It is a mandate of his sports history; They do not conceive of giving up the leading role. Each generation learned from its immediate predecessor and maintained the legacy, that unalterable competitive gene and that inner fire that leads them to always seek superior goals. The Lionesses proved it once again: This Saturday they won 4-2 Germany on Australian penalties, after a 2-2 draw in regulation time; and they qualified for the final of the World Cup in Spain and the Netherlands. Hence the jumps, the shouts and the hugs on the synthetic of the Terrassa Olympic Stadium. That’s why that group selfie with hands in the shape of hearts that is already a classic. Argentina is an unstoppable locomotive of illusion and organized a party with family and friends before the great definition.

Now comes the hard part the confrontation before the cuckoo of the 21st century. This Sunday from 4:30 p.m. (Argentine time) Fernando Ferrara’s team will seek the third title in a World Cup in the game against the Netherlands, which in the other semi-final beat Australia 1-0, with a goal from Frederique Matla from a penalty corner. The game against the Dutch can be seen live on ESPN 3 and its online platform Star +. Flow and Directv Go (both require a client) are alternatives for those who want to follow the meeting online.

Australian penalties ended up defining the second World Cup finalist. The German goal 44 seconds into the game had hit the Argentine team that -although they continued to attack- could not make the key plays available to them. The video ref was an extra protagonist of the meeting. It had to be used repeatedly, and although the Argentines lost their request the second time they used it, they had to go to it nine times. In this way, everything led to the definition of eight seconds per performer.

Julieta Jankunas was in charge of opening the five-penalty shootout, and after a new video ref request, she was unable to score the first execution. Succi managed to neutralize the first German penalty. Then it was Albertario’s turn, who eluded and scored the 1-0. Delfina Thome, did not hesitate, stepped on the area and backhand executed a direct saber strike to the net, 2-1 in favor of the Argentine team. Succi intimidated and managed to keep his bow at 1. Alonso, simple and solid, scored her goal. It’s time for the captain. Rocío Sánchez Mocci executed it and when it seemed that her chance was missing, an infraction by the goalkeeper gave her a new chance. The Liceo Naval player was unbeatable, and thus she scored the winning goal. A 4-2 in Australian penalties and the pass to the final. The third in history.

The shoot-outs: 4-2 for Argentina

Germany won the toss and chose to serve. Frontal and vertical, he played his first ball directly into the rival area. In three touches he found the Argentine foot inside the semicircle and so, from a short corner he found his first goal through Hanna Granitzki, who deflected and meant a bucket of cold water for the Lionesses. In less than a minute of play, the girls were already at a disadvantage. They had to pull themselves together, and the Argentines rose to the challenge.

The first German goal

More united than ever attentive and focused, the entire team was back on track. He attacked, sought to penetrate the German area and thus – after a video ref. which took several minutes of analysis – he found his first penalty corner. After a first attempt defended by Germany, Agustina Gorzelany executed a fast, precise and low drag. It was a goal celebration and tranquility. The score was leveled at 1-1 again and thus the game took on a new dynamic.

The Argentine goal for 1-1

Argentina was inaccurate in the take-offs and under rival pressure, the German attacks left the Argentines constantly 1 vs 1 in defence. A great Belén Succi in the arc marked the Argentine temper, a necessary security. But, charged with confidence, quick and skillful, the Lionesses did not stop trying and attacking.

They combined between the offensive trio along with the midfielders. The defenders began to go on the attack, and so, An infraction outside the German area made it 2-1 partial for the girls led by Fernando Ferrara. A play that started very well Sofia Toccalino, found the Germans messy in defense and with an overflow of speed, she gave a cross back that she found in the diversion the stick of Agustina Albertario.

Argentina’s second goal

They had to fine-tune the details. Be more precise in the removes. The Argentine girls came out to play the second half of the match with clenched teeth and ready to fight. It was a semi-final match. They got six penalty corners and failed to score. The Germans, in an isolated play, found two players very free who, after a first attempt -categorically saved by Succi- Stapenhorst Charlotte, managed to define the second goal. And so, the dreaded Australian penalties, which ended up favoring Argentina.

The German goal for 2-2

If the data is limited to the finals in World Cups, the record favors Argentina, Although she lost in the first women’s world event in Mandelieu (France) in 1974, she then won on penalties in Perth 2002 -1 to 1 in regular time, with a goal by Inés Arrondo- and in the final of Rosario 2010, that Unforgettable 3-1 with goals from Carla Rebecchi (two) and Noel Barrionuevo.