Paris: Indian men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a goal in the 59th minute to help his team hold Argentina to a 1-1 draw in a Pool B match during the 33rd Olympic Games at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium here on Monday. Lucas Martinez (22′) had put Argentina, the gold medallists at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, ahead before Harmanpreet saved the day for eight-time champions India.

India went into the match confident that they had won their opening match against New Zealand 3-2. India looked dominant in the first quarter, with attacking bursts from the young Indian forwards. However, it was difficult to break the Argentine deadlock.

Meanwhile, Argentina, who had lost the previous match 0-1 to Australia, appeared more determined to put pressure on India from the outset.

India made a breakthrough in the 10th minute, thanks to Mandeep Singh winning a penalty corner. With Harmanpreet substituted, Sanjay tried his luck but couldn’t convert the drag. In the next few minutes, Abhishek took an ambitious shot on goal but the ball hit the crossbar, narrowly missing out on an early lead.

After a goalless first quarter, India started the second quarter with back-to-back PCs in the 19th minute but Argentina goalie Santiago did well to prevent India’s captain from scoring. Unfortunately for India, there was no such luck when Lucas Martinez tried to score in the 22nd minute. He made space in the circle and got past defender Harmanpreet, Martinez successfully found the net despite goalie PR Sreejesh’s diving attempt. Although India came up with a number of possible moves to equalize in this quarter, Argentina’s defense was determined throughout.

India came out of the 10-minute break on a positive note, but Argentina ensured that the Indian attackers had little room to move in the attacking circle.

On the other hand, Argentina had several chances to double their lead, including the PCs earned in the 37th minute, but to no avail. They were even awarded a penalty after Jarmanpreet was fouled while defending the PC, but Maico Casella Schuth was way off target. Both teams continued to trade PCs in the remaining minutes of this quarter. Argentina won back-to-back chances in the 42nd minute and India in the 44th minute, but there was no joy for either team as they failed to score.

The last quarter was dramatic but also exciting for India as they were still looking for an equalizer but Argentina’s defense hardly allowed any movement and India had to rely on high balls to get ahead.

The last few moments remained intense as India managed a series of PCs and were finally successful in making the late revival. Harmanpreet came up with a brilliant execution and powerful drag to fire the ball past Santiago, who was exceptional throughout the match. He held the ball high and aimed at the middle of the net to find the equalizer.

The late goal prompted huge celebrations from the Indian fans in the stands and ensured they shared the winning points with Argentina.

With four points from two matches, India are third in the Pool B standings and will face Ireland on Tuesday at 16:45 IST. Ireland have lost both their matches in the tournament so far. (IANS)

Also read: Paris Olympics: Hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh stresses importance of ‘good start’ against New Zealand

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