Rotterdam - Record champions Germany almost met disaster while Australia had a winning start into the 30th edition of the prestigious Champions Trophy field hockey tournament.
The Germans, who claimed an unprecedented ninth title 2007 in Malaysia, escaped with a lucky 2-2 draw with Argentina in the closing stages.
Australia, which has lifted the trophy eight times, defeated South Korea 5-3 in the tournament opener.
Hosts Netherlands (who also have eight titles) were due to wrap up the first day of action later Saturday against Spain. The teams play in a round robin scheme with the two top teams contesting the June 29 final.
The 2008 Champions Trophy also serves as the last big buildup for the Olympic tournament in Beijing in two months time.
Australia won Olympic gold 2004 in Athens and were happy with their start on Saturday.
Eli Matheson gave the Kookaburras an early lead with David Guest (penalty corner 24th), Jamie Dwyer (38th), Andrew Smith (40th) and Liam de Young (49th) grabbing the other goals.
Woon Kon Yeo, Jong Hyun Jang and Nam Yong Lee were on target for South Korea which dominated possession but still had to concede defeat.
The Germans dominated Argentina but failed to capitalize on a sixth-minute lead from Florian Keller on a penalty corner.
Argentina reversed matters from field goals by Matias Paredes and Rodrigo Vila before Timo Wess spared Germany from defeat in the 69th minute on another penalty corner. (dpa)
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