Amstelveen (Holland): Australia set up yet another India-Pakistan clash when they hammered Argentina 8-3 to join Holland in the final of the 25th Champions Trophy hockey tournament on August 23.

The victory took Australia's tally to 10 points at the end of the league, while Argentina, who needed to win the match to make the final, remained on six, the same as India.

However, India (-2) finished ahead of Argentina (-5) in the league standings on superior goal-difference. India thus will play Pakistan on august 24 for the Bronze medal. Argentina takes on Germany for the 5-6 spots.

The awesome Aussie firepower was well in evidence as Michael McCann (12th, 53rd), Craig Victory (28th), Grant Schubert (39th, 56th), Troy Elder (55th), Robert Hammond (59th) and Tristam Woodhouse (63rd) came up with clinical finishes.

Argentina, hopelessly outplayed in the second-half, had their moments of success when Jorge Lombi (45th, 68th) and Carlos Retegui (57th) scored.

The score-line would suggest a one-sided encounter, but it was only in the latter stages of the second- half that the Aussies really took control, for until then, Argentina were very much in the game.

The Aussie play underlined their strong teamwork marked by quick releases, accurate passing and a sure finish, be it in field play or during penalty corners.

PTI