PC CONVERSION A WORRY FOR ARGENTINA, ENG
BHUBANESWAR: The quarterfinal line-up of the ongoing World Cup showcases a Europe versus Rest-of-theworld fight. Out of the eight countries vying for semi-final berth, five are from Europe with just one each from Asia, South America and Oceania.
In the first quarter-final on Wednesday, reigning Olympic champions and world No. 2 Argentina take on seventh-ranked England.
Argentina haven’t lost to England in the last five years. They have played each other seven times, out of which the South Americans have won four. In this tournament, both sides have lost a match in league stage. Argentina are banking heavily on drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat, who was the highest scorer in the previous edition of the World Cup with 10 goals and had a 70% conversion rate. But in the last three matches, Argentina have got 12 penalty corners and could convert only four with a conversion rate of just 33%.
England have a penaltycorner conversion rate of just 20% (2 out of 10) in three league matches. But their coach Danny Kerry remains optimistic.
In the second quarter-final, Australia face France. Going by the current scenario it is going to be Australia’s game and the only thing that is working in favour of France is that they are improving with every passing game.