An early Rupinder Pal Singh goal gave India the momentum to end the tour with a win
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India won their fourth and final practice match against Argentina 4-2 in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. The result meant India ended the Argentina tour on a winning note. The match saw the visiting team having four different goal scorers. Rupinder Pal Singh’s early strike set the tone for the match before Jaskaran Singh, Shilanand Lakra and Surender Kumar scored the rest. Leandro Tolini and Pedro Ibarra scored for the hosts.
It was an impressive start for India with Mandeep Singh winning a penalty corner in the first few minutes. Rupinder scored from it to give the visitors a lead in just three minutes. The early goal helped India dominate the possession which resulted in Jaskaran doubling the lead three minutes before the end of the first quarter.
Just when India looked comfortable, the hosts pulled one back through Tolini right before the close of the first quarter. The goal gave Argentina a much-needed lift as they started attacking India’s goal in numbers. The second half started with Varun Kumar winning an early penalty corner following a powerful run. However, the Argentinians dealt with the threat.
Minutes later in the third quarter, Argentina also won a penalty corner. But goalkeeper Krishan Pathak, who has been in fine form on the tour, protected India’s lead with a fine save.
Ten minutes before full-time, youngster Shilanand put India in command with a field goal. However, Argentina scored their second through a penalty stroke in the 54th minute with senior defender Ibarra converting it calmly.
The two-goal cushion was restored with Surender’s field goal two minutes from time, confirming India’s victory, their fourth of the tour.
