Pro League 2024: Disappointing performance of Indian women's hockey team, lost to Argentina 0-5
Pro League 2024: In the opening quarter, India focused on maintaining ball possession and controlling the pace of the game. However, Argentina responded with sharp attacks, earning several penalty corners, but were unable to capitalize due to some excellent saves from Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam.
The Indian women's hockey team lost 0-5 to Argentina in their first match in the European stage of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24. Agustina Gorzelny (13′), Valentina Raposo (24′), Victoria Miranda (41′), and Julieta Jankunas (53′, 59′) scored for Argentina.
In the opening quarter, India focused on maintaining ball possession and controlling the pace of the game. However, Argentina responded with sharp attacks, earning several penalty corners, but were unable to capitalize due to some excellent saves from Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam.
Despite this, Argentina maintained control of the game and Agustina Gorzelani (13′) eventually converted a penalty corner with a fine shot just before the end of the quarter. India started the second quarter with an aggressive approach to equalize.
India's attempts were, however, thwarted by Argentina's strong defense and potent counterattacks. Valentina Raposo (24') made a good conversion from a penalty corner to give the South American team a bigger lead. Argentina easily led 2-0 at the half and seized complete control of the game.
India significantly improved in the third quarter, applying constant pressure to Argentina and testing their defense on several occasions. They had multiple opportunities to score but missed by a small margin. At the end of the quarter, Argentina led 3-0 thanks to a goal from Victoria Miranda (41'), who outwitted a few Indian defenders and scored with a high shot. Argentina continued to attack.
During the fourth and final quarter, India focused on maintaining possession and consistently entering the circle. Deepika had a remarkable chance to score but her reverse hit was saved by Argentinian goalkeeper Cristina Casentino.
After this, Argentina adopted a counter-attack strategy, which proved effective. Julieta Jankunas (53′) received a pass from Sofia Cairo, controlled the ball with her back to goal, and fired it into the top corner, making the score 4–0. Just before the end of the match, Jankunas (59') scored his second goal, sealing a 5–0 Argentina victory. The Indian team's next match will be against Belgium on Thursday.
