Argentina toil to beat South Africa 1-0 in FIH men World Cup opener

In the opening match of the FIH men's world cup, Argentina battled to defeat South Africa 1-0.

Argentina, the 2016 Olympic winners, scored the winning goal in the 42nd minute with a field goal by Casella Maico after a barren and difficult first two quarters.

World No. 14 South Africa forced former Olympic champions Argentina work hard before they won 1-0 in the opening Pool A game of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup here on Friday.

Argentina, the 2016 Olympic winners, scored the winning goal in the 42nd minute with a field goal by Casella Maico after a barren and difficult first two quarters.

But things were far from rosy for the Los Leones, as South Africa made a strong first-quarter push but failed to capitalise on their opportunities.

Argentina made a great comeback in the second quarter and won three consecutive penalty corners, but they were all wasted due to South Africa's staunch defence.

South Africa got the opening attempt on goal following the change of ends in the form of a penalty corner, but the chance was lost.

In the 42nd minute, Casella capitalised on a counterattack and converted a fantastic field goal off a ball from Toscani to give Argentina the lead.

In the fourth and final quarter, behind by one goal, South Africa launched an onslaught, but the Argentine defence held fast to smother their rivals' efforts and record a valiant victory.

On January 16, Argentina will play host to Australia, who is ranked first in the world, while South Africa will play France in their subsequent group game.