Azlan Shah: Hopes shattered as India lose to Argentina 2-3

Ipoh (Malaysia): India’s hopes of regaining the Azlan Shah Cup, which they have won five times, came crashing down as they lost their league encounter against Argentine 2-3 here on Wednesday.

Though the first half finished on parity, Argentina scored two quick field goals by Matias Paredes (37th minute) and Santiago Montelli (38th) in successive minutes. Though the Indians fought hard to reduce the margin and succeeded in reducing the margin to 2-1 through a goal from Sardar Singh (48th minute), Gonzalo Peillat (58th) converted a penalty corner to give his team the he crucial advantage in the game.

V R Raghunath’s goal in the 61st minute did give the Indians some hopes but an equaliser eluded them in spite of repeated attacks into the rival circle. It was again India’s poor finishes and lack of coordination at the back that cost them dear.

India have now lost three of their five matches, logging just six points ahead of Thursday's last league outing against Pakistan. Argentina have boosted their tally to nine points with three successive wins after starting with two losses.