ATHENS, Aug 20: Michael Brennan scored a last-second winner to lead Australia to an exciting 4-3 victory over 10-men India in the Olympic men's field hockey competition on Thursday.

The Kookaburras looked set for a comfortable win in group B when they led 3-1 till the 50th minute, before India scored twice in as many minutes to draw level. India were reduced to 10 men in the last six minutes when inspiration midfielder Dhanraj Pillay was sent off for a rough tackle, giving Australia a chance to attack and net the decider.

The win left Australia with seven points after three rounds of matches, two behind defending champions the Netherlands' all-win tally of nine. The Aussies play South Africa on Saturday before taking on the Dutch on Tuesday in what could be the game to decide the group winners.

Two teams from the group will qualify for the semifinals. India, New Zealand and South Africa, huddled together on three points each, need a near-miracle in the last two rounds to qualify.

India took an early lead in the fast-paced encounter when Deepak Thakur struck in the sixth minute. Australia drew level five minutes later through Troy Elder and both teams went to the break deadlocked 1-1.

Jamie Dwyer and Michael McCann scored after resumption to make it 3-1, before India hit back with back-to-back goals through Gagan Ajit Singh and Arjun Halappa. India take on New Zealand on Saturday and Argentina on Tuesday in their remaining matches. -AFP