Paris Olympics 2024: Harmanpreet Singh Saves India Blushes Against Argentina, Secures 1-1 Draw

Skipper Harmanpreet Singh saved the day by converting a last-minute penalty corner, securing a draw for India against Argentina in a closely contested Pool B match.

New Delhi: Skipper Harmanpreet Singh emerged as a savior once again by converting a last-minute penalty corner, allowing the men’s hockey team to draw against former champions Argentina in a Pool B match on Monday. India had missed nine penalty corners before Harmanpreet finally scored, launching the ball into the top of the net.

Argentina lamented Maico Casella’s missed penalty stroke in the 36th minute. Lucas Martinez put Argentina ahead in the 22nd minute with a field goal, but Harmanpreet, who had previously struck against New Zealand in the final moments, found the net again just a minute before the final whistle.

Argentina entered the match after a loss to Australia and were desperate to secure a victory. Argentina enjoyed superior possession, while India struggled to penetrate the rival circle throughout the match. The first quarter remained goalless, with both teams failing to capitalize on their short corners.

India relied on aerial clearances but suffered from a lack of finishing skills in the opposition’s ‘D’. Argentina also sought aerial balls, but a clear sight of goal eluded them. In the 10th minute, India earned a penalty corner, but Argentina saved Sanjay’s shot. Abhishek had his chance but hit the crossbar.

A minute later, Argentina got their first opportunity, but Domene’s shot went wide. India earned a couple of penalty corners in the second quarter, but Argentine custodian Tomas Santiago was formidable, saving a fierce shot from skipper Harmanpreet with his right leg.

The deadlock broke in the second quarter when Argentina took the lead with a field goal. India was shocked when Martinez’s bumpy shot slipped past a diving custodian PR Sreejesh, who should have saved it.

Martinez took a first-time shot from inside the ‘D’ after being set up by Bautista Zubeldia Capurro’s fine 3D skills on the right flank. Jolted by the strike, India quickly rushed to the rival circle but lost possession, and the game returned to midfield, with most play occurring in India’s half.

Jarmanpreet attempted a shot from outside the circle on the right flank but failed to connect, losing possession again. The former champions led 1-0 after the first half. The South Americans increased their attacking intensity in the third quarter. Manpreet and Abhishek tried to create a move, but Santiago thwarted them.

In the 36th minute, Argentina earned a short corner but failed to convert. Much to their shock, Casella Schuth missed a penalty stroke, squandering a golden opportunity to go 2-0 up by shooting wide. Argentina largely controlled the proceedings, smartly maintaining possession, but towards the end of the final quarter, India mounted a series of attacks.

However, they missed another penalty corner as Harmanpreet’s shot was deflected by the on-rusher. A desperate India launched another attacking move from the left flank but lost possession at the edge of the circle. The game seemed to be veering towards a defeat for India until Harmanpreet perfectly timed a PC conversion, saving the day.