The Hague, Netherlands: Argentina’s men thrashed South Africa 5-1 at the hockey World Cup in The Hague on Tuesday to guarantee a place in the semi-finals of the competition.
The convincing victory put Argentina top of Group B though they could yet slip down to second place should the Netherlands avoid defeat against New Zealand later. Australia and England have already reached the semi-finals having finished first and second in Group A.
Argentina were dominant throughout the contest and established a half-time lead with goals from Joaquin Menini and Gonzalo Peillat. A superb backhand goal from Lucas Vila made it 3-0 and though Clinton Panther reduced the deficit, Peillat and Vila each completed their doubles to ensure a comfortable win.
Earlier on Monday, Iain Lewers scored on a penalty shot in the 66th minute to give England a 3-2 victory over Belgium and a place in the semi-finals.
A draw in the Group A game would have been enough for Belgium to go through, but England survived a second half onslaught to advance. England will almost certainly face hosts The Netherlands in the semi-finals.
“We defended absolutely brilliantly,” England’s best player Nick Catlin said. “Today defense won the game.”
Belgium opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Thomas Briels, but Catlin levelled the score in the 19th, shooting from a metre inside the circle.
England went ahead in the 39th, on another Catlin shot, which Ashley Jackson met at the right post and deflected into the top of the net.
With just seven minutes to play, Belgium made it 2-2 on Tanguy Cosyn’s drag-flick and the pressure was back on England. Referees called a penalty for England, and Lewers finished it cleanly into the corner.
“In the second half we were really better, we were in control,” Belgium’s Elliot van Strydonck said. “But we missed our shots and at this level you cannot miss.”
