The Hague (Netherlands), Jun 2:
Australia defeated Japan 3-2 in a keenly-contested match to register their second successive victory in Group A at the women’s hockey World Cup, here today.
It was Japan who opened the scoring with Yuri Nagai surprising the Australian defence with a field goal in the 20th minute. Australia equalised just at the stroke of half-time through a penalty corner conversion by Anna Flanagan.
After the crossover, the Australians scored two goals in the space of five minutes to take a commanding 3-1 lead as Emily Smith fired a flash goal in the 41st minute before Flanagan converted her second penalty corner in the 45th minute.
Japan worked hard, but could only pull one goal back in the 58th minute when Shiho Sakai duly flicked in a penalty stroker. This was Japan’s second straight loss in the tournament.
Earlier, holders Argentina made a steady start to their campaign, defeating South Africa 4-1 in a Group B match of the women’s competition late last night. (PTI)
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