Argentina secured an impressive 2-0 victory over New Zealand, with Mercedes Diz delivering a match-winning performance by scoring twice in an eventful encounter highlighted by VAR interventions and sustained attacking pressure.
Diz proved decisive for the South American side, finding the net in both halves to ensure Argentina claimed a clean-sheet victory despite New Zealand’s efforts to remain competitive.
Argentina threatened early, with Brunella Pilati creating danger in the 25th minute as the team looked to establish control of the contest.
The breakthrough appeared to have arrived in the 41st minute when Diz found the back of the net, but Argentina’s celebrations were cut short after a VAR review ruled out the goal.
However, the forward needed just a minute to respond. In the 42nd minute, Diz restored Argentina’s momentum by converting an assist from Pilati to give her side a deserved lead.
The drama continued before the interval, with another VAR review in the 44th minute dismissing a penalty appeal involving Emma Diaz. Argentina continued to push forward in stoppage time, with Macarena applying further pressure before the teams headed into the break.
Argentina carried their attacking intent into the second half, maintaining pressure on New Zealand’s defence while searching for a cushion.
Their persistence paid off in the 69th minute when Diz struck again, completing her brace after receiving a pass from Violeta Álvarez to extend Argentina’s advantage to 2-0.
The second goal put Argentina in a commanding position, leaving New Zealand with a difficult task in the closing stages. Despite six minutes of added time, the New Zealanders could not find a response.
The final whistle confirmed a comfortable victory for Argentina, with Diz emerging as the standout performer after overcoming her earlier VAR disappointment to deliver two crucial goals.
Argentina’s clinical finishing and defensive discipline ultimately proved decisive, while Diz’s brace underlined her importance to the team’s attacking threat.
