Rupinder’s brace helped India win a 40-minute practice match against Argentina 2-0 today at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubneswar, even as incisive incursions of Mandeep SIngh into the striking circle was the striking feature which fetched two penalty strokes.
World number 1 Argentina were off to a good start with a couple of quick moves inside the D within a few minutes of the start of the 40-minute game. However, the Indian defence held the fort strong, avoiding the opposition to score. India managed to get a penalty corner, however a wide shot by Rupinder Pal Singh ensured both the teams went into the half-time without scoring any goal.
The second half was more attacking and India grabbed a penalty corner right at the beginning of the final half. Pushing it straight into the nets, Rupinder gave an early lead to the team. Argentina bounced back, and after missing out on scoring managed a penalty corner. However, the ball which came straight to Akash Chikte, who blocked the ball and sent it outside.
After a couple of more interventions into the D, while trying to set the ball, Mandeep Singh was pushed by an Argentine, and earned a penalty stroke. Making no mistakes, Rupinder doubled the lead. With a few minutes to go for the final hooter, India got another chance to increase the margin through penalty stroke after Mandeep was once again pushed inside the D. However, this time Rupinder’s hit touched the goal post as the chance was wasted.