India's title hopes crushed as they lose 2-3 to Argentina

India’s defence was again found lacking as they succumbed to a 2-3 defeat against Argentina in a closely fought match in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Both the teams needed at least a draw to keep their hopes alive in the tournament but it was Argentina who made the most of their chances and are now at the 2nd spot with 9 points from 5 games.

The first half was mostly played in the midfield with both teams losing their way near the opponent’s defence. Sandeep Singh missed a penalty corner as his shot was deflected off a defender as both teams went into the half-time goalless. On resumption, India was the first one to blink as Argentina scored twice inside 2 minutes, with Matias Peredes (37th minute) and Santiago Montelli (38th minute) doing the damage. It was India’s defence that was the culprit as Sandeep Singh was again off-colour at the back, suffering a minor ankle sprain before being rested for a long period of time. He will be available for India’s match against Pakistan though.

India came back in the 48th minute as a penalty corner taken by India deflected off the Argentinian defence and Sardar Singh was alert to take the rebound and hit a reverse shot into the back of the net. With more chances coming through for the men in whites, it looked as though the Indian team were finally gearing up for a fight. But the hopes of a comeback were nipped in the bud when Man-of-the-match Gonzalo Peillat converted the only penalty corner for Argentina in 58th minute to virtually seal the matter. However, it wasn’t over yet for the Indians who reduced the gap again through V R Ragunath who converted a penalty corner in the 61st minute. With less than 9 minutes to go, India gave it their all but were woeful in the finishing department as many possible chances were fluffed.

With 3 defeats from 5 games and a sole game left against Pakistan tomorrow, India will be playing solely for pride against their arch-rivals.