Australia defeated Japan 3-2 in a keenly-contested match to register their second successive victory in Group A at the women's hockey World Cup at The Hague, Netherlands, today. This was Japan's second straight loss in the tournament.Earlier, holders Argentina made a steady start to their campaign, defeating South Africa 4-1 in a Group B match of the women's competition late last night. The Argentine girls are seeking their third World Cup title in four editions.