In a disappointing conclusion to the Belgium leg of the Women’s FIH Pro League 2023-24, the Indian women’s hockey team succumbed to a 0-3 defeat against a dominant Argentine side. Goals from Celina Di Santo (1’), Maria Campoy (39’), and Maria Granatto (47′) secured the win for Argentina.
Argentina wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring in the very first minute of the game. Celina Di Santo deftly deflected a shot from Maria Granatto to give Argentina an early lead. This immediate strike caught India off guard and set the tone for the rest of the match. Despite Argentina’s early dominance, which included a penalty corner opportunity within the first eight minutes, they failed to extend their lead immediately.
India, initially struggling to get out of their half, gradually began to string together some promising passes. Their first real chance came when Udita’s low drive into the circle found Lalremsiami, whose diving attempt on goal was thwarted by Argentine goalkeeper Clara Barberi.
The second quarter saw Argentina regaining control, earning several penalty corners. However, the Indian defense, bolstered by the efforts of Bichu Devi Kharibam and Salima Tete, managed to keep Argentina at bay. India’s rare offensive foray resulted in a penalty corner, but Deepika’s drag flick was easily dealt with by the Argentine defense.
As the first half concluded, India managed to hold Argentina to a 0-1 lead, thanks to their steadfast defensive efforts. However, the third quarter brought new challenges. Early on, India earned another penalty corner but failed to capitalize on the opportunity. As they pushed forward, trying to create chances, Argentina’s defensive resilience stifled their efforts.
The breakthrough for Argentina came in the 39th minute when Maria Campoy surged down the left wing, skillfully navigating past Indian defenders before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Savita to double the lead. India had a fleeting opportunity to score at the end of the quarter, but Navneet Kaur’s tomahawk was expertly saved by Barberi.
The final quarter started with Argentina earning a penalty corner, which Maria Granatto converted by directing Agustina Gorzelany’s flick over Savita, extending their lead to 3-0. Argentina intensified their offensive efforts after this goal, creating multiple chances through Granatto. Despite the mounting pressure, the Indian defense managed to prevent further goals, but the damage had already been done.
The match ended with Argentina firmly in control, sealing a 3-0 victory. India’s defense, though resilient, could not offset the lack of offensive breakthroughs. The team will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge against Germany on June 1.
Reflecting on the match, it was evident that while India showed glimpses of potential, their inability to capitalize on key opportunities and break through Argentina’s robust defense was their undoing. The Indian women’s team will look to learn from this experience and aim for a stronger performance in their upcoming fixtures in the FIH Pro League.
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