India start practice on a right note

New Delhi: India defeated Argentina 2-1 in a World Cup practice match at the Dhyanchand Stadium here on Tuesday.

The hosts scored their first goal in the 49th minute through a penalty corner, while the second goal came in the 57th min through skipper Rajpal Singh’s solo effort.

The teams started aggressively. After a few attempts, Argentina got a penalty corner in the12th minute but the Indians thwarted them from converting it. In the 20th minute, Prabhjot Singh and Arjun Hallappa created an opportunity and forced a penalty corner, but Sandeep Singh missed the chance.

The first half went goalless, but India continued with their attack and earned their second penalty corner in the 44th minute. They failed to score again.

Five minutes, later, India were awarded third penalty corner and, this time, drag flicker Sandeep did not make any mistake to put India ahead.

Argentina then launched a series of attacks and they succeeded to level the score in the 55th minute through Innocente Tomal Argento, who scored through a solo effort.

But their joy did no last long, as just two minutes later, skipper Rajpal sent the ball rolling to take a 2-1 lead. Argentina pressed hard for the equaliser, but could not drill through the Indian defence. They received another penalty corner but it was harmless.