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Deepika scored India’s only goal, while Agustina Gorzelany’s hat-trick led Argentina to victory.
(Credit: HI Media)
India’s challenging FIH Women’s Pro League campaign continued as the Salima Tete-led side suffered their third consecutive loss, falling 1-4 to world No.2 Argentina on Tuesday.
Deepika was India’s sole goal-scorer, converting a penalty corner in the 30th minute. For Argentina, Agustina Gorzelany scored a hat-trick (40′, 54′, 59′), and Victoria Falasco netted the opening goal in the 29th minute.
India started strong and dominated the first quarter, but they lost momentum midway through the second quarter, allowing their higher-ranked opponents to take control.
India began well, making several attempts to score the opener. Salima nearly scored midway through the first quarter, but she missed the opportunity when she was unmarked just a few yards from the goalmouth.
In the 18th minute, Naveent Kaur initiated a move from the Indian half, passing to Lalremsiami, who then relayed the ball to Bajeet Kaur. However, Bajeet missed the crucial moment to take a shot, squandering another excellent opportunity.
India appeared to be holding their own against the No.2 ranked team after successive defeats to Australia. However, coach Harendra Singh’s side lost their edge midway through the second quarter, allowing Argentina to seize the initiative.
Sensing India’s drop in intensity, Argentina launched an all-out attack. Victoria Falasco capitalised on an opening in the 29th minute, scoring with a well-placed shot to give Argentina the lead.
India responded just before the half-time whistle when Deepika converted a penalty corner, levelling the score.
In the third quarter, India dominated the initial minutes but then surprisingly lost the initiative. Argentina regained control through effective link play.
Agustina Gorzelany converted a penalty stroke in the 40th minute, putting Argentina ahead 2-1. Although Argentina earned back-to-back penalty corners in the 48th minute, India’s defenders managed to thwart their attempts.
Despite coach Singh’s half-time assertion that it would be an even contest, things continued to worsen for India. Agustina added two more goals in the final quarter, sealing Argentina’s victory.
India will face Argentina again on Wednesday.
(with agency inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
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