The Argentine Lionesses have accomplished their first law: competing in the final of the Pan American Games.

Since 1987, Argentina has played in every gold medal match at the Pan American competition and Santiago 2023 will be no exception after beating Canada 3-0 in one of the semifinals on Thursday.

Champions at Lima 2019, the Argentines will compete in the tenth final on Saturday and will aim for the eighth gold medal in their history, in addition to qualification for the Paris Olympic Games. The opponent will be the United States, the sport’s other powerhouse and who beat host Chile 3-1 on penalties after drawing 1-1 in regulation time of the second semi-final .

“Today we played a great match. We were patient, we knew it was going to be hard. They are very physical,” analyzed striker María Granatto. “The team is very good, very solid, with a lot of confidence and it shows. We want to continue like this to take the last step.

At the seventh penalty corner in their favor and in the second period, Argentina took the lead thanks to a shot from Delfina Thome. It was his fifth goal in the tournament. A few minutes later, Julieta Jankunas scored from outside the post to extend the lead. He also has five converts.

Valentina Raposo, also on a short corner, scored the third late in the third period.

“Maybe we weren’t doing quite well,” admitted captain Rocío Sánchez, referring to the fact that Las Leonas converted two of 15 penalty corners in their favor. “But it was about emphasizing that the goal was going to come.”

“There was a lot of effort to be here. The selection is demanding, but we all do it with great enthusiasm. This is our commitment. “Very happy to have reached the final,” said the striker.

The Argentines have scored 37 goals and conceded just one so far in the tournament.