Breda (the Netherlands): India stunned Olympic champions Argentina 2-1 to maintain their unbeaten record in the ongoing edition of the Champions Trophy hockey tournament and in the process made Sardar Singh’s 300th international appearance a memorable one.
India scored both their goals in the second quarter through Harmanpreet Singh (17th minute), who converted a penalty corner, and Mandeep Singh (28th). Argentina’s lone goal came from the sticks of drag-flciker Gonzalo Peillat, who also converted a PC.
India now sit atop the six-team standings with two wins from as many games. They will next face World Champions Australia in their next round robin match, June 27.
Coming into the tournament on the back of a disastrous campaign at the Gold Coast CWG, the Indians have made their intentions clear early on by showcasing all-round, compact hockey in their opening two games. Sunday also they produced a solid display in all departments of the game.
Defence, which was once India’s perennial problem, yet again stole the show with a compact display, while the forwardline was up to the mark despite missing Ramandeep Singh owing to a knee injury suffered Saturday against Pakistan.
Argentina, however, were quick to get off the blocks. They secured 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 with 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 then setting it up for his striking colleague.
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 also earned a penalty corner, but this time, Harmanpreet failed.
After the change of ends, the Los Leones pressed hard and in the process earned their fifth penalty corner, but the Indian defence was up to the task.
Minutes later, Argentina custodian Santiago made a double save from a counter-attack to deny Dilpreet and Mandeep. In the final quarter, Varun Kumar made a goalline save to deny Lucas Villa a chance to draw parity for Argentina.
