Holders Argentina made a steady start to their women's World Cup hockey campaign, defeating South Africa 4-1 with three goals coming via penalty corners.
Captain Luciana Aymer, playing in her fifth World Cup, was frustrated to see that her team's domination did not convert into goals until the 26th minute. But Silvina D'Elia converted two penalty corners in the space of three minutes to see Argentina lead 2-0 by the 28th minute.
Another penalty corner conversion, this time by Noel Barrionuevo made it 3-0 five minutes into the second session.
The Argentines, seeking their third World Cup title in four editions, got their next goal through an open field strike by Delfina Merino in the 60th minute, but their own citadel fell immediately at the other end in a brisk move to which Tarryn Bright applied the finishing touch.
