SA hockey men go down to Argentina World Cup opener

The South African men's hockey team lost to Argentina in their World Cup opener in Bhubaneswar, India on Friday.

Argentina won a tightly contested Pool A encounter 1-0. The solitary goal of the match was scored by Maico Casella 15 minutes from time.

[FIH Hockey Mens World Cup]Despite a tremendous effort from the lads its Argentina who win the opening game 1-0. pic.twitter.com/Uv2KPODMUT

In other Pool A action on Friday, Australia thrashed France 8-0.

South Africa's next match is against the French in Bhubaneswar on Monday (13:30) SA time.

The SA men will conclude their Pool A action against Australia in Rourkela next Friday (20 January, 09:30 SA time).