The Hindu : Sport : Argentina bests Australia, tops pool

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Thursday, Jul 07, 2005

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Argentina bests Australia, tops pool

S. Thyagarajan

The verdict not only pronounced the first defeat for the Aussies in six matches but also gave Argentina the honour of remaining the only undefeated combination in this championship

ROTTERDAM: Australia's defeat on the final day of the preliminary matches confirmed once again the swirling fortunes in the ongoing Junior World Cup. The Aussies, who swamped the Germans on Tuesday, themselves succumbed to the pressure and power of Argentina to lose 3-1 on Wednesday.

The verdict not only pronounced the first defeat for the Aussies in six matches but also gave Argentina the honour of remaining the only undefeated combination in this championship.

Shrugging off the lethargy that nearly cost the crucial tie against Pakistan on Tuesday, Argentina reflected a great measure of variations and vibrancy in its approach. Perhaps, assured by a place in the semifinals, the Aussies lowered the guard briefly in the first phase and paid a heavy price.

Clearly out of tune, the Aussie defence allowed the Argentine attack, notably Lucas Vila and Juan Saldino to roam freely in the area. If Argentina did not score early enough it was largely to two splendid saves by goal-keeper, David Reid. Both Saldino and Augustine Coradini found their work clipped by the Aussie keeper.

But that did not last long. A spectacular backhander by Lucas Vila minutes before the break gave Argentina not only the lead but also the inspiration to make a kill. Seizing that moment of confusion in the Aussie ranks, the Argentines attacked with ardour.

Midway in the first half the Aussies staged a comeback with Ian Davidson hitting in a penalty corner. Any assumption about the Aussies tightening up proved to be an illusion as Lucas Vila fired another salvo from a penalty corner sequence.

Aware that a victory would give them the top spot in Pool F, the Argentines stood firm in defence and showed power in attack. Manuel Brunet's flick between the pads of Reid, a minute before the hooter, confirmed Argentina as the leader of the pool with 11 points and forced the Aussies to remain at 10 points.

A splendid deflection by Adnan Zakir from a penalty corner that was taken at the end of the regulation time gave Pakistan the victory, that it so badly needed to stay in the contention for 5-8, over Malaysia.

It was a pity that Malaysia, which scored first through Zulkifli, should end up losing. Pakistan equalised through Khalid Mohammad. The Malaysians, who held on tenaciously almost till the end, would be in the group for 9-12. Pakistan finished seven points while Malaysia remained at four.

Stunning victory

Meanwhile on Tuesday, India stunned unbeaten Korea 3-1 in a pulsating contest to keep its chances of making the semifinals from Pool E alive. The defending champion led 2-1 at half-time.

Facing a must win situation, India rose to the occasion although the performance oscillated between good and bad. The credit for the outcome should go to a large extent to the mid-field where Vivek Gupta was conspicuous, followed by Vinay at the right half. A majority of the Indian sallies emanated from this segment.

In the deep defence William Xalco caught the eye with his neat interceptions as did goal-keeper Adrian D'Souza who kept the Koreans under check in the early part of the match. At least two saves from penalty corners were notable.

India forged ahead through Birendra Lakra, who made use of a defensive lapse after receiving the pass from Vinay. Pepped up by this success India escalated the pressure, and it struck through a splendid combined move. Initiated by Vinay, and picked up by Birendra, Tushar Khandekar put the finishing touches.

The team looked up to Sandeep to come good in the two penaly corners, but he did not oblige.

On the contrary, Korea struck when Hong Sung Kweon reduced the margin. For a brief period after the break, the Koreans held the upperhand, but the defence stood stoically to the pressure, holding on to the 2-1 lead.

Midway in the second half came a brilliant penalty corner sweep by Sandeep Singh that almost put the issue beyond doubt.

In the final minutes there were some tense moments for India and to make it worse Vinay was given the marching orders with three minutes on the clock.

Thursday is a rest day.

The results: Argentina 3 (Lucas Vila, Manuel Brunet) bt Australia 1 (Ian Davidson); Pakistan 2 (Khalid, Adnan Zakir) bt Malaysia 1 ( Zulfikli); South Africa 7 ( Pierre-Gerard, Mathew McConkey 2, Wayne Madsen, Marvin Harper, Smith Austin, Andrew Cronje) bt Chile 0. Poland 4 (Piotr Rozek 2, Walemar Rataj 2) drew with Mexico 4 ( Edgar Garcia, Luis Avila, Roberto Garcia 2).

Tuesday's results: Egypt 2 (Tarek Haggag 2) drew with England 2 (Ashley Jackson, Andrew Watts); India 3 (Birendra Lakra, Tushar Khandekar, Sandeep Singh) bt Korea 1(Hong Sung Kweon); Spain 2 (Jorge Rodriguez, David Alegre) bt Holland 1 (Olmer Meijer).

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