India reached the quarter-finals of the men’s Olympic hockey tournament on Thursday because of an ingenious 3-1 convert Rio gold medallists Argentina, while Netherlands and Britain also progressed.
Argentina’s women’s team secured a spot within the knockout stages, after sending hosts Japan out of the tournament, while the Spanish team’s convert to China meant they also took an enormous step to getting to the subsequent round.
In the men’s tournament, India fought back after conceding an early goal to their South American opponents, pulling level within the last half then scoring another two late on.
In the other group, Netherlands led Britain 2-0 when the sport went into the ultimate quarter but gave up their lead after their opponents stepped up the pressure.
Britain leveled with two goals by Sam Ward, including a penalty corner with four minutes to travel.
The result still gave both teams a ticket to the quarter-finals.
South Africa achieved a 4-3 surprise convert 2016 Olympic trophy winners Germany despite being down a goal at halftime.
South Africa leveled within the last half before sealing the win when a pass from 19-year-old rookie Mustaphaa Cassiem deflected off the stick of an opponent behind the German goalkeeper.
South Africa is unlikely to reach the knockout stages thanks to a negative goal difference but they avoided being sent home by the Germans, who need another point to advance.
World champions Belgium sent Canada packing with a 9-1 victory to remain perfect in Pool ‘B’.
In the women’s event, Argentina’s Las Leonas joined Australia — who had already qualified — within the knockout stages by beating Japan 2-1.
Spain, whose coach has been quarantined thanks to a positive Covid-19 test, got closer to creating it to the subsequent round because of a 2-0 victory over China.
The Netherlands, who were also already sure of creating the quarter-finals, claimed a 1-0 convert Britain in an intensive game during which British goalkeeper Madeleine Hinch played an impressive role with a dozen saves.
Australia beat rivals New Zealand 1-0.
