The decisive strike followed half-time drama at Stade Yves Du Manoir, as Blake referred a shot by Argentina for dangerous play right on the half-time hooter.

With the penalty corner awarded and the scores level at nil-all, the prolific goal scorer from Wollongong took his opportunity to strike, opting for his unstoppable signature drag flick which sailed into the back right corner and handed Australia the lead right on the half.

The match was always poised to be a tight opening encounter between world number four Australia and number six Argentina, with both sides matched in the head-to-head for 2024.

The second half was an equally tense affair, with both sides creating more chances but Argentina couldn’t get past Australia’s great wall of defence, goalkeeper Andrew Charter. 

“It was just lucky to get the only goal and defend the rest,“ Blake said. 

“Andrew played a great game and that’s all that was needed today.”

With five minutes remaining, Blake had the opportunity to bag a double and extend the lead off a penalty corner but the shot sailed wide and the Aussie fans in the crowd rose to their feet chanting in a bid to bring the Kookaburras home.

Argentina finally had a moment to save the game with 45 seconds remaining but Andrew  stepped up again to maintain a clean sheet in Paris. Blake's sole strike would be enough as they held on to a 1-0 win to charge ahead in their gold-medal pursuit.

“A win is a great result. We’ve been training hard in Australia together. We’re in a good place, and I’m glad to get the first win out of the way, and onto the next game,” Blake said.

The Kookaburras have a day off before taking on Ireland in their second of five pool matches on 29 July.

“Ireland had a close match just earlier against Belgium. We know they’re a good opposition and we need to play well, but we’ll debrief this game, and then focus on making it happen,” Blake said.

Match Details
Kookaburras: 1 (Blake Govers 30’+)
Argentina: 0

Kristina Eddy