Argentina clinch Azlan Shah Cup

IPOH (Malaysia) (AFP) - Forward Nicolas Mario Almada scored a golden goal in the 73rd minute to steer Argentina to a hard fought 2-1 win over India in Sunday's final to lift their first Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament title here.

The match had to be decided in sudden death after both teams failed to break the 1-1 deadlock within regulation time.

New Zealand came back from a goal down to edge three-time champions Pakistan 2-1 to finish in third.

Forward Rehan Butt gave Pakistan the lead in the 17th minute from close range. But the Kiwis equalised three minutes later through Simon Child off a field goal.

Gareth Brooks was the toast of New Zealand for scoring the winning goal in the 50th minute off another field attempt.

In the final, defender Sandeep Singh gave India the lead in the 11th minute off a penalty corner and four minutes later Nicolas Mario equalised off a penalty corner.

In the preliminary rounds, Argentina had outplayed India with 12 juniors in their squad, 5-1.