AMSTELVEEN (Netherlands): Argentina defeated India 5-3 in a high-scoring second-stage encounter at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, ending India’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals. Thomas Domene scored twice for Argentina, while Joaquin Toscani, Nicolas Della Torre and Lucas Toscani added one goal each.
India needed a victory by a four-goal margin to keep their semi-final hopes alive, but the pressure of the must-win contest proved too much. Although India scored twice in the final three minutes, Argentina had already established an unassailable lead.
Sukhjeet Singh scored twice for India, while Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke. However, India’s failure to make use of its penalty corners proved decisive. The team earned seven penalty corners but captain and drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh failed to convert any of them.
Both India and Argentina had entered the second stage without points after finishing second in their respective pools. India suffered their second consecutive defeat in the second stage after losing 1-3 to hosts the Netherlands in their opening match. Argentina, meanwhile, registered their second straight victory.
Argentina made a flying start when Joaquin Toscani scored just 38 seconds into the match following a cross from the right. Nicolas Della Torre then converted Argentina’s second penalty corner in the sixth minute to put his side 2-0 ahead.
India responded strongly, with Sukhjeet Singh reducing the deficit in the 10th minute. After Abhishek created the opening, Sukhjeet controlled the ball inside the circle and finished with a quick flick to make it 1-2.
Argentina maintained their advantage until half-time, despite India creating several attacking opportunities. Sumit played an important defensive role for India, supporting Harmanpreet Singh, Sanjay and Amit Rohidas in dealing with Argentina’s attacks.
Domene extended Argentina’s lead early in the third quarter. His initial effort from a penalty corner was saved by Indian goalkeeper Mohit, but Domene reacted quickly to put the rebound into the net and make it 3-1.
India then had a golden opportunity to get back into the contest, earning four consecutive penalty corners in the fourth minute of the third quarter. However, Argentina’s runners successfully blocked all four of Harmanpreet’s attempts.
India earned another penalty corner in the 40th minute after a move involving Hardik Singh and Jugraj Singh, but once again Harmanpreet’s effort was stopped.
Argentina effectively sealed the contest before the end of the third quarter. A challenge by Yashdeep Siwach on Domene resulted in a penalty stroke, which Domene converted to complete his brace and put Argentina 4-1 ahead.
Lucas Toscani added Argentina’s fifth goal with five minutes remaining, further extinguishing India’s hopes.
India mounted a late fightback. Sukhjeet scored his second goal with two minutes left after receiving a pass from Mandeep Singh, reducing the deficit to 2-5. Moments later, Sukhjeet earned a penalty stroke after being brought down inside the circle, and Hardik Singh converted to make it 3-5.
Despite the late surge, India ran out of time.
Hardik Singh was one of India’s better performers in midfield, while the team’s attacking unit, including Sukhjeet, Abhishek and Dilpreet, created opportunities but could not convert enough of them. Harmanpreet’s struggles from penalty corners ultimately proved costly in a match India needed to win by a substantial margin.
India will now compete for seventh and eighth place in Verviers, Belgium, bringing their campaign for a semi-final berth to an end. Argentina, meanwhile, strengthened their position in the second stage with another important victory.
