Argentina cruise past India 4-2 in the Champions Trophy
India succumbed to their second successive defeat in the 2014 Champions Trophy as they were beaten 2-4 by Argentina. India is now languishing at the bottom of Pool B after 0 points from 2 matches
Amidst a vociferous home support, India started on an aggressive note and made the first raid when an incisive pass from Sardar Singh was put home by Sunil only to be disallowed for an infringement inside the opponent semi-circle. India enjoyed the maximum share of possession with more circle penetration compared to their counterpart. In the first quarter, Akashdeep Singh and Nikkin Thimmaiah were India’s star players with their intricate stick work and diagonal runs.
In the second quarter, Argentina reacted strongly by earning a 2nd minute penalty corner but could not capitalise on it. India instantly answered with a wave of fast attacks but were missing the killer pass in the final third. After constant raids and hitting the woodwork, Akashdeep finally drew first blood when he put the final touch to a long ball from Gurjinder. However, Argentina soon restored parity immediately after the goal thanks to some sloppy defending at the back.
India received their first penalty-corner in the 7th minute of the third quarter. Gurjinder converted with a screamer taking the lead for the second time in the game. Nevertheless, Argentina recovered soon when a ball from Rupinder’s stick found Lopez who scored it with ease. India received another penalty corner which was again converted by Gurjinder on the rebound, but it was disallowed by the video umpire because his initial shot was deemed dangerous after Argentina asked for the referral.
In the final quarter, Argentina successively scored two goals to take an unassailable 4-2 lead. India pressed hard in the dying minutes but with no success. India had themselves to blame for some wayward defending and lack of fluidity in their attack.