Tough start for Chile in Four Nations Hockey

Chile face a baptism of fire in the Four Nations Hockey tournament with the men and women both taking on Argentina today.

Vitacura – The eagerly-awaited event gets underway this afternoon at Club Manquehue when Italy meet Uruguay in the women´s competition at 2pm. That´s followed by Canada versus Mexico in the men´s tournament at 4pm.

However, the main interest on the opening day revolves around the two derby clashes between Chile and Argentina. The women play first at 6pm and the men follow at 8pm. With entry free for spectators, big crowds are expected.

Although Argentina have sent a B team to the women´s event, they are still expected to provide stern opposition for Chile. That is just what´s needed as Chile continue their preparations for the South American Games in March where they hope to get amongst the medals.

Chile women´s coach Ronald Stein knows his side have a better chance of winning the tournament against a second-choice Argentina side.

However, he said: “It could be a double-edged sword because if we beat them it´s probable that they will come to the South American Games with a stronger team, and that is the main objective.”

Chile men´s coach Diego Amoroso has also got one eye on the South American Games in Santiago.

He said: “We have very strong rivals in the Four Nations and the final objective is to define the squad for the South American Games.”

The group stages of the tournament continue until Friday and then the finals take place on Saturday.

Tomorrow´s matches: Italy v Argentina women 3pm, Canada v Argentina men 5pm, Chile v Mexico men 7pm, Chile v Uruguay women 9pm.

Thursday: rest day.

Friday: Argentina v Mexico men 2pm, Argentina v Uruguay women 4pm, Italy v Chile women 6pm, Chile v Canada men 8pm.

Saturday: Third/Fourth place play-off women 12.45pm, Third/Fourth place play-off men 3pm, Women´s Final 5.15pm, Men´s Final 7.30pm.