Argentina crowned Hockey World League Final champions after cruising past New Zealand

Argentina defeated New Zealand to win the second edition of the tournament ©Getty Images

Hosts Argentina were crowned winners of the second edition of the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) Women's World League Final after overcoming New Zealand 5-1 with an impressive display in Rosario.

The world number three ranked country have finished on the podium at the past four Olympic Games, but will view their performances in front of their home crowd as an indicator that they can deliver the elusive gold at Rio 2016, having won silver medals twice and bronze on two other occasions.

With the opportunity to succeed The Netherlands as World League champions within their grasp, it was no surprise that both teams began cautiously, with the first quarter ending scoreless.

It quickly changed, however, as Argentina seized the initiative from the restart with their star Maria Granatto bringing the ball down and dribbling past several challenges, en-route to finding the net with a powerful strike.

Maria Pilar Campoy added to the hosts' lead on the stroke of half-time but the match was soon back in the balance as New Zealand’s Anita Punt pulled one back from a penalty corner.

Argentina, though, looked to put the match out of the Kiwis' sight as a well-worked move saw Carla Dupuy restore their two goal cushion, before an inventive penalty corner routine was converted by Noel Barrionuevo.

With New Zealand pushing more players forward in a desperate bid to gain a foothold in the game, the London 2012 silver medallists were able to hit them on the break with Delfina Merino finding the net in the final 10 minutes to complete the victory.

Germany earned bronze after a blistering start helped them overcome China ©Getty Images

Germany, meanwhiile, bounced back from their narrow loss to New Zealand in yesterday’s semi-final by cruising to victory over China in a high scoring third place play-off.

The Germans began the match determined to make up for the disappointment of missing the final and stormed into a 4-0 lead by the end of the opening quarter, with Pia-Sophie Oldhafer, Eileen Hoffmann, Julia Müller and Janne Müller-Wieland finding the net.

A stunned China looked to respond but the damage was already done, with a brace from Mengyu Wang, either side of a strike from Germany’s Marie Mävers, proving only consolation efforts.

Lisa Altenburg wrapped up a 6-2 victory for the Germans with a powerful effort in the third quarter.