Argentina converted three penalty corners and fought off a determined Japan 3-2 on Thursday for its second win in as many days and a share of the lead atop Group B at the women's field hockey World Cup.
Nikki Hudson scored just before halftime and Australia beat the US 3-1 to move atop the group on goal difference, while Korea drew 0-0 with South Africa.
Quick goals
Goals by Rosario Luchetti and Augustina Garcia put Argentina ahead 2-0 by the 14th minute and Mercedes Margolot added another in the 41st to stake the defending champions to a substantial lead.
The Japanese didn't give up, though, rallying with two goals 40 seconds apart by Chie Kimura and Kaori Chiba, pulling Japan within one by the 70th minute and rattling Argentina coach Gabriel Minadeo.
"This win almost tasted of defeat," Minadeo said after the game. "In an international match you have to play all 70 minutes and we played 69."
Argentina plays South Africa today.
"On balance the match was good, but we have the annoyance of the 3-2," Garcia said. "A team can always change many things, and we still have many matches left in this World Cup for this game to act as a lesson."
Seesaw match
Sarah Taylor gave Australia the lead in the eight minute off a penalty corner, but Kelly Doton tied it three minutes later.
Hudson's goal from the run of play restored Australia's lead and Angie Skirving scored off a penalty corner in the 57th to add the insurance.
In other games scheduled yesterday, England played the Netherlands, China played Spain and India played Germany.
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