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Inconsistencies continued to trouble India as they suffered a heavy 0-8 defeat against Argentina, with Tomas Domene scoring four goals during the Rourkela leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League on Thursday.
Domene (15’, 20’, 26’, 60’) spearheaded the attack with his multiple goals, while Tomas Ruiz (14’), Lucio Mendez (22’), Ignacio Ibarra (25’) and Nicolas Della Torre (30’) also scored, as the visitors completely outclassed a lacklustre Indian side at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.
How India Lost To Argentina?
India started aggressively, trying to make early advances. However, after a brief dominant spell, they missed a golden opportunity to take the lead towards the end of the first quarter when they were awarded a penalty stroke.
Harmanpreet Singh was thwarted from the spot by
the Argentine goalkeeper.
Argentina responded immediately with Ruiz (14’) smashing his tomahawk shot into the net to give his team the lead. Moments later, Domene (15’) slipped his shot past Suraj Karkera, doubling the advantage to 2-0 by the end of the first quarter.
Looking to get back into the game, India began the second quarter with renewed urgency as Shilanand Lakra and Harmanpreet Singh earned a couple of penalty corners. However, they failed to convert, with a goal continuing to evade them.
With momentum in their favour, Argentina maintained pressure. Domene (20’) coolly finished to make it 3-0, and Mendez (22’) soon added a fourth.
Ignacio Ibarra (25’) scored from a tight angle to make it five, and Domene (26’) completed his hat-trick shortly after.
Nicolas della Torre (30’) also found the net, closing the first half with Argentina leading 7-0.
India created some chances with Shilanand and Aditya Lalage coming close to scoring. However, Tomas Santiago was resolute in the Argentine goal. Despite creating opportunities, the third quarter remained goalless.
The hosts pressed forward in the final quarter, earning their third penalty corner. However, Argentina scored against the run of play, with Domene (60’) adding his fourth goal, sealing a comprehensive win for his side.
(With inputs from Agencies)
