Junior World Cup :: Argentina move closer to second round

Defending champions Argentina moved closer to a second-round berth from Group A after securing a 3-0 win over Belgium at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium here yesterday.

They have full points from two matches and they need another three from their remaining matches against Pakistan and Egypt to advance.



It was a tough game for the Argentinians yesterday with the Belgians making the early fight to keep them at bay for a goalless first half.

But the situation changed for Argentina in a counter attack in the 40th minute with Agustin Mazzilli scoring a field goal from close range.

Alan Gabriel Andino added the other two goals in the 53rd and 69th minutes to ensure full points for the champions.

Argentina coach Pablo Lombi said that the first half was evenly balanced but the breakthrough came with the first goal early in the second half.

“The pressure lifted and we were able to settle down to play our normal game.

“We are happy with the result as it puts us closer to the next round,” he said.

“But we still have Pakistan and Egypt to play and we cannot afford to take any one of them lightly.”

In Group C, Spain also moved closer to the second round following a 2-1 win over England in their second match.

The Spaniards scored the two goals in the first half through Salvador Piera (15th) and Xavi Lleonart (35th). Alex Edmonstone scored England’s consolation goal in the 69th minute.

Spain now have six points and they lead the group on better goal difference than South Korea.

For England, it was their second defeat in as many matches.