Argentina Edges Out India in FIH Pro League Shootout Thriller

London – In a disappointing outcome for the Indian women’s hockey team, a lackluster penalty shootout performance resulted in a 0-2 loss to Argentina. Despite a commendable comeback from two goals down in the FIH Pro League match on Wednesday, the Salima Tete-led team fell short.

The defeat marked India’s fourth consecutive loss in the league’s European leg, as they squandered numerous chances.

Previously, India conceded to Australia with scores of 2-3 and 1-2, followed by a 1-4 loss to Argentina on Tuesday.

Agustina Gorzelany successfully converted two penalty corners for Argentina, providing them the initial edge.

In contrast, India missed four penalty corners and several clear opportunities in the first two quarters.

Navneet Kaur reignited hopes by scoring in the 50th minute through a field goal, and Deepika leveled the score via India’s fifth penalty corner in the 56th minute.

During the shootout, India faltered as Deepika, Rutuja, Lalresiami, and Baljeet Kaur failed to score, while Argentina succeeded with Brisa Bruggesser and Sofia Cairo.

The match began at a rapid pace, but both teams struggled with clear-cut circle penetrations in the first eight minutes, focusing mostly in the midfield.

The first notable incursion came from Argentina in the seventh minute, with Eugenia Trinchinetti’s reverse hit narrowly missing the Indian goal.

In the last five minutes of the first quarter, India showcased skillful, one-touch hockey, creating several opportunities, yet Argentina’s defense remained resolute.

The second quarter was dominated by India, who made countless circle penetrations but lacked a finishing touch.

Despite earning three consecutive penalty corners in the last five minutes of the second quarter, India couldn’t break through Argentina’s determined defense.

Argentina capitalized on India’s inefficiencies when Gorzelany scored from Argentina’s first set-piece, outsmarting the Indian defense.

While Argentina had limited opportunities in the first half, they efficiently utilized the ones they had, unlike India.

Post halftime, Argentina’s play was invigorated, while India earned another penalty corner in the 35th minute, with Manisha’s flick being saved on the goal line.

Two minutes later, Gorzelany doubled Argentina’s lead, only for India’s goalkeeper Savita to make an impressive save against Victoria Granatto’s shot shortly after.

Undeterred, India continued to push forward, with Navneet reducing the lead by scoring in the 50th minute. Argentina soon secured another penalty corner but failed to convert.

Deepika scored from India’s fifth penalty corner, equalizing the game with just over four minutes left.

Argentina applied pressure in the closing minutes, but India’s defense held firm, taking the game to a shootout.

The Indian women’s hockey team is set to face Belgium in Antwerp on June 21.

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