After a thrilling win against New Zealand, Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh saved India with a last-minute goal, securing a 1-1 draw against Argentina in their second match at the Paris Olympics on Monday.
In Pool B, India drew 1-1 with the Latin American country. Lucas Martinez scored a field goal for Argentina in the second quarter. In the final two minutes, Harmanpreet Singh scored a crucial goal for India. This was the second time in hockey history that India and Argentina played to a draw, with the last occurrence happening in 2004. India will play their next match against Ireland tomorrow, July 30th.
The Indian team began the game on a high note, playing brilliantly and attacking aggressively. However, Argentina also dominated the game. Argentina made the first goal attempt, aiming to score in the first quarter to set up a defensive strategy for the remainder of the match.
In the 10th minute, India was awarded a penalty corner but failed to convert it into a goal. Despite some dangerous play throughout the quarter, neither team managed to score.
Argentina takes the lead
India dominated the second quarter after earning a penalty corner in the 19th minute. It was a powerful opportunity for India, but Harmanpreet Singh’s drag flick was stopped by Argentina’s Santiago. Despite two attempts, Harmanpreet couldn’t get past the Argentine goalkeeper. In the last minute of the quarter, Argentina capitalised on their opportunity; Lucas Martinez scored a field goal in the 30th minute, deflecting off goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, making the scoreline 1-0.
Defensive struggles and saves
The third quarter was marked by a tussle between the two teams. India attempted to score, but Argentina played top-notch defence. India also defended well, though Argentina had a penalty stroke in the 37th minute. PR Sreejesh’s mind games led to Casella’s shot going wide. Argentina had back-to-back chances, but India saved another penalty corner in the 42nd minute. The third quarter was a stressful watch for fans.
Last minute equaliser
In the fourth quarter, India scored a crucial goal in the final two minutes. In the 58th minute, India earned a penalty corner and managed to equalise. Harmanpreet Singh stepped up, scoring the equaliser and saving India from a defeat once again.
