Sultan of Johor Cup: India rally to beat Argentina 3-2
File Photo: Indians celebrate after scoring
India junior hockey team came twice from behind and overcome some lackluster hockey to sneak past debutants Argentina, 3-2, to rack up their second victory in the 3rd Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament being played at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
The Blueshirts, who looked in fluent touch in the tournament opener against England which they won by the odd goal in three, struggled for most part of the match dishing out an insipid display in midfield with the forward line looking out of sorts.
The free-flowing, speedy hockey of the Indians in the first game was nowhere to be seen as the Argentinians kept them under pressure with controlled possession play and left the former’s defence jittery with raids on both flanks.
The early promise Argentina showed materialized into a goal when Carlos Ibarra made the most of a penalty corner in the 16th minute after Indian goal-tender Harjot singh, who had a superb first game on Sunday, was beaten all ends up.
The opening goal literally forced the Manpreet Singh-led side out of their slumber – the Blueshirts pressed the urgency button and weaved incisive raids.
The 2012 runners-up were soon rewarded when vice-captain Affan Yusof exhibited dazzling stick-work before banging a reverse hit in the 23rd minute that brooked no answer from Argentine goalkeeper, Tomas Matias.
Both teams were locked at 1-1 at half-time.
Argentina started the second stanza on a bright note and regained the lead.
The Las Leonas earned a short corner and Carlos Ibarra’s flick hit Manpreet Singh on the foot, resulting in a penalty stroke – Ibarra converting it to make the scoreline 2-1 in the 42nd minute.
With ten minutes to go for the final hooter, Indian were in danger of losing their first game at the 2013 edition, but they managed to again restore parity when the ball bounced off the Argentina keeper pads into goal off a Ramandeep Singh deflection.
It was Ramandeep, who rattled the opposition cage in the 62nd minute smartly tapping in at the far post to give Indian a crucial 3-2 lead.
Argentina had eight minutes to force a draw but the Indian defence kept them at bay for a not-so impressive win.
This was Argentina’s second loss – they had lost to Malaysia 2-4 in their opening tie.
It may be worth recalling that hosts Malaysia had won the inaugural Sultan of Johor Cup in 2011, pipping Australia 3-2 on golden goal.
Germany had won the second Sultan of Johor Cup in 2012, edging out India 3-2. Significantly, the defending champions are not taking part in the 2013 edition.