Hero Hockey World League Final opener: Argentina def. India

FT: A spirited Indian performance wasn't enough against Argentina as the visitors record their 1st win. #HWL2015 pic.twitter.com/0gWSEJi4be
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) November 27, 2015

Michael Absalom wins man of the match

First half goals from @GPeillat and Joaquin Menini result in Argentina beating India 2-0 in the #HWL2015 Final opener in Raipur.
— Sameer Shirodkar (@SameerSh29) November 27, 2015

Valiant, but rudimentary effort by India as they lose 0-3 to Argentina

Gonzalo Peillat, who opened the Argentine scoring, caps things off with another one. He has a brace as Argentina beat India 3-0.

Argentina earn a PC because of a stick check in the last second!

Half a minute left and the Indians still kicking and scratching

India try in vain to score

ARG 2-0 IND Rupinder Pal's dragflick is saved off the line #HWL2015 #Raipur https://t.co/73tM6Ngsvi
— FIH (@FIH_Hockey) November 27, 2015

Rupinder sends it high and it's swatted away by the Argentine goalie! Unsuccessful long corner after long corner for India

India have earned their first PC of the match!

A deflection sends it wide!

Argentina's shot on goal kept out by the Wall, but it's a PC

India find the back of the net, but it's ruled out because of an Indian stick check! The agony!!

End of the 3rd quarter and India trail 0-2.

Argentina get dangerously close to scoring their 3rd goal but Sreejesh keeps it out

ARG 2-0 IND Sreejesh keeps out another Peillat dragflick #HWL2015 #Raipur https://t.co/TLIEVCgUVJ
— FIH (@FIH_Hockey) November 27, 2015

Sreejesh keeps it out but Argentina are happy to dawdle and let the clock tick

And another foot foul! That's Argentina's 7th PC!!!

Surprisingly, Rupinder Pal Singh's on the field. He was rumoured to be benched with a shoulder injury

Argentina have been in control of the quarter barring the first few minutes

They miss the PC and the re-PC too.

Bit of a mix up as it looked like India had conceded their 3rd goal. But it went off Raghunath's knee after the whistle for the foot foul was given so it's a PC for Argentina

SV Sunil limps off the field and he looks in a lot of pain. Hope it's a minor injury! It would be a major blow to the Indian offense if he's out of commission!!

Promising start despite the missed opportunity!

India on the charge but thwarted thrice by the Argentine D! The closest they've come to scoring so far!!!

The players are back for the 2nd half

End of the first half and it's been all Argentina. The hosts will have to come up with something special to stay relevant in this contest

2nd net for Argentina! Joaquin Menini puts in a PC as Argentina take a 2-0 lead!

ARG 2-0 IND Menini gives Argentina a second from another penalty corner #HWL2015 #Raipur https://t.co/WKtCCgIvro
— FIH (@FIH_Hockey) November 27, 2015

GOAL!!!!!!! 2-0 Argentina. Menini nets in a second for the visitors!

Penalty corner for Argentina

Q1 comes to an end and Argentina still lead through @GPeillat's PC goal. It's IND 0-1 ARG. #HWL2015
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) November 27, 2015

End of the first quarter and Argentina stay ahead by 1

Argentina are pressuring India a lot as they pierce the circle once more

An over-aggressive challenge from Jasjit sends him to the sin-bin and India have 10 men on the field.

The urgency's evident in the Indians' game

ARG 1-0 IND Peillat puts Argentina ahead with a deflected dragflick #HWL2015 #Raipur https://t.co/FjVJIuZdkF
— FIH (@FIH_Hockey) November 27, 2015

Argentina with a 2nd attept on goal but Sreejesh deflects it

Dubious fact - after Canada, India conceded the most goals - 21 - in the HWL Semi-final in Belgium!

And they convert! Gonzalo Peillat scores in the 3rd minute to put the visitors ahead 1-0

Jasjit Singh with a foot foul and India have to defend Argentina's first PC

And they're of! Argentina with possession

What a way to inaugurate the Raipur International hockey stadium! The Indians and the Argentines are on the field and we are minutes away from the HWL Final opener!

India and Argentina will face off each other at 6:30. Match live on Star Sports # HWL2015
— Give Me Hockey (@hockeyind) November 27, 2015