Govers strike gives Kookaburras a first-up win in Paris

Blake Glovers (2nd left) celebrates with teammates after scoring the winner against Argentina. (AP PHOTO)

A superb Blake Govers strike has propelled Australia's men's hockey team to a 1-0 victory against Argentina in their opening game at the Paris Olympics.

Govers' moment of magic from a penalty corner at Yves-du-Manoir Stadium on Saturday has given the Kookaburras an ideal start to their Olympic campaign.

The triple Olympian blasted a drag flick into the net after the Australians were awarded a penalty corner in the last second of the opening half.

Govers' expertly-placed shot curled into the right corner as the Kookaburras seized momentum in a tight encounter against the world No.6 Argentinians.

The Kookaburras, ranked two slots higher, created scant scoring opportunities in the opening half until the last-gasp flashpoint - they had less possession and few entries into the attacking area than Argentina in the half.

The second half was a similarly tense affair with a scoreless third term before both nations created chances in the dying stages of the last quarter.

With less than five minutes remaining, Govers attempted to reprise his first-half score: from a penalty corner, he again launched a drag flick towards the right-side net only for the ball to drift just wide.

Argentina had a gilt-edged chance to equalise with just 45 seconds left when awarded a penalty corner.

The ensuing shot created a manic goal-mouth scramble and the Australian defence prevailed as Kookaburras keeper Andrew Charter kept a clean sheet - he saved four shots on target for the game.

Australia's next fixture is against Ireland on Monday before pool encounters against Belgium, New Zealand and India.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store