But Argentina equalized three minutes later with Peillat again converting a penalty corner. This was the sixth goal for Peillat in the ongoing tournament and he lived up to his reputation as the best drag-flicker of the world. However, Argentina’s hope to stay on course for an Olympic-World Cup double crown was spoiled by Harry Martin, who scored the decisive third goal for England in the 48th minute. England’s Michael Hoare made his 100th senior international appearance in this match.

The second quarterfinal between the top and bottom ranked teams of the tournament proved to be one-sided contest with Australia asserting complete supremacy over European opponents France. All three goals for Australia came off penalty corners, converted by Jeremy Hayward, Blake Govers and captain Aran Zalewski.

Govers, in the process, became the joint top scorer of the ongoing World Cup with six goals to his name. Trent Mitton made his 150th senior international appearance for Australia in this match. Australia reached the World Cup semifinals for the 11th time in a row.

RESULTS:

Dec 12 (Match No 30, QF-2): Australia (Jeremy Hayward 4-PC, Blake Govers 19-PC, Aran Zalewski 37-PC) beat France 3-0. PoM: Aran Zalewski (Australia).
Dec 12 (Match No 29, QF-1): England (Barry Middleton 27-FG, Will Calnan 45-FG, Harry Martin 49-FG) beat Argentina (Gonzalo Peillat 17-PC, 48-PC) 3-2. PoM: Liam Ansell (England).
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TOP: Kookaburras take a group selfie after their quarterfinal win over France on December 12, 2018.
RIGHT: Barry Middleton celebrates after scoring a goal for England in their quarterfinal match against Argentina on December 12, 2018.