Monchengladbach (Germany): Olympic champions Australia turned on the heat and romped to a 4-0 win against Argentina for their first win in two pool A matches of the 11th FIH men's hockey World Cup on Saturday night.
The Aussies, No 1 in the FIH world rankings, exhibited awesome pace and power on way to the runaway victory with goals by Luke Doerner (24th), Russell Ford (25th), Michael McCann (31st) and Robert Hammond (55th).
Argentina just could not match the Aussies in pace and precision and were simply outplayed while sliding to their second defeat in three matches.
Australia, hungry for their first success after losing to Spain in their opening league match, hustled Argentina from the start.
The fourth Australian goal perhaps best exemplified their attributes as it materialised from a counter-attack after they defended a penalty corner.
The ball was swiftly relayed up field with minimum fuss and Hammond capped the brilliant attack.
In the other pool A match a 43rd minute goal by Simon Child powered New Zealand to a 1-0 victory against Japan and placed them at the top of pool with seven points.
The Kiwis had to work hard for their second win in three matches by the determined Japanese who had lost their previous game to Pakistan.
But the Kiwis were never really threatened and bided their time before Child flicked in a pass from Phillip Burrows.
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