluate as correct the determination to take eleven debutantes?
-Yes, because although they were debutants in a World Cup, 80% or 90% of the team had an Olympic Game on top, including a final. Although at that time some were not starters, they were able to live that valuable experience. Also, at that time, for me they were the best 18 to choose from.
-What challenges and challenges are presented to you until the 2024 Paris Olympic Games?
-Keep what we did up to here; continue improving what needs to be improved, now with more time to develop it. Try to reach the final again and win it.
-Three Argentines, Belén Succi, Gorzelany and MarÃa José Granato, were chosen best goalkeeper, scorer and best player. Which indicates?
-That the world recognizes the Argentine talent and especially of these girls and that they were able to transfer it to the field. That we have many players with a very good level. I am very happy for them and that they can show it and enjoy it.
-What does it mean to have lost only one game since you took office? Does a result bury or cover the process? Carlos Bilardo always said that “the second nobody remembers.”
-Having lost only one game, after having won the Copa América as it was won: the Pro League as it was won, and having finished second in the World Cup as it was, being the team that scored the most goals in the three tournaments and having the top scorer in the Pro League and the World Cup and having reached that stage undefeated, it gives me a lot of pride and peace of mind for having given 110 percent. For me, obviously a result does not bury or cover a process. Neither me nor the followers of the work since we go in depth in the analysis. Bilardo is right, nobody remembers the second… Unfortunately, in the superficial and elitist world in which we live, that is the case for most. Totally respectable. But for those of us who think that what is important is inside, we understand the value of things based on our principles.
– Any self-criticism?
-The truth, for now no.
Do the Lionesses have room for improvement?
-Yes, we hope to recover some player, that others continue to grow and gain experience. The team is young and hungry for victory. Hence the bittersweet taste after the end. We have to improve the speed combinations in small spaces, in the last 30 meters, keep what we do well and continue to improve in every detail.
–With what flavor did you leave the World Cup?
-Bittersweet.