ROTTERDAM, June 22: Argentina notched up their first-ever Champions Trophy hockey win over Australia on Sunday, beating the Antipodeans 2-1.

In other games on the second day of competition, Spain trounced South Korea 7-2 and the Netherlands defeated Germany 5-3.

A penalty corner to Lucas Vila and a field goal by Lucas Argento in the first 15 minutes set up Argentina’s win, their first over Australia in four Champions Trophy tournaments.

Fergus Kavanagh deflected in a goal in the second quarter to get Australia back into the match.

But the Australians could not penetrate Argentina’s defence in the second half and resorted to taking off the Australian goalkeeper for the last three minutes to mount a fruitless all-out attack on Argentina.

“Argentina are a difficult team to beat with a unique style and a defence that is very difficult to break down,” said Australia coach Barry Dancer.

Dancer’s Argentine counterpart Carlos Retegui insisted his team would not get carried away with their maiden win.

Spain gave South Korea a lesson in converting scoring chances, winning 7-2.

Pol Amat scored four field goals before taking a long rest on the bench with Santi Freixa, Xavier Ribas and Ramon Alegre adding one each. Byun Hoon Kim and Jong Hyun Jang scored penalty corners for South Korea.

“There was a difference in attitude of the players today and they were more prepared for the match,” said Spain coach Maurits Hendriks.

“In general we had better dynamics up front as the forwards changed positions a lot which posed problems for Korea,” he added.

Germany blew a 2-0 advantage in the first half to lose 5-3 to tournament hosts the Netherlands.

For the first time in the Champions Trophy the match was played in three periods to allow the pitch to be watered more frequently due to the drying effect of the strong wind and sunshine.

Florian Keller scored a field goal and converted a penalty corner to have Germany ahead after 24 minutes.

The Netherlands scored all their five goals in a purple patch of 17 minutes.

Roderick Weustof converted two penalty corners and field goals were added by Ronald Brouwer and Jeroen Hertzberger.

Jan-Marco Montag converted Germany’s second penalty corner in overtime.

“The first 10 minutes of the second half was wonderful hockey for us as we could dictate the game, although in the first half we did not do so well,”Netherlands coach Roelant Oltmans said.

The Dutch omitted star player Teun de Nooijer for the match and main sharpshooter Taeke Taekema is injured.

“Winning without Teun de Nooijer and Taeke Taekema gives the players confidence they can win without them,” Oltmans said.

On Saturday, Australia defeated South Korea 5-3, Argentina and Germany drew 2-2 while the Netherlands defeated Spain 3-1.

Monday is a rest day with the tournament continuing Tuesday when Germany meet South Korea, Australia play Spain and Argentina take on Netherlands. —AFP