Indian women lose to Argentina in four-nation hockey

New Delhi, December 15, 2011: Indian eves lost 1-3 to World No.2 Argentina in the inaugural match of the Four-Nation Hockey Tournament being played at Parana, Argentina.

According to information received here, India failed to score any goal in the first half, while host team scored twice. The goal scorers for Argentina were Josefina Sruoga (11th min), Delfina Merino (22nd min) and Rosario Luchetti (51st min), while Rani (39th min) was on target for India.

India had won the bronze medal in the earlier four-nation tournament which concluded at Buenos Aires, Argentina last Sunday. South Africa and Ireland are the other two teams in the tournament.

Argentina controlled the proceedings in the first half with good all round display and denied the Indian midfielders Kirandeep Kaur, Rittu Rani and skipper Asunta Lakra from maneuvering openings for forwards Vandana Katariya, Poonam Rani, TH Anuradha and Rani.

India however put up an improved display in the second half as strikers penetrated regularly into the Argentina danger area. But goalkeeper Laura Del Colle and defenders Florencia Habif, Silvina D’Elia and Captain Noel Barrionuevo stood tall.

Rani eventually broke through in the 39th minute from a move coordinated by Ritu Rani and Vandana Katariya to slot home India’s only goal.

In another match South Africa were held by Ireland to 2-2 draw.

A Hockey India Press Release