HOCKEY C’SHIP: INDIA DEFEAT ARGENTINA 21
Harmanpreet, Mandeep score in team’s win
BREDA (NETHERLANDS): India surprised Olympic champions Argentina 2-1 to continue their unbeaten run in the Champions Trophy hockey here on Sunday.
India scored in the second quarter through Harmanpreet Singh (17th minute), who converted a penalty corner, and Mandeep Singh (28th).
It was India’s second victory after beating arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening match of the prestigious tournament.
World number two Argentina’s lone goal came from the sticks of drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat, who scored from a set piece in the 30th minute.
India lead the six-team standings with two wins from two matches and take on world champions Australia next on June 27.
New chief coach Harendra Singh couldn’t have asked for a better start to his stint with the senior national side. The Indian team carried on from where they left against Pakistan last night and gave a solid display in all departments to get the better of their fancied rivals.
The defence, which was once India’s perennial problem, yet again stole the show with a compact display. The forward line was up to the mark despite missing Ramandeep Singh owing to a knee injury he suffered in the Pakistan match. The talismanic Sardar Singh, who was playing his 300th international game, controlled the midfield and combined well with the forwards.
Argentina, however, were quick to get off the blocks, securing three consecutive penalty corners in the first quarter, but the Indian defence stood tall to deny Peillat. Next it was India’s turn to earn a penalty corner in the 17th minute and Harmanpreet fired home a low flick through the legs of Argentina goalkeeper Tomas Santiago.
Two minutes from half time, India doubled their lead through Mandeep but it was Dilpreet, who created the chance by brilliantly controlling a overhead long ball inside the circle and setting it up for his striking partner.
Argentina pulled one goal back just at the stroke of half time through Peillat’s powerful strike to the top left corner of the Indian goal. India got their second penalty corner seconds from half time but Harmanpreet failed this time. In other matches of the day, Netherlands defeated Belgium 6-1 while Australia edged past Pakistan 2-1.