India lost 1-2 to Argentina in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 match in Amstelveen. Jugraj Singh scored early, but Tomas Domene’s brace sealed the win for Argentina. India missed captain Harmanpreet Singh due to injury and now sit fifth in the standings. Next match: vs Australia, June 14.
India endured a narrow 1-2 defeat against Argentina in a gripping FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 encounter held at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Thursday. The tightly contested match saw Argentina’s Tomas Domene score a brace to outshine India’s early lead established by Jugraj Singh.
With regular captain Harmanpreet Singh sidelined due to a finger tissue injury sustained in the previous match, vice-captain Hardik Singh led the Indian side. Despite the leadership shuffle, India showed early promise and intensity.
The match began with Argentina asserting dominance through high pressing and superior ball possession. However, India countered with agile passing and quick circle penetrations. Their persistence paid off in the fourth minute when Jugraj Singh converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag flick, giving India a 1-0 lead.
Argentina responded swiftly. After two failed penalty corners, goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak made notable saves. But Argentina’s third attempt in the ninth minute was successful, with Tomas Domene firing in the equaliser to level the scores at 1-1. The remainder of the first quarter saw both teams aggressively pushing for a second goal, but the defenses held firm.
The second quarter was equally energetic, with Argentina again taking initiative through early circle entries. India’s defense remained solid, intercepting passes and launching sharp counterattacks. Goalkeeper Tomas Santiago of Argentina was forced into action, denying India’s attempts to reclaim the lead. Although both sides displayed attacking intent, the halftime whistle blew with the score unchanged at 1-1.
The third quarter marked a tactical shift, with both teams adopting a conservative approach. Focused on controlling the tempo and maintaining possession, play remained largely confined to the midfield. Both defenses were compact and disciplined, resulting in limited opportunities and a goalless third period.
Argentina returned with renewed urgency in the fourth quarter, pressing India’s defensive line with aggressive play. Their efforts culminated in another penalty corner conversion by Tomas Domene in the 49th minute, who netted his second goal of the night to put Argentina ahead 2-1.
India responded by switching to a long-passing game in search of an equaliser. They mounted pressure and nearly drew level in the dying moments. With under two minutes remaining, India were awarded a penalty stroke—a golden opportunity to salvage a point. Jugraj Singh stepped forward to take the shot, but Argentine goalkeeper Tomas Santiago made a crucial save to preserve the lead.
India’s late surge was not enough, as Argentina defended resolutely and held on for a well-earned 2-1 victory. The result leaves India fifth in the points table, with 15 points from 12 matches. They now prepare to face Australia in their next fixture on June 14.
| Also Read: Pat Cummins reaches 300 test wickets in WTC final at Lord’s |
Aside from the intense sporting action, the game began on a somber note. Both teams observed a minute’s silence to honor the victims of the tragic Air India plane crash that occurred earlier in the day in Ahmedabad. The emotional tribute reflected the gravity of the national tragedy that has deeply impacted the country.
Despite the defeat, the Indian squad displayed grit and discipline, particularly in defense. The return of Harmanpreet Singh in upcoming fixtures could bolster the team’s chances as they look to finish the league on a high.
