Australia 8 Argentina 3

Netherlands 6 Germany 0

AMSTELVEEN (The Netherlands), Aug 23: Australia, needing only a draw against Argentina to reach their third Champions Trophy final in five years, overwhelmed the new Pan American champions 8-3 on the last day of the pool matches.

They will play holders The Netherlands in Sunday’s final having last won the title in Brisbane in 1999.

Later, Netherlands overwhelmed Germany 6-0 to become only unbeaten team in the competition.

It was the second successive match in this high-scoring tournament to serve up 11 goals, following India’s 7-4 victory over Pakistan on Friday.

Because Argentina lost by more than two goals, India qualified to play Pakistan for the bronze medal on Sunday.

Argentina dropped below India on goal difference with Saturday’s defeat and will have to beat Germany to avoid last place.

Australia set a stinging pace from the start against Argentina and deserved a 12th minute lead though their first goal was lucky after Michael McCann’s pass was deflected into goal.

Australia went 3-0 ahead by the 38th minute through Craig Victory and an opportunist effort by Grant Schubert.

Argentina replied with a 45th minute corner by Jorge Lombi but Australia added five goals in the last 15 minutes.

McCann and Schubert each added a second for Australia whose other goals were snapped up by Troy Elder, Robert Hammond and Tristam Woodhouse.

Carlos Retegui and Lombi added the last two Argentinian goals, Lombi maintaining his position as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals.

Standings

P W D L F A Pts

Netherlands 5 4 1 0 23 11 13

Australia 5 3 1 1 25 14 10

Pakistan 5 2 2 1 21 20 8

India 5 2 0 3 16 18 6

Argentina 5 2 0 3 18 23 6

Germany 5 0 0 5 6 23 0

—Reuters