Captain Harmanpreet Singh rescued India by converting a last-minute penalty corner as they drew 1-1 with former champions Argentina in a Group B hockey match at the Paris Olympics on Monday. India had missed as many as nine penalty corners before Harmanpreet scored, firing the ball into the top corner. Argentina regretted the penalty missed by Maico Casella in the 36th minute. It was Lucas Martinez, who put his team ahead in the 22nd minute with a field goal and Harmanpreet, who scored against New Zealand in the dying moments, found the net a minute before the final whistle. Harmanpreet didn’t think India did badly.
“To be honest, we created a lot of chances. There were a lot of open spaces and counterattacks. Finishing is where we need to do best. Even in 50-50 balls we have to give 100 percent and in 100 percent ball, we need to convert with effort. We will keep this in mind in the future,” Harmanpreet told PTI.
The India captain praised the Argentine defense.
“That’s something we can learn, it was a good lesson from this game. They also play above their heads and we do the same.” Coming into the match after losing to Australia, the Rio Olympic champions were desperate for a win but had to settle for a draw despite dominating the match for most of the match.
Argentina enjoyed possession as India struggled to penetrate the rival circle.
The first quarter remained scoreless, with both teams failing to capitalize on the short corners they did manage.
India continued with their aerial clearances, but suffered due to the opponent ‘D’s lack of finishing ability.
The Argentines were also looking for aerial balls, but a clear view of the goal also eluded them.
In the 10th minute, India won a corner, but the Argentines saved Sanjay’s shot. Abhishek also took the chance but hit the crossbar.
The South Americans had the first chance a minute later, but Domene’s shot went wide.
A couple of penalty corners came India’s way in the second quarter, but Argentine defender Tomas Santiago was in action, saving a fierce shot from Harmanpreet with his right leg.
The deadlock was broken in the second quarter, with Argentina taking the lead with a field goal.
India were in for a big shock when Martinez’s poky shot went inwards, avoiding the outstretched hands of a PR Sreejesh, who should have saved it in the first place.
Martinez shot for the first time from inside the ‘D’ after being assisted by Bautista Zubeldia Capurro’s excellent 3D skills on the right flank.
Shaken by the blow, India quickly ran towards the rival circle, but lost possession of the ball and returned to midfield. Mostly the game was played in India’s half.
Jarmanpreet looked for a shot from outside the circle on the right flank but was unable to connect and India lost possession once again.
The former champions led 1-0 in the first half. The South Americans increased the intensity of their attacks in the third quarter. Manpreet and Abhishek also conjured a move but Santiago thwarted the attempt.
In the 36th minute, Argentina took a short corner, but were unable to convert, but, much to the team’s surprise, Casella Schuth missed the penalty kick. It was a great opportunity to make it 2-0, but he made a lot of mistakes and shot wide.
“We can say that was our recovery point. We remained confident and kept trying. Things would have been different if we lost 0-2,” admitted Harmanpreet.
The Argentines largely controlled proceedings, intelligently maintaining possession, but towards the end of the final quarter India produced a series of attacks.
However, they missed yet another penalty corner when Harmanpreet’s shot was deflected by the striker.
A desperate India made another attacking move down the left flank, but lost possession at the edge of the circle.
India looked to be heading towards their first defeat but Harmanpreet saved the day for his team.
Topics mentioned in this article
This story originally appeared on ndtv.com read the full story
