Australia beats Argentina in Hockey Jr. World Cup

New Delhi: Australia overcame Argentina 5-2 in the first Pool B match of the Hockey Junior World Cup at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here Friday.

Australia scored three goals between the 14th and 17th minutes through Justin Douglas, Francis Main and captain Daniel Beale, respectively, establishing a comfortable lead. Argentina regrouped promptly and Joaquin Leonel Coelho reduced the deficit in the 31st minute ahead of the break. Jeremy Hayward increased the Australian lead early in second period with a penalty corner just under the bar. The Burras scored their fifth goal in the 49th minute after a long run by Beale, passing to Casey Hammond, who put it in. With a four-goal deficit and less than 15 minutes to go, things looked bleak for the South Americans. They kept trying and were rewarded with a late penalty corner goal by Gonzalo Peillat. But it was too little, too late as Australia walked away with three points. “We had a very convincing game over Argentina and are very satisfied with our performance. Our next game is against Spain on Sunday and we hope to continue winning our next two matches,” Douglas said.