Thaindian News

By Sirshendu Panth
New Delhi, March 3 (IANS) Hyun Woo Nam converted a last-minute penalty corner as Korea edged past Argentina 2-1 to remain in fray for a semi-final berth at the Hockey World Cup here Wednesday.

The two teams were locked goalless at the breather, before the otherwise lacklustre proceedings saw some action in the second session of the Pool A match at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here.

Argentina struck the first blow through Facundo Callioni (53rd minute) before Nam Young Lee (62nd ) restored parity for the Koreans, who are now on four points from two games. The Asian Games champions had finished 2-2 with holders Germany in their lung opener.

The first half was scrappy though the Latin Americans dominated and were unlucky in the early minutes when frame stood in the way of a goal before Korean goalkeeper Myung Ho Lee brought up a fine save.

The Argentinians got several other opportunities, but failed to convert any of them in the first 35 minutes. The Koreans also got a couple of penalty corners, but both were wasted.

The second half saw the Argentinians strike their first goal of the tournament as Callioni found the target from a goalmouth melee. Down 0-1, the Koreans played with more intensity and got the equaliser, courtesy a brilliant reverse stick touch from Lee.

The next few minutes were absorbing as both sides went on the attack.

The Koreans secured a penalty corner, with seconds remaining into the match and Nam’s drag flick went in, triggering celebrations in their reserve bench.

Having gone down to the Netherlands 3-0 in their opener, Argentina are yet to open their points kitty after two outings in the Cup.