Hockey: Argentina hold India 1-1 in second hockey ‘test’

Profligate forwards squandered chances galore as India, despite dominating the proceedings, settled for a 1-1 draw with Argentina in the second of the four under-21 hockey ‘test’ match at the Club Ciudad de Buenos Aires here.
India dictated terms for most part of the match but could score only once through a solo by right winger Mandip Antil in the 44th minute.

Argentina, to their credit, waged a grim battle and the reward came in the 61st minute when Santiago Montelli scored the equaliser from a penalty stroke.

The hosts began aggressively, trying to break the ice as their rivals took time to settle. They forced two penalty corners in quick succession but while the first flick went wide, the second was well taken by Indian custodian Mrinal Chaubey.

India soon got their bearings and mounted sorties with regularity. They dominated the midfield and created openings around Argentina’s semi-circle with crafty interchanges and off-the-ball running. However, they failed to find the target, especially with the opponent goalkeeper Ezequiel Olivero doing a good job under the bar.

Hockey: Birthday boy Diwakar’s hat-trick gifts India winning start

Birthday boy and captain Diwakar Ram struck a hat-trick to gift India 3-2 win over World Champions Argentina in their opening Under-21 Test match at the Ciudad Club de Buenos Aires here.
India had some early scares with Argentina exhibiting electric forays, unnerving the visitors’ defence but they soon came to terms with the opposition stepping up their pace with flair and fluency.

Diwakar scored his first goal in the ninth minute and consolidated their position just 10 minutes later through a penalty corner conversion. India led 2-0 at the lemon break.

After changing sides, India increased their lead to 3-0 in 55th minute while the Argentines only reduced margins by sounding the board in the 64th and 67th minutes of the game.

Earlier, India forward Jay Karan was set up by midfielder Vikas Sharma inside the striking circle before he was obstructed by Nahuel Salis.

The resultant penalty corner was sunk in by Diwakar with a low dragflick past goalkeeper Ezequiel Olivero in the ninth minute.

Stung by this reversal, Argentina tried to find an equaliser and earned their first penalty corner when a breach was committed inside the crowded circle by full back Innocent Kullu.

However, even though custodian Mrinal Chaubey warded off the attempt from Augustin Cabrera the umpire ruled it illegal resulting in a penalty stroke.