New Delhi, Dec 14 (IANS) Argentina beat South Africa 4-1 to finish 11th in the Hockey Junior World Cup at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here Saturday.
Earlier in the day, Spain beat England 3-2 to secure the 13th position while the 14th spot went to the latter.
In the 15-16 position playoff, Egypt scored their first win of the tournament by defeating Canada 3-0 for the 15th spot while the North American team ended 16th and last.
South Africa were faster off the starting block and were up by a goal in the third minute when Matthew Brown scored from a penalty corner.
Argentina recovered from their shaky start and were back on par in the 13th minute, thanks to a powerful low drag flick by Gonzalo Peillat.
The South Americans increased the pressure and were all over the South African circle and were finally rewarded in the 21st minute when Lautaro Diaz managed to put an end to a wild pinball session in front of Rene De La Peyre in the South African goal to take a 2-1 lead.
Joaquin Leonel Coelho added a field goal soon after and Argentina walked into the break with a comfortable two goal cushion.
Argentina carried the momentum to the second half and Peillat added his second penalty corner goal in the 42nd minute.
There were some heated exchanges and the umpires gave out seven cards in total, including a red one to Argentine captain Peillat.
The scoreline did not change and Argentina finished the competition in 11th position, four places below their previous worst results in eight appearances in the tournament.