Australia were indebted to Blake Govers for a wonder tomahawk in a riveting 3-3 draw with Argentina in Bhubaneswar on Monday night at the Men’s World Cup.
Australia twice led twice before being forced to find a late equaliser as Argentina showed some improved form following their slender win over South Africa.
A Govers thunderbolt with two minutes remaining ensured the Kookaburras would take a point from the encounter and remain top of Pool A thanks to a superior goal difference.
The draw was their first at a World Cup since 1998.
Goals from Jeremy Hayward, with his fourth of the tournament, and Daniel Beale had the Kookaburras with their noses in front on two occasions, with Thomas Demene and a wonderful low strike from Martin Ferreiro equalising.
As the clock ticked down, Kookaburras coach Colin Batch removed Andrew Charter with four minutes left.
The move paid dividends as Govers smashed a fine backhand on the run, the angle past a helpless Tomas Santiago in the Argentina goal.
The Kookaburras’ final pool match is against South Africa, with the second and third teams to play knockout crossover matches.
The draw means Argentina now face a France side who need a win to qualify outfright for the knock outs.
