Bhubaneswar: Hosts India rode on a brace by Rupinder Pal Singh to register a convincing 2-0 victory over Olympic champions and World No.1 Argentina in their first practice match at the flood-lit Kalinga Stadium here Monday. However, one must note here that the South Americans must have been jet-lagged after arriving in the city in the morning only.
Known for his drag-flicking skills Rupinder converted two successive penalty corners in the 46th and 48th minutes to fashion India’s victory.
However, it was Argentina, who dominated proceedings early on. But the hosts soon picked momentum and gave the World No.1 team a good run for their money. In the process India created a number of chances, but failed to capitalise.
After the change of ends, Indians came out with strong intent as Argentina players looked a bit tired. They dominated proceedings with 60 per cent possession of ball.
The Argentina defenders committed a couple of errors inside the ‘D’ which led to the penalty corners which were converted by Rupinder. The victory over the Olympic champions should certainly be a morale-booster for the hosts.
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