1ST LEAD: Japan finally win as Australia book place in semis

Deutsche Presse Agentur
Published: Tuesday September 12, 2006

Moenchengladbach, Germany- Japan finally won their first game at the men's hockey World Cup on Tuesday after coming from behind to beat Argentina 4-3 in a Group A match. Earlier in the day Australia became the first team to ensure a berth in the semi-finals with a 7-1 hammering of New Zealand.

Akira Ito gave the Asians the lead in the seventh minute with a tap in after a good cross into the circle.

Three minutes from the break Rodrigo Vila equalised for Argentina with his second shot after Japanese goalkeeper Hirofumi Miyoshi blocked his first effort. Vila added a second on the break from a penalty corner.

The Japanese then equalised in the 44th minute through Kazuyuki Ozawa who made the most of a defensive lapse in the Argentinian half to score from a loose ball.

Argentina regained the lead just two minutes later when Lucas Cammareri scored with a well-taken flick from a penalty corner.

On the hour Japan drew level after Hiroki Sakamoto and Kei Kawakami both came close, but in the end forced a penalty corner, from which Kazuhiro Tsubouchi found the net.

Any hopes Argentina had of still snatching a win were buried two minutes from the end when Ito scored his second to give his side a 4- 3 victory.

Australia's 7-1 victory in the earlier match over their neighbours took the Olympic champions to 9 points at the top of Pool A where they will finish at least second.

Jamie Dwyer got Australia off to a perfect start after just two minutes, but New Zealand were back on level terms after 20 minutes through Mitesh Patel.

Michael McCann put Australia back ahead on 26 in what was to be the start of a goal rush, with Troy Elder (32), Matthew Naylor (49), Travis Brooks (55.), Dwyer (64) and Luke Doerner (66) all on target.

The Australians are a point ahead of Spain who are on eight points. Spain will join Australia in the round of the last four if they beat Japan in their final match, while Pakistan, on 5 points, come up against Australia needing to get three points and hoping for a Japanese victory against Spain.

Later Tuesday, hosts Germany were to play South Africa, and India were meeting the Netherlands in Pool B matches.

© 2006 DPA - Deutsche Presse-Agenteur