Antwerp (Belgium): India’s never-say-die attitude came to the fore in the match against Argentina. The Indian men’s hockey team won 5-4 in their fourth match of the European stage of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24.
For India, Arjit Singh Hundal (7′), Gurjant Singh (18′) and Harmanpreet Singh (29′, 50′ and 52′) scored the goals. Whereas for Argentina, Federico Monza (3′), Nicholas Keenan (24′), Tadeo Marucci (54′) and Lucas Martínez (57′) scored goals.
India started the match brilliantly. They kept the ball for most of the first quarter and entered Argentina’s circle with accurate passes.
However, Argentina took the lead with the first goal when Federico Monza (3′) scored from close to the net to give his team a 1–0 lead. In reply, India soon equalized through a brilliant field goal from Arijit Singh Hundal (7′).
Then, with a minute left, India got a penalty corner but could not take advantage of it and the first quarter ended in a 1-1 draw.
India once again made a bright start in the second quarter. An aggressive field goal by Gurjant Singh (18′) followed by a quick counter-attack helped India extend their lead. After this goal, India faced some trouble for the next few minutes.
Taking advantage of this, Nicholas entered the Indian circle, dodging the defenders and converting a brilliant shot into a goal, thereby leveling the score at 2-2.
However, India earned a penalty corner with a minute left and captain Harmanpreet Singh (29′) made no mistake and made it 3-2 in India’s favour. India was leading Argentina 3-2 at half time.
While India wanted to increase its lead, Argentina was eyeing an equaliser. The third quarter was exciting, with both teams displaying fast-paced hockey and increasing the pace on offense.
India got a penalty corner but could not convert it as Harmanpreet’s shot was blocked by the Argentinian goalkeeper. Due to the strong defense of both the teams, the third quarter remained goalless and ended in a tie at 3-2.
The fourth quarter was brilliant and India completely controlled the match. He forced Argentina to make mistakes.
Captain Harmanpreet (50′) scored another goal for the team. In this way India took a lead of 4-2. Two minutes later, India got another penalty stroke, which was again successfully converted by captain Harmanpreet Singh (52′).
Argentina brought the match to an exciting end with the help of goals from Tadeo Marucci (54′) and Lucas Martínez (57′). However, the match ended with a 5–4 victory for India.
India’s next match will be against Germany on June 1.
