Indian men beat Argentina 5-4 in shootout of FIH Pro League

The Indian men’s hockey team survived some anxious moments before defeating Argentina 5-4 in shootout after both teams were locked at 2-2 at the end of regulation time in a FIH Pro League match on May 22.

The Indian men's hockey team survived some anxious moments before defeating Argentina 5-4 in shootout after both teams were locked at 2-2 at the end of regulation time in a FIH Pro League match on May 22.

Mandeep Singh (11th minute) and Lalit Kumar Upadhyay scored two field goals for India, while Argentina found the net from penalty corners through Lucas Martinez (20th) and Tomas Domene (60th).

In the shootout, skipper Harmanpreet Singh and Sukhjeet Singh scored twice each with Abhishek being the other scorer.

It was a keen contest between India and Argentina in the first half. While world no.6 India dominated the first quarter, the Los Leones, ranked a rung below, were the better side in the next 15 minutes.

The Indians started on a positive note with Sanjay getting the first shot at the goal in the fifth minute, but his reverse hit was saved by an alert Argentina goalkeeper Tomas Santiago.

But India were not to be denied for long as six minutes later, Mandeep scored from a field effort after being fed by Rajkumar Pal.

The Argentines came close seconds from the first quarter, hitting the post first and then from the rebound Maico Casella scored, but by then, the hooter went up to keep India's lead intact.