Coming off the back off a heartbreaking 1-2 defeat against Germany, World No. 5 India responded in a striking fashion with a 2-1 against Argentina in their third game of the group stage encounter at the Olympic Hockey Centre in Rio de Janerio.
Right from the start, SV Sunil and Sardar Singh tried to squeeze out some possession at the centre and looked to attack the Argentine goal as India started on the front foot. Their attack wasn’t one to be suppressed as was proved in the 8th minute by Chinglensana Singh's opening strike from a penalty corner.
As if to replicate their first quarter show, the Blueshirts maintained a similar share of possession and the second fifteen minutes offered too little to thrill the South American spectators. Ramandeep Singh found space on the right to score India's second goal but Akashdeep failed to push the ball to the opponent’s goal. Harmanpreet and Sunil got a couple of opportunities to increase the lead but their shots were thwarted by the Argentine goalie Juan Vivaldi.
It was again an all-Indian show till the half-time whistle was sounded, as Argentina continued to live dangerously at the back. Kothajit Singh scored India’s second goal in the 35th minute and the fist pumping reactions from the Indian coach explained how much it meant for the side, going into the final quarter.
The PR Sreejesh-led squad lived a charmed life till Gonzalo Peillat belted a screamer past Sreejesh to reduce the deficit in the 49th minute. A couple of penalty corners were given away by a wobbly defence, none of which were converted as a nervy India clung on to their slender one-goal lead, ensuring their previous day’s late downturn wasn’t repeated today.
India, who were off to a winning start in their opening game against Ireland, succumbed to a defeat just seconds before the final whistle against Germany.
The South American team drew 3-3 against Netherlands in the opening encounter before beating Canada. India on the other land beat Ireland 3-2 only to lose 1-2 in the dying seconds against defending Olympic champions Germany. Roelant Oltmans’ side next play Netherlands on August 11.
