Japan pip Argentina 4-3 to record first win

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Monchengladbach, Sep 12 (UNI) A superb brace, including a dying minute strike by Akira Ito, enabled lowly Japan down Pan-American champion Argentina 4-3 to record their first win in the hockey World Cup here today.

Argentina finished last in Pool 'A' with four points from four matches while Japan have four points from as many matches and play their last match against Spain tomorrow.

In an inconsequential match, Argentina led 2-1 at half time but could not hold on to the advantage as Japan struck back to run away with full points.

The match hardly rose to any great heights with both the teams playing a slow paced game. Playing for pride, Japan salvaged it with superb fight back.

Japan surged ahead in the seventh minute through Akira Ito and held on to the lead for the next 25 minutes. But then a double strike by Nicolas Vila Rodrigo in a space of three minutes put Argentina ahead 2-1.

Nine minutes into the second session, Japan drew parity through skipper Kazuyuki Ozawa who took advantage of a defensive lapse to shot home (2-2).

Japan joy lasted barely three minutes as the Latin Americans forged again when Lucas Cammareri converted a penalty corner (3-2).

However, the Japanese displayed great grit and fight qualities as they slammed two goals in a space of eight minutes to clinch the match.

In the 61st minute Hiroki Sakamoto scored off a penalty corner to make it 3-3 and in the 69th minute Akira Ito shot home to leave the Argentina dazed and stunned (4-3).

UNI HSB AY HS2201

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