Argentina Dominates Indian Women's Hockey Team in Pro League Match
Argentina Claims Victory Over India in FIH Hockey Pro League
London [UK], June 17: In a recent match of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25, the Indian Women's Hockey Team faced a challenging defeat against Argentina, ending with a score of 1-4 at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre on Tuesday.
Deepika's impressive drag-flick in the 30th minute equalized the score just before halftime, following an early goal by Victoria Falasco in the 29th minute. However, Argentina's late-game performance proved decisive, with Agustina Gorzelany netting three goals (42', 54', 55') to secure the win. Despite India's spirited effort and several missed opportunities, they could not convert their chances into goals, as reported by Hockey India.
The first quarter saw no goals, but India gained confidence with three attempts on target within the first ten minutes, with Salima Tete and Lalremsiami coming close to scoring. India played an aggressive, fast-paced game, executing quick passes and pushing forward to challenge the Argentine defense. Conversely, Argentina adopted a more strategic approach, maintaining composure while pressing high up the field.
In the second quarter, Argentina earned a penalty corner from a swift attack, but Navneet Kaur made a remarkable save on the line to deny a certain goal. India responded with a promising play, where Salima raced down the right side and set up Baljeet Kaur, whose shot went off target. Argentina took the lead in the 29th minute when Victoria Falasco capitalized on a loose ball in the circle, scoring low past the goalkeeper.
India continued to seek an equalizer, primarily attacking down the right wing. Just before halftime, they earned their first penalty corner, and Deepika successfully converted it with a powerful drag-flick, leveling the score.
As the second half commenced, India was eager to take the lead. A missed opportunity arose when Salima's shot was blocked by the Argentine goalkeeper. Shortly after, Navneet drove into the circle and unleashed a powerful shot, but it was deflected away. India earned two more penalty corners in a strong third quarter but struggled against Argentina's disciplined defense.
India's missed chances proved costly as Argentina capitalized on their next opportunity. Agustina Gorzelany converted a penalty stroke in the 40th minute, regaining the lead for her team.
At the 47-minute mark, Salima's shot was again denied, and she was fouled during the rebound. The resulting penalty corner did not yield any results for India. Navneet showcased her skills by maneuvering through the right flank, but the Argentine defense quickly neutralized the threat.
Gorzelany sealed India's fate with her hat-trick, scoring from a penalty stroke in the 54th minute and again from a penalty corner five minutes later, ensuring Argentina's victory.