India drew Argentina 1-1 in the second test at Buenos Aires. Earlier on 8th, India defeated the hosts 3-2, with a fluent hat-trick of goals by captain Diwakar Ram.

The first session on Tuesday ended goal-less. In the second half, Mandeep Antil posted a solo goal to give the hard-working visitor the lead. However, later in the proceedings, the hosts converted a stroke to draw the match.

The Indian camp is not happy with the result. “We certainly feel the stroke was unwarranted, and we wish and umpiring standards improve at least hereafter”, said a member of the team.

Agencies add:

Buenos Aires, Dec 10 (PTI) Profligate forwards squandered chances galore as India, despite dominating the proceedings, settled for a 1-1 draw with Argentina in the second of the four under-21 hockey ‘test’ match at the Club Ciudad de Buenos Aires here.

India dictated terms for most part of the match but could score only once through a solo by right winger Mandip Antil in the 44th minute.

Argentina, to their credit, waged a grim battle and the reward came in the 61st minute when Santiago Montelli scored the equaliser from a penalty stroke.

The hosts began aggressively, trying to break the ice as their rivals took time to settle. They forced two penalty corners in quick succession but while the first flick went wide, the second was well taken by Indian custodian Mrinal Chaubey.

India soon got their bearings and mounted sorties with regularity. They dominated the midfield and created openings around Argentina’s semi-circle with crafty interchanges and off-the-ball running. However, they failed to find the target, especially with the opponent goalkeeper Ezequiel Olivero doing a good job under the bar. PTI