New Delhi, March 5 (IANS) Defending champions Germany survived a scare from lowly Argentina before pulling off a thrilling 4-3 win in a Pool A match of the Hockey World Cup here Thursday.

Germany's Martin Zwicker (5th minute) scored capping a brilliant tie-up with veteran Matthias Witthaus, but Argentina paid back the next minute in style through Martin Lucas Vila.

Zwicker (14th) then converted a penalty corner and Witthaus (23rd) increased the lead. Argentina refused to be dictated and Matias Enrique Paredes (34th) made it 3-2 through a penalty-corner goal.

Germany began the second half with purpose, and Martin Haner slotted in the 51st minute. Argentina narrowed the margin four minutes later through Pedro Ibarra. The Argentine then raided the German defence in waves, but goalkeeper Tomas Juan Espinosa's exceptional effort under the bar saved the day for them.

Germany now have seven points from three matches and are behind the Netherlands who have nine points. But their young side have still a long way to go if they are looking to win a hat-trick of titles here. They were held 2-2 by South Korea in the first match and despite pounding Canada 6-0 in the second, they were far from being consistent.

'We are happy with the result but not with the performance. Argentina played really well and it is going to be a tough match against the Netherlands,' said German coach Markus Weise.

Weise should thank Espinosa for not allowing Argentina the equaliser in the final minutes of the match.

Argentina, ranked 14th, will be cursing their fate as they came close to upsetting the World No.1 side.

Though the handful of spectators were treated to an excellent match and saw some of the best goals scored in the tournament so far.

The first goal set the mark with Zwicker and Witthaus playing a 1-2 and the former slamming in.

Vila then scored a solo, scooping the ball over goalkeeper Tim Jessulat for the equaliser.

There were also some brilliant set-pieces on show. Germany's second goal from Zwicker was nicely executed as he dived from the right corner to deflect in a drag-flick.

The experienced Matthias showed his class as he foxed two defenders in close range, took a turn to make space and slammed the ball from the top of the circle.

The second half saw Argentina stepping up the pressure but it was Germany who increased the lead to 4-2 through Haner.

Ibarra pulled one back for Argentina before German defence thwarted their moves.