Gonzalo Peillat scored his first hattrick to put Olympic champions Argentina in the third placing playoff in the Champions Trophy after a 3-2 win over world number One Australia at the De Bredase Hockey and Bandy Club Stadium.
The match yesterday did not affect Australia’s place in the final. But for the Olympic champions, it kept them in the hunt for a podium finish.
Australia, the reigning world champion, topped the group with 10 points while the Argentines finished with seven.
The other finalist will be known after the Holland and India match. The winner will meet Australia while the loser faces Argentina.
The battle between the two world ranked teams lived up to expectations with action at both ends.
Argentina had six penalty corners and Peillat made the difference. The Australians had three but failed to convert any.
Then win was a major break for the South Americans as they have not beaten Australia for the last 10 years. The last win came at the 2008 Champions trophy with a 2-1 scoreline.
Peillat’s goals in the match were scored in the 13th, 21st and 51st minutes.
For the Australians, Tim Brand scored with two field attempts in the 16th and 52nd minutes.
Argentina skipper Pedro Ibarra was pleased with the win and felt they can improve further.
“The match was much better than our previous games. But we still need to be consistent and improve further,” he added.
Peillat’s hattrick has put him in the lead for the top scorer’s award with six goals. – BY S. RAMAGURU
RESULTS
Australia 2 Argentina 3
India 1 Holland 1
SUNDAY’S FIXTURESÂ
Final: Australia vs India
Third placing: Argentina vs Holland
Fifth placing: Belgium vs Pakistan
