Bhubaneswar, Dec 3:
Olympic champions Argentina lived up to their billing and beat New Zealand by 3-0 to inch closer towards a direct quarterfinal spot at the men’s hockey World Cup here today.
Argentina were the better side on display as they created more chances and scored thrice through Agustin Mazzilli (23rd), Lucas Villa (41st) and Lucas Martinez (55th) to pocket full three points from the Pool A encounter at the Kalinga Stadium.
By virtue of two wins from as many games, Argentina are atop Pool A with six points and they have brightened their chances of a direct berth in the last eight round.
New Zealand are at the second place with three points from two games ahead of Spain and France, both of whom have one point each.
Argentina had earlier defeated Spain 4-3 in their tournament opener while New Zealand had beaten France 2-1.
While Argentina will play world number 20 France in their last pool match on December 6, New Zealand will be up against Spain.
Argentina started the proceedings on a bright note and got the first scoring opportunity of the match in the fifth minute in the form of a penalty corner but they wasted the chance. (PTI)
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