Paris Olympics 2024: India's second match of the Men's Hockey Group Stage at Paris Olympics 2024 against Argentina did not end well, as the side endured it's first draw of the tournament against the South American nation. Argentina produced a stunning defensive display against India to restrict them from scoring, but their resilience finally met a flaw, as Harmanpreet Singh's amazing flick shot via penalty corner resulted in a late equaliser for India.
Watch Harmapreet Singh's late equaliser against Argentina here:
Argentina have now managed to open their scoring account at this year's Games during the 1-1 draw. With India now drawing their first game of the tournament, things will get tricky for head coach Craig Fulton, as the nation is holding high expectations from India Men's Hocky Team, who bagged a Bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020.
India VS Argentina Men's Hockey Group Stage Match, Paris Olympics 2024 HIGHLIGHTS
India started the first quarter on an aggressive note, as Abhishek's brilliant effort from the left hit the crossbar and India were unlucky to not take the lead inside the first quarter. Even the second quarter started on a good note for India, but Argentina prevailed India's pressure and managed to pull off a brilliant counter attack and break the deadlock via Lucas Martinez.
PR Sreejesh's ordinary effort proved to be costly for India, as Argentina managed to score their first goal at Paris Olympics 2024, and with that, they walked into the 2nd half with a slender 1-0 lead.
The third quarter produced immense drama, as both sides produced their fair amount of chances, but Argentina ended up being awarded the penalty stroke, and the Indian fans in attendance went silent and were stunned to see their side struggle.
However, Argentina's Maico Casella Schuth made a complete mess of it, as the South American nation missed the penalty stroke in the 47th minute of the match, and failed to double their lead and drag the game away from India.
A series of penalty corners followed in for Argentina, as India looked completely vulnerable against the pace and attack of Argentina, but the latter failed to convert them and extend their lead. The third quarter ended goalless and both the side started the final quarter of the match with the score 1-0 in favour of Argentina.
India, who were staring down at the barrel of their first defeat of the tournament, found their silver lining in the dark cloud, as captain Harmapreet Singh scored a late equaliser, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.