Argentina edged the Netherlands 2-1 in a tightly fought men’s Hockey World Cup encounter at the Belfius Hockey Arena on Sunday, with Matias Rey scoring the decisive goal late in the fourth quarter.
The sides were locked at 0-0 through the opening two quarters, with neither team able to convert its chances despite a series of penalty-corner opportunities.
Argentina finally broke the deadlock in the third quarter when Tomas Domene found the net in the 41st minute to give his side a 1-0 lead.
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The Netherlands responded early in the final quarter through Floris Middendorp, who struck in the 49th minute to restore parity and set up a tense finish.
Argentina, however, regained the advantage with less than two minutes remaining as Rey converted in the 59th minute to make it 2-1.
The Dutch side earned a string of penalty corners in the closing stages but failed to find another equaliser as Argentina held firm to secure the win. The result capped a disciplined defensive display from Argentina, which absorbed late pressure after the Netherlands had drawn level through Middendorp.
Published on Aug 30, 2026
