Late Drama As India Snatch Draw Against Argentina
In a tense Pool B clash at the Paris Olympics, the Indian men’s hockey team rode on a match-levelling stroke from captain Harmanpreet Singh in the closing stages to play out a 1-1 draw against Argentina on Monday.
The game seemed to be slipping away from India as they found themselves trailing 0-1 after the second quarter. However, they showed great determination and kept mounting attacks in search of an equaliser. Their relentless efforts paid off late in the contest when Harmanpreet converted from a penalty corner in the 58th minute to rescue a valuable point for his side.
While India can take heart from the never-say-die attitude that helped them secure another come-from-behind result, their poor conversion rate from penalty corners remains a concern. They earned 10 penalty corners during the game but could score from just one opportunity. For a team with aspirations of winning a historic Olympic gold, improving their scoring percentage from set pieces will be crucial.
Captain Harmanpreet acknowledged after the match that they need to devise better strategies to beat defenders marking the first runners and convert more chances. He was, however, pleased with the team’s fighting spirit and belief that they can create opportunities right until the final whistle.
With the draw, India remain unbeaten and third in Group B behind Belgium and Australia. But the narrow victories and a sole point from Monday’s encounter underline the marginal gains they need to make to compete for top honours in Paris. They will hope to polish their finishing ahead of tougher tests against Ireland and the title favorites.
