Oz retain title, make Argentina pay for missed chances
BHUBANESWAR: Defending champions Australia, who failed to register a single win in three preliminary league matches, went on retain the title by defeating Olympic champions Argentina 2-1 in the final of the World Hockey League Final on Sunday.
In an absorbing clash between teams occupying the top two spots in the world rankings, the second ranked Aussies got the better of the Rio Games winners. The South Americans will rue their profligacy as they failed to convert any of their four penalty corners while missing three giltedged chances in the second half.
Australia, who drew all three league matches before beating Spain in quarter-finals and Germany in the semi-finals, made the most of their chances as they converted both their penalty corners.
After a goalless first quarter, Jeremy Hayward gave Australia the lead when he flicked home their first penalty corner in the 17th minute. But their happiness was short-lived as Argentina equalised within seconds, Agustin Bugallo scoring with a brilliant deflection off a free hit from near the touch line close to the 25-yard line.
Australia had couple of good chances towards the end of the second quarter but Lachlan Sharp shot over the goal once and was then thwarted by Argentina custodian Juan Vivaldi.
Just when it looked like the match would go into a shootout, Australia struck the winner off their second penalty corner. Blake Govers sent home a powerful flick that beat Argentine keeper Vivaldi all ends up.