IN AN anti-climax, Australia crushed Spain 4-1 in final to win the Champions Trophy. Desmond Abbott scored in the seventh minute to give Australia early lead, before Xavi Ribas levelled scores in the 14th minute.
Finally, Jamie Dwyer’s goal in the 53rd minute opened the floodgates for Australia and Eddie Ockenden and Ali Matheson followed with goals.
Earlier, Argentina drew 2-2 with the Netherlands in regulation time, and won a penalty shoot-out 5-3 to take the bronze medal. Argentina’s three Vila brothers – Lucas, Rodrigo and Matias – Juan Gilardi and Lucas Cammareri all netted their penalty strokes for a perfect conversion rate after five attempts.
Ronald Brouwer, Rob Reckers and Roderick Weusthof successfully scored for the Netherlands but Robert van der Horst had his low flick to the left post blocked by Argentina goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi.
Argentina coach Carlos Retegui was elated with the bronze medal.
In the fifth place playoff, Germany scored twice in the last ten minutes to beat South Korea 3-1.