India end WC campaign at 8th position, lose 2-4 to Argentina

In a most disastrous end to India’s campaign at hockey World Cup, the hosts lost 2-4 to Argentina on Friday, finishing 8th in the mega-event.

Zeenews Bureau

New Delhi: In what could be the most disastrous end to India’s campaign at the hockey World Cup this year, the home team lost 2-4 to Argentina in the seventh-eighth classification match, thus finishing at a lowly 8th position in the mega-event here on Friday. Argentina, meanwhile, registered their second seventh place finish in the tournament since 1994 when they defeated Korea on penalty strokes. The Argentines started their campaign here with three straight defeats but bounced back strongly with three consecutive wins, including today’s victory. The eighth place finish can be seen as a marked improvement for the Indians who were 11th in the last edition of the tournament in Monchengladbach, Germany. India could dig out only one victory against Pakistan in their first encounter and lost four and drew one out of the six matches they played in the tournament.Incidentally, it was against the same opponents that India lost 2-3 in the ninth-12th classification match in Monchengladbach. For Argentina Martin Lucas Villa (43rd minute, 45th) scored two goals, while Tomas Innocente Argento (28th) and Facundo Callioni (46th) scored one each in the seventh-eighth place classification match. The Indians reduced the margin through Sandeep Singh (42nd) and Shivendra Singh (49th) at the floodlit Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.With this win, the Argentines have also extended their win-loss record against India in the World Cup. In the eight matches played between the two sides, Argentina have won five, lost two and one game ended in no result. India started the match on an aggressive note but lacked finishing touches inside the Argentine Dee. The Indians controlled the game for most part of the opening half and had the greater share of ball possession. They opted for long balls but the forwards were not up to the mark to transform them into goals. India persistent pressure resulted in two penalty corners in the first half but on both the occasions ace drag-flicker Sandeep could not find the back of the Argentine net. In contrast Argentina’s attack on the Indian goal was far and few, mostly on counter attacks. Veteran Prabhjot Singh failed to make any impression yet again and was seen engaging in an altercation with the disappointed spectators. He even showed his middle finger to the crowd, out of frustration. Gurwinder Singh Chandi got a fantastic opportunity to give his side lead in the 17th minute but his shot from a Arjun Halappa pass went slightly wide of the Argentine goal. Inspite of the persistent pressure, it was Argentina who scored first against the run of the mill in the 28th minute. All the hard work from the Indians in the first half changed in the blink of an eye when Argento scored to go into the breather with a 1-0 lead.