Three-time champions FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Australia and heavyweights Argentina played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in Rourkela on Monday, while the Netherlands secured an important 4-0 victory over New Zealand on Monday, January 16. In the other two matches of the day, France bounced back from their 7-0 drubbing to beat South Africa 2-1, while Malaysia edged past Chile 3-2. Here, we take a closer look at the four games.
Two heavyweights play 3-3 draw
For Australia, Hayward Jeremy opened the scoring after converting a penalty corner in the ninth minute but Argentina's Domene Tomas restored parity in the 18th minute. Beale Daniel then produced a field goal to put Australia in the lead but the Argies were back at it again courtesy of Casella Maico's 32nd-minute strike. The South Americans then took the lead in the 48th minute when Ferreiro Martin and as the game seemed done and dusted with an upset on the cards, Govers Blake scored in the dying minutes for Australia to ensure that the two sides split points.
France bounce back
In the other Pool A match, Charlet Victor converted two penalty corners to help France defeat South Africa 2-1. South Africa's lone goal came from the stick of Beauchamp Connor as he converted a penalty corner in the 15th minute.
Big win for the Netherlands
In the Pool C matches in Rourkela, three-time champions Netherlands thrashed New Zealand 4-0. Brinkman Thierry scored two field goals in the opening quarter while Bijen Koen and Hoedemakers Tjep added two more goals to help Netherlands inch closer to a quarterfinals spot.
Malaysia win against minnows Chile
Earlier in the day, Rahim Razie, Hamsani Ashran and Sumantri Norsyafiq scored for Malaysia, while Amoroso Juan and Rodriguez Martin registered their names on the scoring sheet for Chile. Having won both their games, the Netherlands sit pretty atop Pool C with six points. New Zealand and Malaysia are second and third respectively with Chile in fourth place.
(With PTI Inputs)
