India overpowered Argentina to script a 3-2 victory in a bitterly contested second Test of the four match series at the Estadio Panamericano in Mar del Plata, Argentina, today.

India who now lead 2-0 in the series scored their goals from Shivendra Singh (12th min), Prabhjot Singh (40th min) and Sandeep Singh (59th min).

Mario Almada (13th) and Pedro Ibarra (46th) were the goal scorers for Argentina.

India began with a series of offensive waves from forwards Prabhjot Singh, Deepak Thakur and Shivendra Singh unnerving the experienced Argentine defence. Tushar Khandker (This is the CORRECT spelling) added to the rivals’ confusion with superb off the ball runs on the left flank.

India had a chance to take the lead in the 4th minute but Argentina goalkeeper Juan Manuel Vivaldi saved Shivendra’s deflection after the Gwalior lad was put through by Prabhjot.

The supportive Indian central midfielders and linkmen Vikram Pillay, Rajpal Singh and VS Vinaya set up the forwards with accurately measured passes.

India earned a free hit close to the circle in the 12th min when Argentina medio Tomas Argento obstructed Thakur. Skipper Sandeep Singh executed a set piece for Shivendra to deflect home to give India the lead. (1-0)

Argentina immediately struck back lifting their game with quick forays from the flanks. The wily Mario Almada lurking dangerously around the Indian striking circle was quick to wrong foot the Indian defence as he scored the equalizer in the 13th minute. (1-1)

Thakur nearly put India ahead again shortly after as Rajpal Singh orchestrated the sortie setting up Khandker . The winger with Prabhjot in tandem swerved past full backs Lopez and Ibarra to find handyman Thakur, but the striker’s attempt was foiled by Vivaldi.

Argentina again picked up the pace forcing two penalty corners in quick succession. While the first was not stopped, the second was flicked wide by Gilardi.

Another goal scoring opportunity was lost by India in the 30th minute after a turnover by combination of Thakur and Shivendra Singh, but the latter fumbled with only Vivaldi to beat.

Argentina was awarded another penalty corner shortly before half time with a deliberate stick check by Sandeep Singh. India was lucky to survive as Khandker brought off a goal line save.

India began aggressively after the break and took the lead in the 40th minute off a counter attack set by Shivendra. Exhibiting classy baseline control and skills Prabhjot and Tushar Khandker zeroed in before the bandana wearing Batala oilman found the target. (2-1)

Buoyed by this success, India continued their offensive mode but paid the penalty in the 46th minute when Matias Rey stole the ball from Rajpal and sent a long overhead to unmarked Lucas Vila. The Indian defence was not alert and apparent miscommunication between custodian Baljit Singh and Sandeep Singh led to the Argentine equalizer through Pedro Ibarra.
(2-2)

The bitter contest turned fast and furious as both teams played overtime tried to wrest the initiative.

It was eventually left to India as Sandeep Singh scored the match winner off a penalty corner rebound in the 59th minute.

Argentina tried to find the equalizer but saw their best chance go abegging three minutes from the end as Rodrigo Vila hit a backhand out from handshake distance.

The third Test Match will be played here on Wednesday.

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