New Delhi, Dec 9 (IANS) Australia defeated France 2-0 to top Pool B of the Hockey Junior World Cup while Argentina overcame Spain 1-0 in a dead rubber at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here Monday.
Australia and France had already qualified for the quarterfinals earlier in the tournament.
The two quarterfinalists traded penalty corners early on without any results. Both teams created chances but were unable to convert any in the first half going into the break.
Australia did not waste time in second period and jumped into the lead when Frank Main scored in the 37th minute. France reacted well but could not penetrate the Australian defence.
Australia forced a corner and Cameron Joyce capitalised with a straight forward low shot, giving his team a two goal cushion.
Australia walked off with the win and topped Pool B while France were satisfied with their performance against a higher ranked team and their qualification for the quarterfinal for the first time since 1985.
In the second Pool B match, the Argentineans took control of the proceedings and entered the Spanish circle regularly.
The only real chance in the period was for Argentina in the 30th minute on a couple of penalty corners but striker Gonzalo Peillat was off target both times going in to the break.
It was only in the 46th minute that Argentina finally went on the scoreboard when Manuel Nicolas Sacchetti intercepted a clearance from the defence in the circle and blasted it back in goal.
Immediately, Spain were all over the Argentinean circle and had their first penalty corner in the 56th minute but their double-fake did not fool the Argentinean defence. Things started to heat up in the final 10 minutes and a few yellow cards were handed out.
Argentina survived another penalty corner scare and managed to keep their meagre lead, salvaging some pride with three points from the win. The South Americans finished third in the group with Spain fourth and last.
