Champions Trophy: Defending champs Australia brush aside Argentina to reach semis

World champions and holders Australia finally got their mojo back and defeated Argentina 4-2 to secure their place in the semifinals of the Champions Trophy hockey tournament at the Kalinga Stadium today. After a not-so-impressive outing where they won one, lost one and drew one game, the Kookaburras got their act together and dished out a much superior performance to down World Cup bronze medallist Argentina. [caption id=“attachment_1845553” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  It took Australia six minutes to surge ahead as Simon Orchard got a stick to Russell Ford’s hard cross from the right flank. AP[/caption] It took Australia six minutes to surge ahead as Simon Orchard got a stick to Russell Ford’s hard cross from the right flank. Argentina equalised one minute into the second quarter through skipper Matias Paredes (16th), who volleyed home a great goal following a fine build-up between Lucas Vila and Facundo Callioni. Five minutes into the second half, Argentina took the lead through Manuel Brunet’s (35th) field goal after a great move. But Argentina’s lead lasted just two minutes as Jeremy Hayward scored his third goal of the tournament, with a fierce drag-flick from a penalty corner. Australia then found the net twice in a span of 12 minutes to take control of the match. Daniel Beale (42nd) first scored from an open play before Chris Ciriello fired home a penalty corner to give Australia a two-goal cushion. Argentina tried hard to make a comeback thereafter but failed to breach the alert Australian defence. In the semis on Saturday, Australia will play the winners of the quarterfinal between England and Germany to be held later in the day. PTI