Both Australia and Argentina were looking for their first win of the World Championship, unfortunately for Argentina, it was Australia who found its treasure. 

Australia earned its first win of the 2003 IIHF In-Line Hockey World Championship with a 6-1 victory over Argentina in the final game of the Preliminary Round. The win gives Australia a third-place finish in the D Group, while Argentina finishes in fourth place in the group.

Australia forward Michael Casaceli had a hat trick in the victory, getting goals in the first, second and third periods. Neither team scored in the four period. The lone goal scorer for Argentina was Guillermo Petricorena, who found the back of the net 9:32 into the game.

The game was tied at one after Petricorena’s goal, but Australia quickly pulled away with one additional goal in the first period and two goals early in the second period. Australia forward Jason Gibson played a big role in his team’s get away, scoring two goals to give his team a more secure lead.

Both Australia and Argentina have tomorrow off and will await their first opponent of the next round based on today and Wednesday’s results

Check out the photo gallery for photos from the game.