Hockey World Cup 2023: Aussies hold on!

Australia and Argentina players via for the ball during their World Cup match at Bhubaneswar. Pic/PTI

World No.1 Australia held Argentina 3-3 in a closely contested Pool ‘A' World Cup hockey match at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium here on Monday.

Jeremy Hayward opened the scoring for Australia off a penalty corner in the ninth minute before Domene Tomas restored parity for the Argentines nine minutes later. The Aussies went ahead again, this time through a Daniel Beale field goal (29th minute) only to see Casella Maico make it 2-2 for the South Americans three minutes later. Then, it was Argentina's turn to go ahead, as Martin Ferreiro made it 3-2 in the 48th minute. However, the Australians kept pressing for the equaliser and with just three minutes left for the final hooter, Blake Govers got the all important third goal to ensure both teams shared points.

In another match, France beat South Africa 2-1 thanks to a brace by Victor Charlet. Charlet converted a penalty stroke in the seventh minute before South Africa skipper Connor Beuchamp made it 1-1 off a penalty corner. Charlet then netted the winner with four minutes left. Meanwhile, at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela, Malaysia earned a fighting 3-2 win over Chile in a Pool ‘C' match. In the other match of the day at Rourkela, three-time champions The Netherlands routed New Zealand 4-0. Thierry Brinkman netted a brace as the Dutch side continued to rule Pool ‘C'. Bijen Koen and Tjep Hoedemakers scored the other goals.

Also Read: Hockey World Cup 2023: Spain rout Wales 5-1

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