Date:08/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/08/stories/2007050806541800.htm

Sport

Argentina beats China in a tight contest

S. Thyagarajan

GOOD STICKWORK: China's Feng Hui Lu (left) controls the ball as Argentina's Gomas Argento tries to block him. - PHOTO: AFP

Ipoh: The focus on Monday was more on figuring the qualifiers for the last four in the Azlan Shah international hockey tournament.

A clear picture is yet to emerge, although Argentina, which beat China, in a tight contest, seems well ensconced with six points on top of Pool A with a back-to-back victory. On Sunday, Argentina caused an upset beating the title favourite by a solitary goal.

The second contest of the evening between Pakistan and South Korea was interrupted by power failure, eight minutes before the first half when the teams were locked at 2-2. Even after an hour's wait, power in one of the towers could only be partially restored.

The Tournament Director, Ian Faulkner, had a long discussion with the managers and coaches of both teams.

Distorted shadows

Pakistan's manager, Ishlahuddin, explained that he feared incomplete lighting even in one tower would cause distorted shadows that might confuse the players on both sides.

Eventually, it was announced that the match would be replayed at 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday as Pakistan is slated to play Canada in the first match on Tuesday.

Earlier, Rodrigo Vila was Argentina's anchor. The gangling skipper not only displayed the flair but also illustrated how to convert half chances into goals. His first strike was a beauty, both in conception and execution.

Left free on the left flank, Vila broke away to take the Chinese defence off guard. Moving into the circle, he unleashed a terrific backhander that gave the usually alert Rifeng hardly a chance to save.

Vila's second effort, which came after China had equalised close on half time was as imaginative as the first. Only, this came from a penalty corner. As the ball was struck, Vila piloted the ball into the boards with an imperceptible turn of the wrist.

If Vila was the hero, there were others who contributed in giving their captain some memorable moments. Lucas Innocenti played an invaluable role in the defence as did the back Ibarra. Then there was Rafael Rossi who netted the third and the match-winner from a crisp centre by Cardini.

China's second defeat in as many matches — it lost to India 4-5 on Sunday — effectively pushed the team out of the reckoning for a semifinal berth. Now this might become a three-way tussle should India surprise Argentina and Australia overwhelm China. Australia and India have three points each from two matches.

Gallant display

For all its gallant display, China ended on the wrong side. In the initial phases, the deep defence was phlegmatic, not matching the pace and athleticism of the Argentines. But as the match progressed, they regrouped well to offer stiff resistance and succeeded in stretching the rival.

Song Yi was commendable in his workouts as were Yubo Na and Lu Feng. China levelled midway through from a well co-ordinated move between Song Yi and Liu Tang, with the latter netting. Again Song Yi it was who struck from a penalty corner to restore parity at 2-2.

There were positive indications of a draw but six minutes before the close came the stunner of a flick from Rafael Rossi.

The results:

Pool A: Argentina 3 (Rodrigo Vila 2, Rafael Rossi) bt China 2 (Liu Tang, Song Yi).

Pool B: Pakistan 2 (Tariq Aziz, Imran Muhammad) v Korea 2 (Moon Kang, Jeong Yun Sung) (match interrupted by power failure).

Tuesday's matches: Pakistan v Canada (3-35 p.m.); Malaysia v Korea (5-35 p.m.).