India’ hockey team beaten on penalties by Argentina

India’ hockey team ended the match on level terms with Argentina’ hockey team but, Argentina emerged victorious in the penalty shootout.

20 year old Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem was handed his debut.

The first half ended with a 0-0 as both teams were unable to create a proper goal scoring opportunity.

Finally, in the third quarter India managed to score a goal.

A poachers finish by Gurjant Singh gave the men in blue the lead.

But, the lead lasted for less than 120 seconds as Nicolas Acosta’ heavily deflected shot beat Krishan Pathak. The teams were level with only 1 quarter remaining.

In the final stages of the match, Argentina were awarded a PC. India used their referral but to no avail.

The PC stood. To add salt to wounds, Argentina scored from the PC to take the lead with only 8 minutes remaining on the clock.

But with less than a minute to go, Mandeep Singh scored from a yard out to get the Blues back on level.
Sukhjeet who was solid all game long controlled the ball well and set up Mandeep Singh who equalized.

On to the penalty shootouts the game went to decide who gets the bonus point.

Sreejesh tried his level best to keep India in the game but the misses from Sukhjeet and Abhishek meant Argentina took the bonus point.

Argentina’ captain Matias Rey was proclaimed as Man of the Match.

The two teams meet again tomorrow at 7:30 pm. Will have to wait and see if team India can make a comeback against Argentina in the Men’s FIH Pro League.