In a thrilling Pool B match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, skipper Harmanpreet Singh salvaged a 1-1 draw for India against former champions Argentina by converting a last-minute penalty corner. India, who had struggled with penalty corner conversions throughout the match, finally found the net when Harmanpreet’s powerful shot rocketed into the top of the goal, ensuring India shared the points.
The match was tense and closely contested, with both teams showing determination and skill. Argentina, coming off a loss to Australia, dominated much of the game and took the lead in the 22nd minute through Lucas Martinez. Martinez capitalized on a well-executed move, slotting the ball past India’s goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who had a rare lapse in an otherwise stellar performance.
India faced numerous challenges throughout the match, particularly in converting their penalty corners. They earned nine penalty corners but failed to capitalize on them until Harmanpreet’s late strike. Despite Argentina’s superior possession and control, India showed resilience, particularly in their defensive and aerial play.
The first quarter ended goalless, with both teams unable to make the most of their penalty corners. India’s Sanjay saw his shot saved by Argentine goalkeeper Tomas Santiago, and Abhishek’s effort hit the crossbar, showcasing India’s struggles in the final third. Argentina also missed opportunities, with Domene’s shot going wide.
In the second quarter, Argentina broke the deadlock with Martinez’s goal. His shot, set up by Bautista Zubeldia Capurro’s skillful play on the right flank, slipped past Sreejesh. India’s response was immediate, but their attacks were often thwarted by Argentina’s solid defense and goalkeeper Santiago’s crucial saves, including a fierce shot from Harmanpreet.
The third quarter saw Argentina intensify their attacks. India managed a few promising moves, but Santiago remained impenetrable. Argentina earned a short corner and a penalty stroke in the 36th minute, but Maico Casella’s penalty stroke went wide, a crucial miss that kept India in the game.
As the match progressed into the final quarter, India launched a series of desperate attacks. Despite missing another penalty corner and losing possession on several occasions, India persisted. Their determination paid off in the 59th minute when Harmanpreet expertly converted a penalty corner, securing a vital draw for his team.
Reflecting on the match, Harmanpreet Singh praised his team’s overall performance but acknowledged the need to improve their finishing.
“Whenever we come on to play, we just think about converting every chance we get. Be it a field goal or a PC (Penalty Corner). Well, better late than never, because this was a very important match. Overall, we played really well… Team is playing very good. Both on the ball and off the ball, going into the opponent’s circle… We are getting good chances, but yes, I think we need to improve our finishing,” Harmanpreet told Sports 18.
Looking ahead, Harmanpreet emphasized the importance of focusing on each match. “I think our plan is to focus match by match. Today was Argentina, and now we will analyse Ireland, who are also a good team. No match will be easy, and we will need to work on every detail we can get,” he added.
India’s next match against Ireland on July 30 is crucial, with the team needing a win to strengthen their position in Pool B. Ireland, having suffered a 1-2 loss to Australia, will also be looking to bounce back, setting the stage for a potentially intense encounter.
