Six places may separate the two teams in the FIH rankings but world number eight Spain gave Argentina, ranked second, a run for its money in the high-scoring Pool A match that produced end-to-end hockey.

The Los Leones had to dish out every trick from its arsenal to get the better of a fighting Spanish side, which matched its rival in every department throughout.

Mazzilli (4th, 15th minutes) and Peillat (15th, 49th) were the goal scorers for Argentina, while Spain’s goals came from the sticks of Enrique Gonzalez (3rd), Josep Romeu (14th) and Vicenc Ruiz (35th). In the day’s second Pool A match, New Zealand scored two field goals through Kane Russell (16th) and Stephen Jenness (56th) to get the better of France.

France’s lone goal came a minute away from the final hooter through a penalty corner conversion by Victor Charlet (59th).

In the first game, Spain stunned the Argentines as early as in the third minute through young Gonzalez’s fine field strike past Argetina goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi from a move which he only started.

But a minute later Mazzilli drew level for Argentina, deflecting in a cross from the right wing past Spain’s goalkeeper Quico Cortes. Spain restored its lead in the 14th minute through a penalty corner conversion by Romeu. It was an end-to-end battle as Mazzilli (15th minute) again came to Argentina’s rescue, equalising 45 seconds from the first quarter.