India edge past Argentina

Breda (Netherlands), June 24

India surprised Olympics champions Argentina 2-1 for a second consecutive win in the Champions Trophy hockey tournament. India scored both their goals in the second quarter through Harmanpreet Singh (17th min), who converted a penalty corner, and Mandeep Singh (28th min). Argentina's lone goal came from the stick of drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat, who scored from a set-piece in the 30th minute. India, eying their maiden Champions Trophy title, had crushed Pakistan 4-0 in their campaign-opener yesterday. India now sit atop the six-team standings with two wins from as many games. The eight-time Olympics champions will take on world champions Australia in their next round-robin match on June 27.

The Indian defence yet again stole the show with a compact display, while the forward-line was up to the mark despite missing Ramandeep Singh owing to a knee injury suffered yesterday. Sardar Singh, who played his 300th international game today, controlled the midfield and combined well with the forward-line to create opportunities.

Argentina, however, were quick to get off the blocks, securing three consecutive penalty corners in the first quarter, but the Indian defence stood tall to deny Peillat. It was India's turn to earn a penalty corner in the 17th minute and Harmanpreet fired home with a low flick through the legs of Argentina goalkeeper Tomas Santiago.

Two minutes from half-time, India doubled their lead through Mandeep after Dilpreet Singh created the chance by brilliantly controlling an overhead long ball inside the circle and then setting it up for his colleague.

Argentina pulled one goal back just at the stroke of half-time through Peillat's powerful strike to the top left corner. India got their second penalty corner seconds from half-time but Harmanpreet failed this time.

After the change of ends, Argentina pressed hard and earned their fifth penalty corner, but the Indian defence was up to the task. Minutes later, Argentina custodian Santiago made a double save from a counter-attack to deny Dilpreet and Mandeep. In the final quarter, Varun Kumar made a goal-line save to deny Lucas Villa a chance to draw parity for Argentina.

Results

• India 2-1 Argentina: Harmanpreet Singh (17th), Mandeep Singh (28th) Gonzalo Peillat (30th) 
• Netherlands 6-1 Belgium: van Ass Seve (4th), Bovendeert Roel (6th), Hertzberger Jeroen (22nd),  Dohmen John-John (41st), Jeroen Hertzberger (58), Mirco Pruijser (29th)
• Australia 2-1 Pakistan:  Ajaz Ahmad (9th), Trent Mitton (12th), Blake Govers (56th)

300 On Sunday, Sardar Singh played his  300th international match.

— PTI