But the first match of the tournament pitted Argentina (FIH 7) against South Africa (FIH 15). Despite Gowan Jones’ good form, South Africa’s last bastion, ‘Los Leones’ eventually found its way to the net through Maico Casella (43), was voted Man of the Match.

In the aftermath, the match between Australia, world number one, and France (FIH 12), which has steadily improved in recent years, turned sour for the Blues, who scored goals at the net and without appeal from 8 goals to 0. After conceding one goal early in the game, the Blues took to the water after picking up a green card, conceding three goals in a row before half-time. Australia, beaten by Belgium in the final of the last Olympics, added four goals in the second half after Tom Craig and Jeremy Hayward each scored hat-tricks.

England (FIH 6), for the first game of the tournament at Rourkela and its new 20,000 seat capacity stadium, easily beat Wales (FIH 14) with a score of 5-0. Wearing velvet with a very fast opener, after barely 20 seconds, English dominated the rest of the debate and signed a convincing success.

At the fiery Birsa Munda Stadium fully committed to their goal, India (FIH 5) beat Spain (FIH 8) 2-0 in a Group D clash. Local Amit Rohidas and Hardik Singh, fine solos, scored for a Team India with an impressive burst of energy against Spain with no ideas.

Logically, Argentina and Australia must compete for the first place in Group A, directly qualify for the quarter-finals, like England and India in Group D.