India’s struggles in the FIH Women’s Pro League continued unabated as the Salima Tete-led team slumped to its third consecutive defeat, this time going down 1-4 to world No. 2 Argentina in London on Tuesday. Despite an encouraging start, India faltered as the game progressed, unable to sustain momentum against the South American powerhouse.
The lone spark for India came in the dying moments of the second quarter when Deepika converted a penalty corner to equalize, temporarily giving her side a lifeline. However, Argentina’s Agustina Gorzelany turned the tide decisively, scoring a stunning hat-trick with goals in the 40th, 54th, and 59th minutes. Victoria Falasco opened the scoring for Argentina in the 29th minute.
India started the game on the front foot, pressing high and showing early promise. Salima Tete nearly put India ahead with a brilliant solo run from the right, but she fumbled just yards from the goal with no defenders in sight. Another missed opportunity followed in the 18th minute when a flowing move initiated by Navneet Kaur broke down as Bajeet Kaur hesitated at the crucial moment.
It was an encouraging opening half for India, especially after back-to-back losses against Australia. The team looked poised to challenge Argentina, holding their ground well until the latter stages of the second quarter. But as India’s intensity dropped, Argentina took full advantage.
Falasco’s opener came just before halftime, exploiting a lapse in India’s defense. Deepika’s equalizer moments later briefly reignited hope, but that optimism was short-lived. A penalty stroke early in the third quarter saw Gorzelany restore Argentina’s lead. Though India defended two penalty corners with determination, they failed to build on it.
Despite coach Harendra Singh’s halftime call for a balanced second half, Argentina dominated the final quarter. Gorzelany added two more goals to complete her hat-trick and seal a comprehensive win.
India now faces the daunting task of regrouping quickly as they prepare for a rematch against the same opponent on Wednesday. With morale dipping and a win yet to come, Salima Tete’s side must address its inconsistency and missed chances if it hopes to salvage its Pro League campaign.
