After a heartbreaking 2-3 loss to hosts the Netherlands, India ensured they ended the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022–23 campaign with a 2-1 win against Argentina here in Eindhoven on Sunday.
With this victory, India are on to the top spot in the points table. Early goals by Akashdeep Singh (2›) and Sukhjeet Singh (14›) helped India control the proceedings, while Lucas Toscani (58›) scored Argentina›s lone goal. Experienced striker Akashdeep Singh gave India a perfect start with a goal less than two minutes into the game. Unmarked in the D, he waited for the ball. A good assist from the right flank was picked up well and deflected into the net with ease.
Unfazed by India›s early 1-0 lead, Argentina set up a lethal counterattack in the 4th minute, but India made a timely interception and held on to possession. The next few minutes saw India build on their attack. They showed composure in their pursuit, and a chance came in the 14th minute when Akashdeep set up the goal with a good back pass to Vivek Sagar Prasad.
Clearing the Argentine defence, Vivek made a clever assist to Sukhjeet, in front of the goal mouth, who simply had to beat Santiago Tomas to the post.
