INDIA: Australia and Argentina played out a nail-biting 3-3 draw in their Group A match at Bhubaneswar.
Australia vs Argentina game ends in a gripping draw
Australia began the proceedings and put Argentina on the back foot right away. Hayward Jeremy made the most of the chance after Australia won a penalty corner and slotted the ball into the Argentine goalpost to give his side the early advantage.
Argentina equalized quickly in the second quarter. Domene Tomas converted the penalty corner for the South American team by smashing the ball past the Aussie goalkeeper.
Australia took the lead with just six seconds left in the second quarter. Beale Daniel scored the goal, and Australia ended the first half 2-1 after a lengthy review.
Argentina began the third quarter with reinfused vigour and made early inroads into the Australian circle, but the defenders for the team from down under thwarted their attacks.
The persistence from Argentina paid off when Casella steered the ball into the Australian goalpost after receiving a pass right in front of it.
Soon, the Australians thought they had regained the lead with a stunning goal, but the referee disallowed it after the officials deemed the ball too high.
Australia passed the ball frequently while trying to retake the lead and won a penalty corner. However, the opportunity went begging.
Martin Ferreiro pierced through the Australian defence and hit the ball with the reverse stick into the bottom corner of the Australian goalpost. The goal helped his side take the lead and sent the Argentinian camp into a tizzy.
Aran Zalewsky had a goal-scoring opportunity in the game’s final quarter after being given space inside the Australian box. However, he dragged his shot wide of the post and missed the chance.
Australia pulled its goalkeeper out for an outfielder in an attempt to score an equalizer. The move paid dividends when Gower won the free hit before slicing the ball into the roof of the net and equalizing the score for Australia with less than four minutes left in the game.
The brilliant solo goal from Gower in the final minutes helped Australia draw the game 3-3 and finished the thrilling encounter on a high.
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