New Delhi: The first match on a sunny afternoon between Argentina and Belgium saw a tough fight at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday.

The Belgians scored the first goal in a couple of minutes of the word go. The Argentineans who were in top spirits yesterday with their short passes and speed were curtailed in their tracks by the equally agile Belgians.

At 13 minutes to go for the first half Argentina scored a brilliant field goal through Pedro Ibarra who dashed into the defense and hit from short corner.

However, Belgians took the lead further by 2 -1 at the end of half time . In the second half the Argentineans suddenly found a rhythm and began to exert pressure . At 20 minutes to go for the second half Matias Peredes equalised the score and at 9 minutes to go Fecundo Callioni sent the ball thundering into the Belgian goal .The won by 3-2.

The second match between Australia and Netherlands resulted in the former tasting defeat by single goal. Both the teams were engaged themselves in a full court press that left the first half goalless. As the second half started Netherland scored a brilliant goal and held that lead till the end. Australia got 6 penalty corners- four in the first half and two in the second and yet they could not make even an equaliser. Billy Bakker scored the lone goal for Netherlands.

Commendable saves were made by both the goal keepers- George Bazeley of Australia and Jaap Stockmann of Netherlands but for whom the scores would have been more.

The third match of the day between England and Germany saw two goals scored within five minutes of the start of the game. Both were field goals. For Germany Miltakau scored the equaliser. The first blood was drawn by Ashley Jackson and the second goal for England was made by Tom Carson through penalty corner. Germany was a fancied team and yesterday they made mincemeat of New Zeeland. But today the story was different. The lone goal for Germany was made by Marco Miltakau. Having defeated India yesterday by two goals , England from the start was on cautious note and proceeded in a carefully planned attack while they kept their back strong.