Hockey: IInd defeat to India, Argentina level series 4-2

Mar Del Plata, Jan 23: Indian Hockey Team once again failed to prove their mettle. They succumbed to their second straight defeat, going down 2-4 in the final match to allow Argentina level the four-match Test series on Friday, Jan 23.

India's shaky defence and a profligate forward line let down the team. Indian hockey team under Sandeep Singh squandered a 2-1 lead and conceded three second half goals to share the honours in the four-match series which they lead 2-0 at the midway stage.

India's account was opened by Bharat Chikara in the seventh minute with a field goal. later captain Sandeep Singh sounded the board from a penalty corner set-piece. Argentina struck in the 31st, 37th, 39th and 58th minutes through Matias Vila, Juan Gilardi, Facundo Callioni and Matias Paredes respectively to emerge winners at the Estadio Panamericano.

India kicked-off the campaign in a positive note, by blanking the hosts 2-0 in the series opener and a narrow 3-2 win following. But Argentina made a brilliant comeback in the second half of the series and beat India 2-0 in the third Test to stay afloat and eventually drew level with today's win.

Indian team will will now play for the Four-Nation Punjab Gold Cup which is set to begin later this month in Chandigarh of India. Other than India, Germany, Holland and New Zealand will play in the Punjab Gold Cup.


OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)