Gurjit Kaur scored two objectives as India shocked Argentina within the first match of the double-leg FIH Professional League tie right here on Saturday.
After a 3-3 stalemate, India gained the penalty shootout 2-1.
Gurjit’s two penalty nook conversions - within the thirty seventh and 61st minutes - and Lalremsiami’s area purpose within the fourth minute cancelled out Agustina Gorzelany’s hat-trick to take the match into the shootout. Within the shootout, Neha Goyal and Sonika scored for India, whereas Victoria Granatto was the lone scorer for the Olympic silver medallist.
With this win, India avenged its 2-1 defeat towards the identical opponent within the Tokyo Olympic semifinals.
The Indians began strongly within the match, dominating the early exchanges. They put strain on the Argentina defence early on and secured a penalty nook within the third minute however Monika’s flick was saved by Belen Succi, the opposition goalkeeper.
Within the lead
A minute later, India surged forward via an excellent area purpose by Lalremsiami. It was Deep Grace Ekka who created the possibility together with her defence-splitting cross from outdoors the circle, and Lalremsiami dodged her marker to get an excellent contact which utterly foxed the Argentine goalie.
Surprised by the purpose, the Argentines went on the assault and secured two penalty corners in succession quickly. However the Indian defence stood agency. With seconds to go earlier than the tip of first quarter, Sharmila Devi’s effort from shut vary from a Navneet Kaur cross was stored out by Succi.
India went behind twice however managed to remain afloat in regulation time to take the competition into the penalty shootout. - HOCKEY INDIA
The Indians began on the identical notice within the second quarter however Argentina progressively received its acts collectively. Six minutes into the second quarter, Argentina earned two fast penalty corners and Agustina Gorzelany scored after her flick went in after getting of deflection of Sushila Chanu’s stick. Argentina secured one other penalty nook quickly however Chanu made a goal-line save to disclaim Valentina Costa.
Finish-to-end hockey
With seconds remaining earlier than half-time, India, too, received a penalty nook, however wasted the chance. It was end-to-end hockey from each the edges however Argentina surged forward this time when Gorzelany scored from a penalty stroke within the thirty seventh minute.
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Argentina's pleasure was shortlived as India drew parity seconds later via an ideal penalty nook conversion by Gurjit Kaur.
The Argentines continued to press exhausting and gained two extra penalty corners within the third quarter however the Indians defended stoutly. Argentina secured its eighth penalty nook within the forty fifth minute and Gorzelany was heading in the right direction to register her hat-trick and hand her aspect the lead once more.
The Indians fought tooth and nail. Gurjit once more got here to her aspect's rescue with an excellent penalty nook execution within the 51st minute to stage the scores 3-3. Thereafter, each the edges tried exhausting to attain the winner however the defensive models stood tall.
India and Argentina will once more play towards one another within the second match of the tie right here on Sunday.
Remaining rating
- India 3 (Lalremsiami 4’; Gurjit Kaur 37’, 51’) Argentina 3 (Gorzelany 22’, 37’, 45’). India wins 2-1 in penalty shootout.
