India go down to Argentina

Mar del Plata, Argentina, January 22
India were left to rue their missed chances as they went down 2-0 to Argentina in the third hockey Test at the Estadio Panamericano here today. Argentina scored both the goals in the first half through Matias Paredes (6th min) and Lucas Vila (32nd min).

India began in an aggressive mode hoping to break the ice early but the forwards failed to utilise the chances, which came their way. In the second minute, Shivendra Singh, playing in a new role of linkman, was set up by Rajpal Singh. However, the dragflicker saw his shot kissing the post and going wide.

Immediately after, Deepak Thakur and Tushar Khandker wasted golden opportunities with only Argentine goalkeeper Juan Manuel Vivaldi to beat. Argentina regrouped thereafter and mounted concerted attacks on the Indian defence with crafty manoeuvers from winger Ignacio Bergner and striker Tomas Argento.

India was put on the backfoot as Matias Paredes stole the ball from Sandeep Singh in the sixth minute and shot home with a reverse to give Argentina an early lead. India missed a chance for the equaliser soon after as Thakur was unable to control a long ball from skipper Sandeep Singh. Argentina steadily gained momentum with good idfield co-ordination and ball control even as their defenders Lopez and Gilardi kept the Indian forwards at bay. — UNI