It was a big day for the Indian sports. Indian women hockey, for the first time in their chequered history, played a semifinal. The girls probably aware that they are on the threshold of making history, went into business mode ab initio. Within 90 seconds from the start, Gurjit Kaur, dragged the ball into the net, surprising the knowldegeable crowd, an plunging India into a momentous joy.

The South American World No. 2 fought back with all their might and experience to beat their No. 9 opponents 2-1, the protagonist being their 37-year-old captain, defender and drag-flicker Noel Barrionuevo who scored both goals from the set-piece in the 18^th and 35^th minutes at the Oi Stadium.

The Indian surge after a sensational finish in the pool to grab the last quarterfinal spot continued from the epic victory over Australia.

Gurjit Kaur, who scored the only goal of that match, executed another drag-flick past goalkeeper Belen Succi’s left when the game was just two minutes old. But, predictably, Argentina sprung into action and the fear of India sitting back on their lead wasn’t entirely misplaced as the second quarter went to Las Leonas.

Even so, Vandana Katariya found Lalrimsiami who was ideally placed but failed to control and the chance was gone.

Much of the sparkle in the Argentine offensives was created by Augustina Albertarrio on the left flank and, as India lost control in the midfield, the pressure told on the defence.

Argentina forced a third PC and Barrionuevo scored her 195^th goal in her 344^th international to restore parity.

With Argentina hogging possession and India’s midfield still bereft of ideas, an Argentine goal seemed imminent.

India, however, scratched and clawed their way back, winning the greater share of possession as the second quarter drew to a close.

A rare attack followed and a PC came India’s way after the pressure induced a rare error by Barrionuevo, who hit the ball onto a teammate’s leg.

Indian resurgence, however, was fleeting and Argentina piled on the pressure at the start of the second half and from the sixth PC earned by her team, the captain struck again – this time with a flick that went in off Sushila Chanu’s leg and one that needed an umpire’s referral to confirm the absence of danger.

India’s resolve to get a greater share of play, however, didn’t surface until the start of the fourth and final quarter.

A concerted effort by Rani Rampal’s team caused errors in the Argentine defence and a fourth PC came India’s way. Gurjit, now an ominous sight for PC defences, flicked well but Succi proved equal.

India’s efforts turned frenetic as the minutes ticked but the wily Argentine defence denied India’s forwards space and time in the circle. Late drama in terms of a penalty corner referral requested by India for dangerous play was turned down with 17 seconds left.

India now take on Great Britain, who were outclassed 5-1 by World No. 1, The Netherlands in the bronze medal match on Friday.