It was a story of missed chances by India as they went down 2-0 to

Argentina in the third Hockey Test at the Estadio Panamericano at Mar

del Plata, Argentina today.

They however lead 2-1 in the four match series.

Argentina scored both the goals in the first half through Matias

Paredes (6th min) and Lucas Vila (32nd min).

India began on an attack mode hoping to break the ice early but

constant missing from the forward line cost them dearly.

In the 2nd minute Shivendra Singh set up by Rajpal Singh, playing in a

new role of linkman, 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 maneuvers 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 6th minute and shot home with a reverse to give

Argentina the lead.

India missed a chance for the equaliser soon after but Thakur was

unable to control a long slap ball from Sandeep Singh.

Argentina steadily gained momentum with good midfield coordination and

ball control even as their defenders Lopez and Gilardi kept the Indian

attacks at bay.

India conceded a penalty corner to their rivals in the 32nd minute when

there was a carried foul in the striking circle. Lucas Vila made no

mistake for Argentina as he beat goalkeeper Baljit Singh with a low

flick on the right.

Shortly before changeover time India earned their first penalty corner

but wasted the opportunity as skipper Sandeep Singh dragflicked over

the bar.

There were a few spirited attacks by India in the second half but

Argentina custodian Vivaldi stood like a rock blunting them.

He first foiled Bharat Chikara as the Indian inside forward came from

the left flank and then Prabhjot Singh from a 45 degree angle. Attempts

from Thakur and SV Sunil also went up in smoke as Vivaldi proved his

class.

India will play the final test here tomorrow before flying home.

Ad Hoc Committee IHF Media Release