Rourkela, Jan 20: Star forward Blake Govers scored four times, including from a penalty stroke, as title contenders Australia thrashed South Africa 9-2 to top Pool A and directly qualify for the quarterfinals of the FIH Men’s World Cup here on Friday.
Australia will face the winner of the crossover match between Malaysia and Spain in the quarterfinal match on January 24 in Bhubaneswar.
Govers struck in the fourth, 15th, 19th and 20th minutes as the rampaging Australians led 7-1 at half time. His first and fourth strikes were field goals while the second one was from a penalty corner and the third from the penalty spot.
Tom Craig (10th), Jake Harvie (22nd), Daniel Beale (28th), Jeremy Hayward (32nd) and Tim Brand (47th) were the other Australian goal getters at the Birsa Munda Stadium.
Ntuli Nqobile (8th) and Kok Tevin (58th) were the scorers – both field goals – for South Africa.
In another Pool A match, Argentina and France scored a goal each in the final minute to play out a 5-5 draw in a dramatic contest.
Argentina finished second in the pool with five points from three matches, while France ended at third with four points.
Argentina will play the third place team in Pool B in their crossover match on January 22 in Bhubaneswar while France will take on the second place team in Pool B the next day. (PTI)
