A valiant Indian ladies’s hockey group squandered a one-goal result in lose 2-3 to Olympic silver medallist Argentina within the second match of the double-leg FIH Professional League tie on Sunday. Argentina gained the FIH Professional League crown, ending with 42 factors from 16 video games, 10 away from second positioned Netherlands, who nonetheless have two video games remaining. The Indians continued to occupy the third place within the standings of their debut season with 24 factors from 12 video games. Within the first match on Saturday, the Indians had dished out a spirited efficiency to stun Argentina 2-1 within the shoot-out after a 3-3 stalemate in regulation time.
Their confidence on a excessive after the terrific win a day earlier than, India continued in the identical vein and put strain on the Argentine defence early on.
Not simply in assault, the Indians produced a superb present within the backline too, no less than within the opening two quarters with the Savita Punia-led defence thwarting plenty of Argentina assaults.
The 2 groups fought tooth and nail within the first quarter however failed to interrupt the impasse.
It was India who broke the stalemate within the twenty third minute, scoring by a counter-attack with Salima Tete displaying her fast pace by reducing by the Argentine defence earlier than taking a shot that deflected in off opposition goalkeeper Belen Succi’s stick.
Three minutes later, Indian custodian Savita made a positive save to maintain her facet’s lead intact. A cross from the left discovered Julieta Jankunas in house and he or she tried to faucet the ball in, however Savita modified instructions rapidly to make a terrific save.
Thereafter, Argentina had three pictures on purpose however did not get previous Savita.
After the change of ends, Argentina got here out attacking and managed the sport for a serious a part of the third quarter.
The Indians struggled to match the tempo of the Argentina gamers and play was largely centred contained in the Indian half.
Within the thirty seventh minute, Savita as soon as once more got here to her facet’s rescue by denying Jankunas from shut vary.
However Argentina had been to not be denied a minute later when Delfine Thome did sufficient to loop the ball over a stretched Savita after she was arrange by Sofia Toccalino’s sensible run from the precise flank.
India quickly secured a penalty nook however Udita wasted the prospect.
Argentina then scored twice in a span of three minutes from two penalty corners to take a 3-1 lead.
Eugenia Trinchinetti first scored from a unbelievable variation within the forty first minute after which, two minutes later, final match’s hat-trick scorer, Agustina Gorzelany, sounded the board from one other set piece.
However India had been no temper to surrender with out a combat as three minutes later, Deep Grace Ekka scored from a penalty nook with a fierce slap shot to scale back the margin to 2-3.
Promoted
The Indians performed their hearts out until the ultimate hooter and within the fifty fifth minute, Vandana Katariya got here near restoring parity from a counter-attack however her reverse hit was saved by Succi.
The Indians will subsequent play USA on June 21 and 22.
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