India women’s hockey team loses shootout to Argentina

The Indian women’s hockey team lost 2-0 to Argentina in a shootout after playing out a 2-2 draw in its FIH Pro League 2024-25 match at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre in London, England, on Wednesday.

Despite trailing for most of the game, world No. 9 India mounted a comeback in the final quarter, scoring through Deepika (50’) and Navneet Kaur (56’) to level the scores and clinch a point.

Argentina, second in the world hockey rankings, had taken an early 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Agustina Gorzelany (27’, 37’).

With the scores tied 2-2 at full-time, the match headed into a shootout for the bonus point. India, however, missed all four attempts while Argentina saw Brisa Bruggesser and Sofia Cairo convert.

Neither side managed to trouble the goalkeepers in a cagey opening quarter, though Argentina’s high press did well to contain the Indian attack.

India, however, found moments of promise through sharp stick work and quick passing. Sharmila Devi made an early foray into the circle before being forced out by the Argentine defence, while Sunelita Toppo made a smart interception but couldn’t find a final pass.

Despite Argentina’s well-organised backline, India ended the first half with nearly twice as many circle entries. In the second quarter, Argentina’s Victoria Miranda surged through midfield with a strong carry, but Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke’s timely intervention averted the danger.

India earned their first penalty corner in the 25th minute. Deepika’s initial efforts were blocked, but she smartly laid off the third attempt to Navneet Kaur.

Navneet unleashed a tomahawk from the top of the circle, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Argentine goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino.

Argentina, in contrast, made the most of their first set-piece. Agustina Gorzelany powered home a drag-flick in the 27th minute to hand her team the lead.

The third quarter saw India under pressure as Argentina stretched the play. India won another penalty corner in the 35th minute, but Manisha’s stinging strike was blocked by Valentina Raposo.

Navneet Kaur followed up with a firm shot that Cosentino once again kept out. Moments later, Gorzelany doubled Argentina’s lead, converting her second penalty corner in the 37th minute.

Deepika came close to reducing the deficit with a powerful attempt from just outside the circle, but Cosentino was alert to the threat.

India’s breakthrough came in the 50th minute when Navneet picked up the ball on the edge of the circle, beat a defender and smashed it past the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

The momentum shifted, and with five minutes to go, India won another penalty corner. Deepika made no mistake this time, dragging the ball cleanly into the net to complete a comeback.

India are now seventh on the FIH Pro League 2024-25 standings with 10 points from 12 games. They will play back-to-back games against Belgium in their next FIH Pro League matches over the weekend.

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