Bhubaneswar: Three-time champions Australia had to dig deep to salvage a point from their thrilling World Cup Hockey 2023 match against Argentina.
With the teams tied 2-2 at the end of the third quarter, Martin Ferreiro scored in the 48th minute to put Argentina ahead. It appeared to be enough for Argentina to claim all 3 points, but a superb reverse flick by Blake Govers two minutes from the final hooter ensured a 3-3 draw.
In a fast-paced Pool A game, Jeremy Hayward handed Australia the lead after 9 minutes through a penalty corner. Tomas Domene levelled scores in the second quarter with a penalty corner conversion.
Australia regained the advantage through a Daniel Beale field goal to lead 2-1 at half-time.
Argentina pulled things back a second time through Maico Casella’s field goal in the third quarter, before fortunes continued to sway in the last 15 minutes.
Both teams are on 4 points after 2 games, but Australia are in pole position thanks to a better goal difference.
France kept their hopes alive in Pool A, beating South Africa 2-1.
At Rourkela’s Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, The Netherlands moved closer to topping Pool C after outplaying New Zealand 4-0. Malaysia bounced back from their opening debacle against the Dutch with a hard-fought 3-2 triumph against debutants Chile.
