Monday, September 11 2006 11:46 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Monchengladbach: Australia chalks up an easy 3-1 win over Japan for their second success in three pool B matches of the 11th FIH men's hockey World Cup here Sunday (10 Sep, 2006).

The Aussies now have six points from three outings to occupy the second spot in the pool behind New Zealand.

Having lost 3-1 to Spain in their opening league fixture, the Aussies hit hard and fast and score through Michael McCann (6th), Troy Elder (8th) and Russell Ford (55th).

Japan, though beaten comprehensively, show plenty of spunk and manage to scramble home a goal in the 16th with Toshiaki Fukuda finding the boards following a terrible defensive lapse on part of the Aussies.