Hockey world champions the Kookaburras have opened their account at the Champions Trophy in India - and just in time for the quarter-finals.
Having lost their opening match to England before throwing away a lead in their 4-4 draw with Belgium, Australia were in desperate need of a form reversal heading into their final group match.
Their wishes were granted, with a 3-0 thumping of Pakistan restoring confidence ahead of the knock-out games, where they will now face Argentina.
Rising star Jeremy Hayward kick-started Australia's campaign with a goal in each half, which was complemented by a goal in the final minute by Jacob Whetton.
The result, combined with Belgium's 1-1 draw with England, ensured Australia finished third in Pool A - setting up Thursday's showdown with Argentina, who finished second in Pool A.
Under the controversial tournament format, all eight participating teams progress to the quarter-finals with results from the group stage simply determining match-ups for the knock-out fixtures.
Kookaburras coach Graham Reid said Argentina were a threat despite a ranking of seventh in the world which suggests they are one of the easier teams to face in the tournament.
"Argentina are a team that have been better and better each game," Reid said.
"It will be a difficult task on Thursday night however, our boys will be up for the challenge."
Defensive enforcer, and penalty specialist, Chris Ciriello was pleased to have seen more of an effort on defence after an uncharacteristically sloppy Australia conceded seven goals in their opening two matches.
"We just focused a bit more on defence and keeping the ball out of the net," he said.
"Our basic skills we better when we moved the ball - our midfield had a lot of touches and they created (chances)."
In other semi-finals, England will face Germany, while Pakistan take on the Netherlands and hosts India, who stunned the world No.2 Dutch team 3-2 on Tuesday, will play Belgium.
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