Did the Indian Women’s Hockey Team Fall Short Against Argentina?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's strong start with early chances.
- Deepika's equalizer before half-time.
- Argentina's late dominance led to their victory.
- Gorzelany's hat-trick was pivotal for Argentina.
- India's missed opportunities cost them the match.
London, June 17 (NationPress) The Indian women’s hockey squad faced a challenging match, ultimately succumbing to a 1-4 defeat against Argentina in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 (Women) at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre on Tuesday. After Deepika struck a powerful drag-flick (30') to equalize just before half-time, following Victoria Falasco's opening goal (29'), Argentina showcased a dominant performance in the latter stages.
Agustina Gorzelany was the standout player, netting three goals (42', 54', 55') to secure the win, despite India's valiant efforts that saw numerous opportunities go unconverted.
Though the first quarter ended goalless, India found momentum, launching three shots on goal within the first ten minutes. Salima Tete and Lalremsiami both came close to scoring. India played an energetic and fast-paced game, efficiently passing and advancing with the ball to challenge the Argentine defense. Conversely, Argentina adopted a more structured strategy, pressing effectively.
In the second quarter, Argentina quickly earned a penalty corner, but Navneet Kaur executed a remarkable save on the line. India responded with a promising attack, where Salima raced down the right wing and set up Baljeet Kaur, who unfortunately missed the target.
Argentina eventually broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Victoria Falasco capitalized on a loose ball in the circle, delivering a low shot past the goalkeeper.
India continued to seek the equalizer and won their first penalty corner just before half-time. Deepika converted with a precise drag-flick, leveling the match.
As the second half commenced, India pressed hard for another goal, but a shot from Salima Tete was thwarted by the Argentine goalkeeper.
India forced more turnovers and created additional chances, but Argentina’s defense held firm. In the 40th minute, Agustina Gorzelany scored from a penalty stroke, regaining the lead for Argentina.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, Salima was again denied a chance to score, and a subsequent penalty corner yielded no results for India. Gorzelany sealed Argentina’s victory with two more goals, completing her hat-trick and confirming the final score of 4-1.