27-May-2024 03:32 PM
4041
Antwerp, May 27 (Reporter) In a display of resilience and determination, the Indian Men's Hockey Team clinched a dramatic 5-4 victory against Argentina in their fourth match of the European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24.
The match commenced with high energy, as Argentina's Federico Monja opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. India responded swiftly, equalising through Araijeet Singh Hundal's brilliant field goal in the 7th minute. Despite India earning a penalty corner in the final minute of the first quarter, they could not capitalize, and the quarter ended with a 1-1 tie.
The second quarter saw India taking control with Gurjant Singh's impressive field goal in the 18th minute, giving India a 2-1 lead. However, Argentina's Nicolas Keenan leveled the score at 2-2 with a counter-attacking goal in the 24th minute. India's captain, Harmanpreet Singh, then converted a penalty corner in the 29th minute, pushing India ahead 3-2 as the teams headed into halftime.
The third quarter was marked by intense, fast-paced hockey from both sides. Despite several opportunities, including a penalty corner for India, both defenses held strong, and the quarter ended goalless, maintaining India's 3-2 lead.
The fourth quarter brought a surge of excitement. India dominated early, earning a penalty stroke that Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted in the 50th minute, extending the lead to 4-2. Just two minutes later, another penalty stroke allowed Harmanpreet to score again, making it 5-2. Argentina fought back valiantly, with Tadeo Marucci and Lucas Martinez scoring in the 54th and 57th minutes, respectively, bringing the score to a nail-biting 5-4. Despite the late pressure, India held on to secure the victory.
India will face Germany at 1430 hours IST on June 1...////...